Skip to main content
True Value
Project

Inspect Worn Components — Replace the O-rings and Seals

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

Fix a Dripping Faucet: Repairing Water Intake Leaks & Worn Seals · Step 3 of 4

Helpful?

In this video

Inspect the end of the removed valve stem. The leak is typically caused by the worn rubber O-rings and washer on the brass valve seat. This assembly, along with a spring, can be pulled off the end of the stem. Compare the old, hardened parts with the new ones from your repair kit.

Goal: Identify failed parts

15.7K views1902 minutes
Everyday Home Repairs

1.1M subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

Why is a "30 in. Steel Sprinkler Valve Key" listed as a required tool for a faucet repair? It seems very long for under-sink work.

The 30 in. Steel Sprinkler Valve Key is typically for turning off main outdoor water supply valves, which might be necessary if your under-sink shut-offs don't work or are absent. However, for most faucet repairs, you'll primarily use the smaller shut-off valves located directly under the sink. Always confirm the correct water shut-off point for your specific setup.

My faucet is still dripping after replacing the O-rings and seals. What should I do next?

First, double-check that all connections are tightly secured but not overtightened, and ensure the new O-rings and seals are properly seated and are the correct size for your faucet model. If leaks persist, the valve seat itself might be worn and require replacement, or the faucet cartridge could be faulty, necessitating a different repair kit.

What are the most important safety precautions to take before starting this faucet repair?

Always turn off the water supply completely to prevent flooding, either at the specific faucet's shut-off valves or the main house supply. Plug the drain opening to avoid losing small parts like screws or O-rings down the drain, and consider wearing safety glasses to protect from potential splashing or debris.

How can I ensure this project really only takes about 2 hours and is beginner-friendly?

To stay within the estimated 2 hours, have your repair kit, tools, and a clear, well-lit workspace ready before you begin. Take photos during each step of disassembly to aid in reassembly, which is especially helpful for beginners. If you encounter unexpected difficulties like corroded screws, a quick online search for your specific faucet model can often provide targeted solutions.

Transcript
Hide

Can you focus? Anyhow, you take the screw off and that washer comes off, but this is one of these ones that actually push inside like that with the spring. You usually buy the whole kit and goes in like that and then this goes inside. It pushes in like that. I guess one of these ones that just push in is still in there, Johnny, I'm going to pull it off. See, it just pulls off and then here's the spring. That's all we need to replace. That's it. Now we've got to go to the fricking hardware store and get it and here's that outside packing thing. When I get done, I'll grease that and grease that, but I'll show you later. This is what we have to replace right here. Rubber thing and I know I don't have an o-ring like that. That thing is as hard as a fricking rock and it is hard as a fricking rock and the rubber part looks like an o-ring. Looks like an o-ring. Well, here we are again about two, three weeks later.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.