two-handle

Common Repairs

The handles on these usually contain stems with washers. Each washer presses against a seat in order to shut the water off (see Related Projects -- Identifying Stem Faucets, Pulling-out Handles and Stems, Replacing Seat Washers, Repairing Diaphragm and Cartridge Systems, Repairing Leaks from Handles and Replacing and Grinding Seats). To stop a drip, shut off the water, and remove the stem--you may have to use a special stem wrench or a deep socket, or chip away at the tiles to get at the packing nut. Replace the washer and the seat, if necessary, just as you would on a sink faucet (see Pulling Out Handles and Stems). If the diverter valve on the spout is not working properly, replace the spout.

three-handle

This type is much like a two-handle control, but it has a central handle that controls a diverter valve. The valve directs water either up or down--out the showerhead or out the spout. If the diverter valve sticks, or if it does not completely divert water to either the showerhead or to the spout, shut off the water, and remove it just as you would a regular stem (see Pulling Out Handles and Stems, Related Projects). Take it apart, clean it, and replace any washers or O-rings (see Related Projects -- Replacing Seat Washers, Repairing Diaphragm and Cartridge Stems, Repairing Leaks from Handles, and Replacing and Grinding Seats). Or, replace the whole stem with a new one.

one-handle ball

This type has seals and springs like ball-type sink faucets, so repairs are similar to those shown on Repairing Rotating Ball Faucets. As the handle is raised, the ball rotates in such a way that its openings begin to align with the supply line ports, allowing water to pass through the ball and out the spout.

Impeded flow is usually the result of clogged orifices or worn seals. Shut the water off, and remove the ball--a few ball controls have setscrews that you may have to remove to do this. Clean out the orifices, replace any worn rubber parts, and lubricate them with heatproof grease.

While you have the faucet apart, check the ball for wear and corrosion. If it's worn, replace it with a new one.

one-handle cartridge

There are other configurations of one-handled cartridge controls besides the one shown here, so you may have to search out the location of your parts, such as the retaining clip. Parts are usually made of plastic; be careful not to crack them.

To repair a leak or limited flow, remove the handle, unscrew the retainer nut, and pull out the cartridge. Clean away any deposits, and replace worn rubber or plastic parts. Lubricate all rubber parts with heatproof grease. Or, simply replace the cartridge itself. When you replace the cartridge, be sure to note its original position, and insert the new one the same way. If you don't, your hot and cold water will be reversed.

See Repairing Cartridge Faucets, Related Projects, for more on repairing cartridge faucets.