Faucets

FAUCETS Figure 5-44.—Pressure-valve head flushometer. Q16. What is the cause when water continuously flows through a piston-type flush valve? Q17. What happens to a diaphragm flush valve if oil or grease is used on interior parts? LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize repair procedures and maintenance of faucets. There are many different types of faucets used in plumbing installations. If you can repair the compression washer faucet, you should have no trouble in repairing other types of faucets. A cutaway view of a compression faucet is shown in figure 5-45. This faucet, with a disc washer and a solid or removable seat, requires frequent attention to maintain tight closure against water pressure. When a faucet is turned off, the washer on the end of the stem rubs against the seat. Frequent use wears down the washer and eventually causes the faucet to drip. A small, steady leak in a faucet wastes water. The remedy for a dripping faucet is simply to replace the washer. Be sure to replace flat or beveled washers with washers of the same design. STANDARD FAUCETS To repair a standard washer faucet, follow the steps below. 1. First, shut off the water supply to the faucet and open the faucet all the way. 2. Now, remove the faucet handle, bonnet, and stem. 3. Next, remove the brass screw holding the washer to the bottom of the spindle. Replace the washer with a new one which is flat on one side and slightly rounded on the other, so it can get both horizontal and vertical pressure and provide a firm seat. Use a good quality hard-compositionwasher because leather or soft Figure 5-45.—Compression faucet. 5-31