How to maintain a single faucet tap
It is important to carry out maintenance on a single-handle faucet for its correct operation, also because this type of faucet has mostly replaced the classic screw faucets found in domestic bathrooms. Instead of a screw with gasket, it has a “cartridge” which, actuated by the handle, mixes and dispenses water. The “cartridge” is cylindrical and is made of plastic or ceramic material. It has various inlet and outlet holes that allow the mixing and delivery of hot and cold water depending on the movement and positioning of the handle. Each faucet model uses cartridges of various sizes and structures depending on the manufacturer, but they all have the same operating principle.
The cartridge is also subject to faults: it may no longer allow water to pass through, or it may not mix well, or it may only allow hot or cold water to flow out. If the cartridge is severely damaged it cannot be repaired, and must be replaced with an equal one. In any case, you’ll need to access the interior of the faucet.
Things you will need
Screwdriver
Allen wrench
New cartridge
Vinegar
Step 1
OPEN THE FAUCET AND ACCESS THE CARTRIDGE
Before beginning the maintenance operations, make sure to close the mains supply valve. In some models you can disassemble the handle by loosening a screw (often Allen) placed below the handle (or on the back of it). Lift the handle by removing it from the cartridge. This is securely locked inside the faucet body with two long screws passing through a metal ring nut. The screws must be loosened and removed and the ring nut removed. Then remove the cartridge, which must be carefully examined for any accumulation of limestone or other obstruction that prevents its operation.
Step 2
SINGLE-HANDLE FAUCET MAINTENANCE, CLEANING THE CARTRIDGE
If there are traces of limestone, place the cartridge in a container with anti-limestone liquid (vinegar is excellent in this case) and leave it to soak for at least half an hour before rinsing it. Traces of limestone on the faucet body can easily be removed by applying a little bit of WD-40 Multi-Use and wiping with a cloth. The same product can also be applied to the joint of the cartridge’s short control rod.
Step 3
CLEANING INSIDE THE FAUCET
After removing the cartridge, you can access the interior of the faucet’s body where you can check for any limestone deposits, especially at the two openings that are in communication with the hot and cold water intake. If you do find limestone, proceed as indicated, brushing lukewarm vinegar (which must be left to act) and then treating it with some WD-40 Multi-Use.
Step 4
REFITTING THE CARTRIDGE AND LUBRICATING THE HANDLE
The cartridge must be repositioned in its housing inside the faucet and re-locked with the ring nut fitted with screws. Apply a few sprays of WD-40 Multi-Use before replacing the handle, also making sure to spray some below the handle. Then fit it on the cartridge rod and stop it in place with the locking screw.
Step 5
REPLACING THE CARTRIDGE
If after the above, the mixing and delivery of water does not take place or is incorrect, it means that the cartridge is damaged and must be replaced. Follow all the steps as above: open the faucet, extract the cartridge and replace it with a new one, then final reassembly. Remember to take the cartridge to be replaced with you to the store in order to buy an identical one, since there are many different models available.
Step 6
THE DIFFUSER HEAD
The diffuser head is another point where limestone creates damage. When the jet of water is reduced or not uniform, unscrew the ring nut of the diffuser head by hand, which is screwed onto the mouth of the faucet, and separate it from the small net and the plastic flow breaker. Both these components and the threaded mouth of the faucet should be treated with WD-40 Multi-Use. Then, after further washing with water and vinegar and a good drying, put it all back together.
Step 7
COLD AND HOT WATER INTAKE
The general maintenance on your single-handle faucet can be concluded by carefully inspecting the intake connections, which generally consist of two flexible tubes that connect the faucet to the connections on the wall. Sometimes traces of limestone can be detected around the connection rings: take care of them as indicated above.
CONCLUSION
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The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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