bATHROOM COLD WATER FAUCET

[dcd80]

The cold water faucet has become extremely difficult to turn on or off. What can I do to address this problem. Thanks.

[DIY Guy]

I suggest that you turn off the water supply under the sink or at the water main. Then disassemble the cold water faucet to inspect the internal components.

Depending upon the type of faucet, the cause has several possibilities. For instance, in a compression faucet, the valve seat or seal may be worn. This would require you to turn the valve hard to get it to seal and then would be hard to turn on again.

Inspect and replace any obviously worn parts. After you have had a look, let us know if you have further questions.

[dcd80]

Thanks very much for your response, but I am still stuck.

This is a single faucet with a separate hot water valve on one side, and a separate cold water valve on the other side which mix the combined water to the desired temperature when both valves are opened.

The cold water valve handle was easily removed by loosening two screws with a hex wrench. However, once the handle was removed, all that was uncovered was the stem of the valve. Removing the handle did not loosen the brass plated fixture that housed the cold water valve.

Underneath the sink is a plate held in place by a large four sided nut which holds the entire cold water valve to the sink.

If I remove this nut, and remove the cold water feed, as well as the mixture line, I believe the valve can be removed.

Once I do this, it doesn't look that this valve comes apart even after I get it out.

Do you think that this entire valve needs to be replaced or will the unit come apart once it is removed from the sink so that I can either repair it myself or get it repaired?

Thanks again.

[DIY Guy]

I suspect the part that the handle attached to can be removed from the valve. If you see a hexagonal feature to the valve, then that part is designed to be removed. That cartidge or some subpart probably needs replacement.

If you are tired of this entire faucet, then replacement should be very easy. Depending on your choice of faucets, it could end up being $2-$30 for the part or $30+ dollars for a whole new faucet.

[dcd80]

Thanks very much. I will give it a try.