Faucets and globe valves, the type of shutoff valves commonly used
in home water systems, are very similar in construction (fig. 1) and
repair instructions given below apply to both. Your faucets or valves
may differ somewhat in general design from the one shown in figure 1,
because both faucets and valves come in a wide variety of styles.
Mixing faucets, which are found on sinks, laundry trays, and bathtubs,
are actually two separate units with a common spout. Each unit is
independently repaired.
Dripping faucets are the most common plumbing problem. Normally a new
washer is all that is required. If water leaks around the stem, either
the packing is loose or needs replacing. To repair the faucet, first
shut off the water at the shutoff valve nearest the particular faucet.
Disassemble the faucet by removing the handle, packing nut, packing,
and stem in that order. You may have to set the handle back on the stem
and use it to unscrew and remove the stem.
Remove the screw and worn washer from the stem. Clean the washer cup
and install a new washer of the proper size and type.
Reassemble the faucet. Handles of mixing faucets should be in matched
positions.
If a washer requires frequent replacement, it may be the wrong type or
the seat may be rough and scoring the washer. Flat washers are used
on seats having a crown or round ridge for the washer seat. Tapered
or rounded washers are used with tapered seats. These seats may be
replaced if worn or damaged.
Replaceable seats have either a square or hex shaped water passage
for the seat removal tool. Seat dressing tools are available for
non-replaceable seats.
Occasionally a faucet will be noisy when water is flowing. This may
be due to a loose washer or worn threads on the stem and receiver,
permitting the stem to vibrate or chatter. Pressing down on the handle
will stop stem vibration but will not affect a loose washer.
[Illustration: _Figure 1._--Globe type angle valve. Faucets are similar
in construction.]
Replacement stems are available; however, if the receiving threads are
worn excessively a new stem would not eliminate the problem completely.
In some faucets it is possible to replace the stem receiver, the stem,
and the seat, thus restoring all normal wearing parts within the faucet.
Several new faucet designs aimed at easier operation, eliminating drip,
and promoting long service life, are on the market. Instructions for
repair may be obtained from dealers.
If a shower head drips, the supply valve has not been fully closed, or
the valve needs repair.
After extended use and several repairs, some valves will no longer give
tight shutoff and must be replaced. When this becomes necessary, it
may be advisable to upgrade the quality with equipment having better
flow characteristics and longer-life design and materials. In some
cases, ball valves will deliver more water than globe valves. Some
globe valves deliver more flow than others for identical pipe sizes.
Y-pattern globe valves, in straight runs of pipe, have better flow
characteristics than straight stop valves. Figure 2 shows the features
of different types of valves.
[Illustration: _Figure 2._--Different types of valves: _A_, Glove
valve; note large passages of water. _B_, Y-pattern globe valve; the
flow is almost straight. _C_, Ball valve, straight flow; some makes are
available with the port in the ball the same diameter as the pipe.]