i have a leaky Delta single-tap tub faucet that was installed a good ten years ago.
which is now leaking.
i suspect it’s a washer or o-ring or something similar inside that is causing the leak and hopefully all of the Dope’s extensive knowledge about such things will come to my aid. i figure if i can put in a new toilet assembly, surely i can do this.
i just need to know how to start.
for info purposes to DIYers, this beast has the old-style single acrylic knob at the center, with two screws on either side of it.
Ace (and other hardware stores) have “Delta rebuild kits.”
Shut off the water, remove the knob (screw under H/C indicator), remove valve by unscrewing big knurled ring, and bring the whole assembly with you - there are several different styles. Remember to remove the hot / cold inlet spring-loaded washers.
Just an obvious note that, by shut off the water, he means at the shut-off valves under your sink. If you just turn the faucet off and then open it up, you’re in for a big surprise.
It should be obvious, but if it’s not, a lot of cursing will ensue
this is a tub assembly, if i failed to make that clear.
there are two screws on the faceplate and i know where the shut-off valves are. i can loosen the two screws, but what about the acrylic knob in the center?
If the acrylic knob has a (round) Delta button on the “top”, you should be able to pop the button off (little plastic clips hold it on). Underneath you will find a screw. Unscrew the screw, and then wiggle the knob off the grooved (metal) shaft.
If there is no button, then you may be able to just wiggle it off the shaft. But the ones I’ve seen had the little button covering the screw.
Ummm…I hate to be the bearer of bad news: the acrylic knob doesn’t really have much to do with the leaking. It may only be coincidental that the leaking stopped (temporarily).
You will still likely need to get down and dirty and finish disassembling the faucet to get the real culprit - likely worn down washers (of some sort).
If you want to let it go for now (until it gets bad again), that is fine. But seriously the knob assembly really has nothing to do with a leak. (That screw you tightened only holds the knob to the metal shaft - no connection to where the water intakes are located).
One more bit of advice - any time you are dealing with screws (or other small parts), cover the drain before you unfasten anything, otherwise it’s a dead certainty that you will drop a screw and it’ll roll right down the drain. Just put a washcloth over it or something.
lol. wouldn’t ya know it? i’ll keep an eye on it, for sure. if your scenario proves to be the case, i’ll disassemble as advised by you all and toddle off to the nearest home depot or whatever.
