Hello all,
As the title suggests I being a carpenter am doing some plumbing in my own house as it were. Now I have been known to tackle some plumbing in the past and have to admit that I’m not too bad. This question relates to a kitchen faucet. I don’t know the brand. It’s the type where there is a single lever for the temperature/pressure with a seperate sprayer. A higher end model I believe. Well, here’s the issue. When the faucet is turned on either hot or cold the water drips out of the faucet until the pressure is relieved by triggering the sprayer. After this the water works great until you shut it off. I have turned the shut off’s on and off at varying pressures. I have checked the aerator for debris. I understand that this forum isn’t for piddly things such as a non-working faucet but as a fellow trade worker I figured that there might be a real plumber type out there that could help.
Thanks,
KC builder
Replies
Well, a carpenter doing plumbing can't be any worse than a plumber doing carpentry -- so long as you don't try to even the score, that is.
The problem you describe is due to the "diverter valve". This is a sort of small poppet valve that usually sits at the base of the faucet swivel arm. It's purpose is to detect when the sprayer is pressed and shut off water flow to the main faucet so that the sprayer gets full force.
What's happening in your case is that it's apparently detecting flow from the sprayer when there is none and closing off the main faucet.
Often all you need to do is disassemble the faucet down to this valve, remove it and the associated pieces, and soak them in vinegar for a few minutes to loosen the lime deposits.
Disassembly is usually a simple matter of unscrewing the ring at the base of the faucet and pulling things apart. Just be sure to remember how they came out and don't lose anything down the drain (put the drain stoppers in place to prevent this). Wrap a rag or several turns of tape around the ring before unscrewing (to prevent scratches) if you have to use a wrench or pliers.
When reassembling it sometimes helps to put a dab of petroleum jelly or (better) silicone valve lube on the O-rings that seal between the various pieces.
If any part is worn or so badly crudded that you can't clean it, replacement parts are generally available at most hardware stores.
very well done sir.
Tim
Well, I must say that I love the quick response. I will attempt to fix the faucet in the next couple of days to keep the honey do list short. Thank you very much Dan for your infinite wisdom and the play by play. If you ever need any carpentry questions answered I will try to be as detailed.
Thank you again... I sent PETA steaks for Christmas.
Did your friends and relatives like the taste of the peta steaks?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Ill fall for it .
What are they?
Tim
Tim
PETA people dont eat meat!
Doug
Pretty Extraordinary Tasting Animals....... LOL
People Eating Tasty Animals!
So you were a pita to Peta?
Pain in the A$$ ? Well aren't we all unless we are a card carrying member? Leather shoes, leather footballs, leather nail bags, great steaks, bratwurst, hamburgers on the grill, etc.....
I sent PETA steaks for Christmas.
Edited 4/17/2006 7:03 pm ET by kcbuilder
play on wordsPETA is People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. They are mostly vegetarians and stage protests against using animals for medical experiments, etc.he said that he had sent the organizition steaks for giftsI played on his sentence structure and asked whether the peta steaks tasted goof - a sugestion that he had butchered some of the people who make up the organization..
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I was wondering how long it would take for somebody to comment on that signature. I don't think that the steaks would have tasted nearly as good had they been made of PETA people. Next year I think I will send Greenpeace some nice fish...Dolphin safe tuna of course..
I sent PETA steaks for Christmas.
Edited 4/17/2006 2:28 pm ET by kcbuilder
Just wht Dan says with one exception. If your fixture has a few years on it, overhaul the guts while you have it apart. Yours sounds like a Delta and they're as common as dirt. I've found overhaul kits for Deltas dating from the '50's.
And Delta will ship to your house.
Tim