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- Project Guide: Repairing Ball-Type Faucets
Repairing a ball-type faucet is a fairly easy project you can do yourself. If you’re not sure what type of faucet you have, see if you can identify the brand and model. Take this information with you to your local store to get the appropriate replacement parts. If you can’t identify the make and model, take a picture of the faucet and bring it with you to the store.
Most leaks with ball-type faucets occur at the spigot or the handle and are caused by a defective ball or worn O-rings. If you need to replace a part, take it to the store with you so you can match it to the exact part you need. While you’re there, you can make your job even easier by picking up a repair kit for your faucet. These kits have everything you need to replace all the parts in your faucet at one time, so your repair will last even longer. As you work on your faucet, be sure to follow any manufacturer’s instructions that came with your faucet or repair kit.
| Before You Begin | |
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Follow These Steps
Step One
| Turn Off Water |
| Turn off the water at the shutoff valves under the sink or at the main water supply. To learn more about shutting off the water, watch our How to Shut Off a Valve video. | |
Step Two
| Remove Cap |
| 1. | Loosen the handle setscrew and remove the handle. |
| 2. | Use a pair of water-pump pliers to remove the cap. Protect the finish by wrapping the pliers’ jaws with masking tape or cloth. |
Step Three
| Remove the Cam |
| 1. | Use a hex key to loosen the cam housing. |
| 2. | Lift off the cam housing, seal and ball. |
| 3. | Inspect each part for damage. |
Step Four
| Lift Out the Seats |
| 1. | Note how the cone-shaped springs are installed in the seats--you will need to install replacement springs in the same order as you remove them. |
| 2. | Use tweezers or a screwdriver to carefully remove the valve seats and springs. |
| 3. | Remove the spout by twisting and lifting it at the same time. |
Step Five
| Replace the O-Ring |
| 1. | Remove the O-ring from the housing, using the tip of a screwdriver if necessary. Be careful not to scratch the faucet. |
| 2. | If you can’t slip the O-ring from its groove, cut it with a utility knife. |
| 3. | Coat the new O-rings with silicone grease and install them on the faucet cylinder. |
Step Six
| Reassemble the Faucet |
| 1. | Reattach the spout by pressing downward until it rests on the slip ring. |
| 2. | Install the new valve seals and springs in the same order as they were removed. |
| 3. | Insert the new ball, cam washer and cam and screw on the cam housing and cap. |
| 4. | Turn the water on and check for leaks. |
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