A dripping faucet can waste up to three gallons of water a day. Those gallons add up to dollars for those of us who use 'city' water, and waste one of our most valuable resources.

The kitchen faucet had been dripping for a couple of months. I tried to ignore it, hoping that it would somehow just stop it. Alas, my hopes were dashed, and Sunday found me making a trip to Lowes.

 

 

 

I thought I may have an issue finding the correct kit. I had replaced this particular faucet over twenty years ago. I had no clue what model it was; only that it was a Delta. I need not have worried. Delta keeps things pretty simple, as I discovered that there was only one repair kit for their kitchen faucets. It cost under $5.00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First I shut off the hot and cold water with the shut off valves under the sink.Then I drained the lines by opening the faucets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I removed the plastic inserts by locating the small notch and prying it off with a small flat bladed screwdriver. Then I removed the handles by using a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw holding them on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The faucet seat is held on with a small hex nut. An adjustable wrench was used to remove them. Then the insert is just pulled out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used a pair of needle nosed pliers to pull the rubber seal and spring out of the small cup they sit in, paying attention to their orientation in the cup. I put the new ones in the cup. Then I plut the inserts back in place, snugged down the hex nut, and replaced the handles. I left the insert caps off and turned on the water under the sink. I checked for leaks and tested. No more dripping! I pushed the insert caps back on and cleaned up. From start to finish, less than ten minutes. This is a simple home repair that anyone can do, saving them money on both a plumbing service call, and on water costs!