bathroom faucet leaking around handle
#1
11-02-06, 03:52 PM
bathroom faucet leaking around handle
my bathroom faucet leaks around the handle. I have been told to replace the O-ring which I will do.
But i have also been told to repack the stem. Is this as simple as taking the stem out of the cartridge and packing the threads with vaseline or no.
thanks
But i have also been told to repack the stem. Is this as simple as taking the stem out of the cartridge and packing the threads with vaseline or no.
thanks
#5
11-05-06, 04:45 AM
I'll admit I've never "packed the stem" of a bathroom/kitchen faucet. - but have done plenty of "packing to avoid leaks" in other areas of my life. Typically, packing material is a waxy impregnated material that goes around the "stem" of whatever your packing. It is then compressed by tightening the packing nut down over it.
Again, I've never had to do so in a kitchen/bath setting - but don't believe vasoline is your solution... - just wanted to give you a "reason" to wait for someone more knowledgeable to come along........
Again, I've never had to do so in a kitchen/bath setting - but don't believe vasoline is your solution... - just wanted to give you a "reason" to wait for someone more knowledgeable to come along........
#6
11-05-06, 07:43 PM
Usually on the older faucets, the packing is a graphite coated washer that slides down on the shaft prior to the packing nut. I, likewise have packed many outside faucets with teflon or graphite rope, but the washer is made the size you need and will deform itself to the faucet neck.
Take off the handle, undo the packing nut and unscrew the cartridge to the point that you can remove what is left of the original packing washer. Take it with you to the hardware store and get a replacement and install it in reverse.
Take off the handle, undo the packing nut and unscrew the cartridge to the point that you can remove what is left of the original packing washer. Take it with you to the hardware store and get a replacement and install it in reverse.
#7
11-06-06, 06:56 PM
thanks, I think I have everything I nedd right now. I have replacement O-RIngs for the stem (at top), and I have a teflon thread which I will wrap on the inside threads of the stem. I will also put some petroleum jelly on to make sure it turns without problems.
if you aere interested I will let you guys know how it turns out
thanks for all the info, Big help
if you aere interested I will let you guys know how it turns out
thanks for all the info, Big help
#8
11-06-06, 08:20 PM
Graphite packing and other materials have been used over the years as stem packing. The most common stems over the last 40 years have used a cloth/rubber sandwhich packing for larger (shower) stems and and o-ring on smaller (lav) stems.
Petroleum jelly is OK, but a preffered grease for the threads is plain old plumbers' faucet grease. Most stems have a flat fibre gasket to seal the bonnet nut. There is NO PLACE on ANY faucet which should have teflon tape on it. The tape will interfere with the proper operation of the gasket material.
Petroleum jelly is OK, but a preffered grease for the threads is plain old plumbers' faucet grease. Most stems have a flat fibre gasket to seal the bonnet nut. There is NO PLACE on ANY faucet which should have teflon tape on it. The tape will interfere with the proper operation of the gasket material.
