Have you ever wondered why you’re having a leaking faucet? A dripping faucet can really be an annoying thing in your home. And although it can seem unimportant at first, it wastes water and becomes a nuisance quickly. The usual reason behind the dripping is a worn-out washer, O-ring, or cartridge.
However, if your washer and other parts have already been replaced and your faucet keeps dripping, then you probably need to replace the valve seat.
Valve seat replacement in faucets is a fairly common task and is something that is typically found in old compression faucets. This type of faucet allows water to drip from its spout, even after the faucet is turned off.
In this article, we will discuss what a valve seat is, why it fails, and how to replace it properly.
What Is a Valve Seat?
The valve seat is a small component that is located inside the body of the faucet. The washer is pressed against it to block the water flow through the spout when the handle of the faucet is turned off.
After years of being used, valve seats of faucets tend to become worn, rough, and scratched. Once they are damaged, the washer cannot make a seal anymore. This is the reason why some faucets drip even after being turned off.
Thus, a valve seat, in simple words, is the sealing surface inside the faucet that makes it close. If this surface gets damaged, your faucet will drip, even after you close it tightly.
Can Valve Seats Be Reused?
Sometimes they can be reused, but only if they are in decent condition. If the valve seat of your faucet is smooth, clean, and not damaged too much, it may only need cleaning or resurfacing. However, if there are any pits, grooves, corrosion, or a damaged edge on your valve seat, replacement is your best choice.
Moreover, valve seats are not universal. Your old valve seat will not necessarily fit your new faucet, even if they seem to look the same. Pay attention to the brand, size, thread pattern, and style of your faucet when buying a replacement.
What Causes a Valve Seat To Fail?
A valve seat can fail due to several factors. One of the most common causes is the usual wear and tear. Every time you use your faucet, the washer presses against the seat. After years of pressing, the valve seat becomes worn.
Hard water is also a very common cause of valve seat failure. Due to the presence of minerals in water, the valve seat can become rough and full of pits. This is one of the visible signs of the impact of hard water on plumbing. If you notice white deposits around your fixtures, the same process is taking place inside the faucet.
The other causes of valve seat failures are:
- Over-tightening of your faucet handle.
- Poor quality of replacement parts.
- Presence of dirt or grit inside the faucet.
- Cracked or hardened washer.
Once the valve seat becomes rough, it becomes impossible for the washer to make a seal. And it is at this stage that people start looking for how to fix a dripping faucet.
How To Replace a Faucet Valve Seat
First of all, collect all the necessary items. For example, you might need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench, seat wrench, replacement valve seat, plumber’s grease, towel, and a container for screws. Work slowly and do not disassemble parts in the wrong order.
Step 1. Shut off the Water and Prepare the Sink
First of all, you need to turn off the water supply under the sink. Usually, there are two separate valves, one for hot and one for cold water. Turn them clockwise. Then turn the faucet on to release the remaining water pressure.
After that, put a towel or stopper into the drain. Small screws and washers can fall down the drain during the replacement.
Step 2. Remove the Faucet Handle
Usually, there is a small screw under a decorative cap or near the side of the handle of your faucet. Unscrew the cap carefully and lift the handle off. Do not force the handle if it seems to be stuck. Mineral deposits can make it very difficult to remove old handles.
Once you remove the handle, you should see the packing nut or the stem assembly. Use a wrench to unscrew it and remove the stem. Place parts in order.
Step 3. Inspect the Washer, Stem, and Seat
Before replacing valve seat parts, you need to inspect all components of the faucet. A worn washer can drip the same way as a worn seat. If the washer is hardened, cracked, or flattened, you also need to replace it.
Also, look inside the body of the faucet with the help of a flashlight. The valve seat is usually located at the bottom of the opening. If you see that the seat is rough, chipped, corroded, or uneven, valve seat replacement is required.
Step 4. Remove the Old Valve Seat
Place the proper end of the seat wrench into the valve seat and turn it counterclockwise. It can be difficult to unscrew it in some cases. In such situations, do not force the seat but apply gentle pressure. Forced removal can destroy the seat.
For stubborn parts, a little bit of penetrating oil may be useful. Wait a while and then try to remove the seat once again. If it does not work, you should call a plumber. Damaged threads can mean that you should replace the whole faucet.
Step 5. Buy the Proper Replacement Seat
After you remove the old seat, compare it with the new one. The size, threads, shape, and opening of the seat should correspond to each other. This is a very important step in learning how to replace the valve seat in a faucet. Even if the part seems to fit your old faucet, you could have the wrong replacement.
You can also take the old seat to a plumbing supply store or a hardware store to get the exact replacement.
Step 6. Install the New Valve Seat
Apply plumber’s grease to the threads of the new seat. Put it into the body of your faucet and turn it clockwise by hand first. It can help to avoid cross-threading.
When it is placed correctly, use the seat wrench to tighten it. Tighten it firmly, but do not use too much pressure. Excessive tightening can damage the threads.
Step 7. Reassemble the Faucet
Assemble your faucet in the reverse order. Reinstall the stem, packing nut, handle, screw, and cap. Also, you can put a new washer on the stem before assembling.
Step 8. Turn the Water Supply Back on and Test the Results
Turn the shut-off valves on slowly. Then, turn the faucet on and off a couple of times and watch it for leaks at the spout and base of the handle.
If the faucet stopped dripping, the repair was done successfully. However, if there are still any problems, you may have problems with the washer, stem, cartridge, or faucet body itself. In such a situation, a plumber can determine the source of your problems.
Advantages of Hiring a Local Plumber
There are some faucet repairs that can be done by yourself without much difficulty. However, some repairs become frustrating due to old parts, corrosion, stubborn seats, or hidden damage. A plumber can remove stubborn parts, find the proper replacement, and rule out other causes of the leak.
Additionally, it is useful to hire a plumber when shut-off valves don’t work, your faucet is too old, or you cannot remove the valve seat. You won’t have to spend hours finding the right parts and dealing with them.
If you live in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, or somewhere nearby, Larkin Plumbing can help you repair your leaking faucets and valves and detect leaks.
Conclusion
Figuring out how to fix a leaky faucet usually begins with the washer. However, sometimes even after replacing it, your faucet keeps dripping. A damaged valve seat prevents the washer from making a seal and leads to leakage of water through your faucet.
If you feel comfortable working with basic tools, you can replace valve seat parts yourself. All you need to do is to shut off the water, protect the drain, choose the right replacement, and do not force anything. Otherwise, calling a plumber would be the best option.
FAQ
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