Repairing a Compression Faucet

The first step in any faucet repair is identifying the type of faucet you have. Compression faucets have two separate handles to control the flow of hot and cold water. In a compression faucet, a rubber washer in each stem presses against a valve seat to control the flow of water. When the faucet is turned on, the washer is raised and water flows to the spout. When the faucet is turned off, the washer is compressed against the valve seat and the water stops.

The complete assembly.

1. Always use padding between pliers and decorative fixtures to avoid scratching the fixture.



2. Turn off the water supply. In most bathrooms the shutoff valves are under the sink. If not, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. Test the faucet to make sure the water is off.



3. Remove the screw on top of the handle and pull or pry the handle off. Some faucets have a decorative cap that covers the handle screw. If your faucet has one of these caps, pry it off with a small screwdriver.



4. Remove the retaining nut. Unscrew the stem assembly and lift it out of the faucet body.



5. Inspect the stem washer for wear. Replace the washer if it is grooved, pitted, frayed or cracked.



6. Inspect the O-ring for wear. If the O-ring is cracked, frayed or brittle, replace it.



7. Inspect the valve seat for pitting and grooves. If the valve seat is worn, dress or replace it.

1. Remove the stem screw and discard the old stem washer.



2. Clean the valve seat and stem with steel wool.

3. Replace the old washer with a new one exactly the same size. Be careful not to over-tighten the screw or deform the washer.

1. Pinch the O-ring and slide a screwdriver blade beneath it. Roll the O-ring off the stem.



2. Roll a new O-ring onto the stem. Seat the new O-ring in the groove where the old one was. The new O-ring must be the same size as the old one in order to seal properly.

1. Insert the valve seat dressing tool into the faucet housing. Loosely install the retaining nut to keep the dressing tool straight.



2. Apply light downward pressure and turn the handle clockwise two to three times. Check the valve seat for smoothness.



3. If the valve seat is too worn to dress, remove it with a valve seat wrench and install a new one.

Dressing a valve seat.	The valve seat.	Installing the retaining nut.

1. Place the stem assembly into the faucet body. If your faucet has packing string between the stem and the retaining nut, remove the old packing string and replace it.



2. Reinstall and tighten the retaining nut.



3. Reinstall the handle, handle screw and any cap covers.



4. Turn the water back on and test the faucet.