The hot and cold water flow in a ball faucet uses a hollow ball. The ball rotates over rubber seats inside the faucet body. When you have a steady drip coming from the spout, it is most likely due to worn faucet seats. Ball faucet drip repair is quickly performed when you purchase a repair kit designed for ball faucets. The kit includes the rotary ball, replacement seats and a special wrench for removing part of the faucet. Repair kits are available at home improvement centers and hardware stores.
Instructions
1. Turn off the water to the faucet. There are two shut-off valves under the sink. Rotate the valve handles clockwise to shut off the water supply.
2. Find the set screw securing the faucet handle. The set screw is usually in front under the curve of the handle. Remove the set screw with an Allen wrench and pull the handle off the faucet.
3. Place a rag around the adjusting ring cap and turn the cap counterclockwise with a pair of slip joint pliers. Turn the white cam counterclockwise with the spanner wrench tool that comes with the repair kit. If you do not purchase a repair kit, turn the cam with a pair of slip joint pliers. Do not squeeze the sides of the cam too tightly as you could damage the cam. Lift the cam and washer underneath it away from the faucet.
4. Grab the stem of the rotary ball and pull the ball straight out of the faucet body. Inspect the port holes and the alignment notches on the ball. If there is damage or sharp edges, replace the rotary ball.
5. Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the rubber seats in the bottom of the faucet body cavity. Pry the seats out of the faucet. There are small springs on the bottom of the seats.
6. Place new seats into the holes in the bottom of the faucet cavity, inserting the spring end in first. Press the seats into the holes with your thumb. Align the notches on the rotary ball with the tabs inside the faucet body and drop the ball into the faucet.
7. Position the cam washer over the stem of the rotary ball and into the faucet body. Place the cam over the faucet body and thread it until it is hand tight. Turn the cam another ¼ turn with the spanner wrench tool or slip joint pliers.
8. Thread the adjusting ring cap onto the faucet until it is hand tight. Position the faucet handle over the ring cap and secure with the set screw.
9. Turn on the water and test the faucet to check for leaks. You might have a leak at the base of the handle. If there is a leak, remove the handle and tighten the adjusting ring cap ¼ turn with slip joint pliers. Place the handle back onto the faucet and retest.
