How to Fix a Dripping Delta Faucet in 5 Easy Steps

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Repair a Dripping Delta Faucet

A dripping faucet can be a major annoyance, and it can also waste a lot of water. If you have a Delta faucet, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix the problem. In this article, we will walk you through the process of repairing a dripping Delta faucet, step-by-step.

We’ll start by identifying the source of the leak, and then we’ll show you how to replace the O-ring or cartridge, depending on the type of faucet you have. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to fix your dripping faucet like a pro.

So if you’re ready to get started, let’s do it!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the handle and stem from the faucet.
3 Inspect the O-ring and seat for damage.
4 Replace the O-ring and seat if necessary.
5 Reassemble the faucet.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How to Repair a Dripping Delta Faucet

Identify the Problem

The first step in repairing a dripping Delta faucet is to identify the problem. There are a few different things that could be causing the faucet to drip, so it’s important to figure out what the issue is before you can start troubleshooting.

Here are some of the most common causes of a dripping Delta faucet:

  • A worn-out washer. The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. Washers are small, rubber disks that sit between the faucet stem and the faucet body. They help to create a seal that prevents water from leaking out of the faucet. When a washer wears out, it can no longer create a tight seal, which allows water to leak out.
  • A clogged cartridge. Another common cause of a dripping faucet is a clogged cartridge. The cartridge is a small, plastic or metal part that contains the faucet’s internal workings. If the cartridge becomes clogged with sediment or debris, it can prevent the faucet from closing properly, which can lead to a leak.
  • A faulty faucet stem. The faucet stem is the part of the faucet that you turn to control the flow of water. If the faucet stem is damaged or worn out, it can cause the faucet to drip.
  • A loose faucet connection. If the faucet is not properly connected to the water supply line, it can leak. This is often caused by a loose connection between the faucet and the water supply line.

Once you have identified the problem, you can start troubleshooting the faucet and repairing the leak.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start repairing the faucet, you will need to gather a few supplies. These supplies include:

  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A bucket
  • A rag
  • New washers (if needed)
  • A new cartridge (if needed)
  • Plumbing grease (if needed)

Once you have gathered your supplies, you can start repairing the faucet.

How to Repair a Dripping Delta Faucet

Now that you have identified the problem and gathered your supplies, you can start repairing the faucet. Here are the steps involved in repairing a dripping Delta faucet:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This can usually be done by turning the shut-off valve located behind the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle. To do this, you will need to unscrew the two screws that hold the handle in place. Once the screws are removed, the handle can be lifted off of the faucet.
3. Remove the faucet stem. To do this, you will need to unscrew the stem nut that holds the stem in place. Once the stem nut is removed, the stem can be pulled out of the faucet body.
4. Inspect the washer. The washer is located between the faucet stem and the faucet body. If the washer is worn out or damaged, it will need to be replaced.
5. Replace the washer. To do this, you will need to slide a new washer onto the faucet stem. Once the washer is in place, you can screw the stem nut back on.
6. Reinstall the faucet handle. To do this, you will need to align the holes in the handle with the screws in the faucet body. Once the holes are aligned, you can screw the handle back onto the faucet.
7. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.
8. Test the faucet to make sure that the leak has been repaired.

If the leak is not repaired, you may need to replace the cartridge or repair the faucet connection.

Replacing a worn-out washer or a faulty cartridge is a relatively simple task that can be completed by most homeowners. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing fixtures, it is best to call a professional plumber to repair the leak.

Here are some additional tips for preventing faucet leaks:

  • Keep the faucet clean and free of debris.
  • Replace worn-out washers and cartridges regularly.
  • Tighten all faucet connections regularly.
  • Repair any leaks as soon as they are discovered.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your faucets in good working order and prevent leaks.

