Bathroom Faucet Leak

[rockintom]

Well, the bathroom sink fixture started to leak a little puddle of water from the cold side when the handle was turned on. This water would come up from under the handle, dribble on the fixture, then off the fixture and onto the basin. So I took it apart and saw where the stem part of the cartridge was leaking, causing the problem. So I run off half cocked, to the home improvement store to get an fresh cartridge and after visiting 3 stores, found none. My life story, right there! Then I took the cartridge apart and found the 2 "O" rings seals on the stem quite worn and tired. Found and purchased some #5 "O" rings and clean things up and installed them on the stem, reassembled and it's like brand new. Paid $1.97 for the parts and $99.00 for the fuel running around like an idiot looking for a cartridge! Thought I'd share this and some pix just incase you run into the same-dad-blame thing! (this phrase is for Virg....so he'll stay with us on this one!!)

Oh BTW, this fixture is a Huntington Brass brand faucet in a brush nickel finish. Haven't heard of it??? Neither have I!!! I really like the fixture. It has performed nicely and looks pretty good. To replace it with a famous brand is about $69 to $89. "O" rings be lookin' cheap!

[John Deere Green]

Rockin,
You the man!!

[Workshop]

Rockin' thanks for sharing.

Can't believe...." Paid $1.97 for the parts and $99.00 for the fuel running around looking for a cartridge! " ....Glad that has never happen to me!

[NALSO]

Rockin.

When you re-assembled the valve stem did you apply some waterless grease?

This prevents the "O" Rings from sticking, stretching and ultimitly breaking and it eases the operation of the valve.

Any plumbing supply will sell this grease, use it sparingly!

It' worth your while to take it apart again if you didn't use the grease!

Henry.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NALSO Rockin. When you re-assembled the valve stem did you apply some waterless grease? This prevents the "O" Rings from sticking, stretching and ultimitly breaking and it eases the operation of the valve. Any plumbing supply will sell this grease, use it sparingly! It' worth your while to take it apart again if you didn't use the grease! Henry.

Thanks Henry, I didn't applied the grease as I was unaware. I did spray with silicone. I know that won't last long. Again thanks for sharing!!! rockin'

[Endeavor2BnC]

Tom,
I've always used "Plumber's Silicone" on o-rings with great success.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who makes many runs to the local fix-it store.

Did you soak the parts in vinegar to get rid of the calcium build up before you put it back together?

[rockintom]

Did you soak the parts in vinegar to get rid of the calcium build up before you put it back together?

No Tim, it really was necessary. Our water softener helps keep that to a minimum. I just used some 00 steel wool and soap and water. As soon as Donna get back with Tug, I'm going BACK to the H.I. store to get some silicone to redo my little project. Thanks to all who told me about the silicone! Just wonder if the dielectric grease would work OK on the faucet. If I used it maybe I wouldn't have worry about high resistence and heat build up!!!!!! rockin'

[Endeavor2BnC]

Tom,
What kind of water softener do you use?

[rockintom]

Tim,

I can't get anything done around here if you keep asking questions!!!! Just kiddin' of course!!!

We use the Travelsoft water softener. We tried the "on the go" and it just won't do the job after a couple of days. They sent another one and it was the same. Finally refunded money. Travelsoft has worked real good for us. Got ours from CW as we checked around and it was the cheapest, believe it or not. I think we paid like $249.00 Uses solar or rock salt, not pelletts like a home unit uses. HTHs Back on the roof servicing Fantastic Fan. rockin'

[Endeavor2BnC]

What size Travelsoft do you have?

[Bruce and Jenna]

Ummm, my Huntington Brass brand faucet in a brush nickel finish just started leaking too. I emailed the company and they sent me a pair of ceramic disc cartridges for free. True, I did use up a few bytes of my monthly allocation, but....

Thanks for the tips on installation. I knew there was a reason I haven't installed yet.

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endeavor2BnC What size Travelsoft do you have?

The small one....model 1200. The larger is too heavy and doesn't fit real good in the bay area. rockin'

[Bruce and Jenna]

While talking with a Huntington Brass support guy for info on installing the replacement disc that they sent me for free, I asked about the best way to fix the handle set screws, which are stuck in the handles. The guy insisted on sending me new handles, which I received in a week.

These guys could give PI a run for their money in excellent customer service. Kudos!!

[rockintom]

I second the Huntington Brass Customer Service story as Bruce indicated. I emailed them and they sent a couple of fresh cartridges out quickly. I put them in and they work great. Great customer service! I sent them a proper thank you! The rep I dealt with was Sergio Sanchez. rockin'