Disassemble the Faucet

To disassemble the faucet, you will need to:

  • A flathead screwdriver
  • A Phillips head screwdriver
  • A basin wrench
  • Penetrating oil
  • Rags

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located under the sink.
2. Remove the two screws that hold the handle in place. These screws are usually located on the front of the faucet.
3. Use the basin wrench to loosen the nut that connects the faucet body to the sink.
4. Remove the faucet body from the sink.
5. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry off the cover plate that protects the stem.
6. Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the stem in place.
7. Remove the stem from the faucet body.

Repair the Faucet

Once you have disassembled the faucet, you can begin to repair it. The most common cause of a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. To replace the washer, you will need to:

  • A new washer
  • Penetrating oil
  • A rag

1. Apply penetrating oil to the threads of the stem. This will help loosen the stem and make it easier to remove.
2. Use the rag to wrap around the stem and turn it counterclockwise. This will loosen the stem and allow you to remove it.
3. Remove the old washer from the faucet body.
4. Place the new washer on the stem.
5. Turn the stem clockwise until it is snug against the faucet body.
6. Apply a small amount of sealant to the threads of the stem. This will help to prevent leaks.
7. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order of disassembly.

Once you have reassembled the faucet, turn on the water supply and test it to make sure that it is no longer dripping.

How do I identify the source of a dripping Delta faucet?

There are a few possible causes for a dripping Delta faucet. The most common is a worn-out O-ring. Another possibility is a loose cartridge or a faulty valve seat. To identify the source of the leak, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Inspect the O-ring, cartridge, and valve seat.
4. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

How do I replace the O-ring on a Delta faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Locate the O-ring. It is a small, round rubber gasket that is located between the faucet body and the handle.
4. Use a pair of pliers to carefully pry the O-ring out of place.
5. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new O-ring.
6. Insert the new O-ring into the faucet body.
7. Reattach the faucet handle.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it for leaks.

How do I replace the cartridge in a Delta faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Locate the cartridge. It is a cylindrical-shaped metal or plastic part that is located inside the faucet body.
4. Use a pair of pliers to carefully pry the cartridge out of place.
5. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new cartridge.
6. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body.
7. Reattach the faucet handle.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it for leaks.

How do I repair a faulty valve seat in a Delta faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle.
3. Locate the valve seat. It is a small, round metal disk that is located inside the faucet body.
4. Use a small flathead screwdriver to carefully pry the valve seat out of place.
5. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new valve seat.
6. Insert the new valve seat into the faucet body.
7. Reattach the faucet handle.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test it for leaks.

What are some other common causes of a dripping faucet?

In addition to a worn-out O-ring, cartridge, or valve seat, there are a few other common causes of a dripping faucet. These include:

  • A clogged aerator. The aerator is a small screen that is located at the end of the faucet spout. It helps to filter the water and prevent it from splashing. If the aerator is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water and cause it to drip.
  • A faulty supply line. The supply lines are the pipes that connect the faucet to the water supply. If the supply lines are damaged or corroded, they can leak water.
  • A problem with the water pressure. If the water pressure is too high, it can cause the faucet to drip.

How can I prevent a dripping faucet?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a dripping faucet:

  • Keep the aerator clean. A clogged aerator can restrict the flow of water and cause it to drip. To clean the aerator, remove it from the faucet spout and soak it in a vinegar solution for a few minutes.
  • Check the supply lines for damage or corrosion. If the supply lines are damaged or corroded, they should be replaced.
  • Adjust the water pressure. If the water pressure is too high, it can cause the faucet to drip. To adjust the water pressure, contact your local water utility.
  • Install a faucet drip arrestor. A faucet drip arrestor is a device that can be installed on a faucet to prevent it from dripping. Drip arrestors are available at most hardware stores.

    In this blog post, we have discussed how to repair a dripping Delta faucet. We have covered the steps involved in identifying the source of the leak, as well as the tools and materials you will need to complete the repair. We have also provided step-by-step instructions on how to repair a dripping Delta faucet, as well as tips on how to prevent future leaks.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you are now able to repair your own dripping Delta faucet. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.