My faucet leaks! and Mrs Rathji can't handle it...

[Rathji]

We have a Delta single handle faucet (this model) that drips. Since I have little time to deal with this stuff, my wife got my father in law to replace the guts of it, like I have been telling her for months that I would do. My wife watched him, and she says he did everything just like this site says except putting the silicon grease on the O-ring seals, replacing everything but the ball, with a repair kit from Home Depot.

Problem is, it didn't fix it and we have this constant DRIP DRIP DRIP. My wife says it probably even made it worse. Now it is past my bedtime, and my wife can't sleep when she knows it is dripping so I am wondering if anyone has any other idea about what I can do.

Will adding the grease help? I have never heard of using grease with plumbing.

Could there be a problem with the entire faucet? or could the problem be in the head of the faucet? Our house is only 2 years old, so I am assuming it isn't totally worn out. If I can avoid springing 270 bucks for a new one, I would certainly prefer that.

[Slanter]

Shut your water main off and get some sleep.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

I had a similar faucet issue - with delta - and contaced them.

They have lifetime replacement parts. I didn't even pay for shipping.
Their site had great info too. From your link I found:

Leaks from aerator:
Replace seats and springs (#3 in diagram — Repair part RP4993).
If leak persists:

Replace Ball Assembly (#1 in diagram — Repair part RP70 as shown for lever handles or RP212 for knob handles)

I'd call them and ask for that part and away you go.

BTW I've repaired the bathroom faucet, shower, and kitchen. I didn't use any grease on anything, nor notice any when taking stuff apart.

[bcb]

Which is more annoying, your wife's complaining, or $270 for the plumber?

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

Originally Posted by bcb

Which is more annoying, your wife's complaining, or $270 for the plumber?

depends. If your wife considers spending $270 as annoying as dripping this is a problem. both are clearly his fault

(or maybe I'm projecting )

[V]

The drip is easy to deal with before you get the problem fixed. Just hang a cloth around the faucet so that the drip is soaked into the cloth. The sound will disappear and your wife can get some sleep.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by Rathji

We have a Delta single handle faucet (this model) that drips. Since I have little time to deal with this stuff, my wife got my father in law to replace the guts of it, like I have been telling her for months that I would do. My wife watched him, and she says he did everything just like this site says except putting the silicon grease on the O-ring seals, replacing everything but the ball, with a repair kit from Home Depot.

Problem is, it didn't fix it and we have this constant DRIP DRIP DRIP. My wife says it probably even made it worse. Now it is past my bedtime, and my wife can't sleep when she knows it is dripping so I am wondering if anyone has any other idea about what I can do.

Will adding the grease help? I have never heard of using grease with plumbing.

Could there be a problem with the entire faucet? or could the problem be in the head of the faucet? Our house is only 2 years old, so I am assuming it isn't totally worn out. If I can avoid springing 270 bucks for a new one, I would certainly prefer that.

A repair kit should have fixed it. It should have been the gaskets that were leaking. Faucets are very simple pieces of hardware. If replacement gaskets didn't fix it, the thing is a lemon, and you might as well replace it. A new faucet like yours will indeed be a bit pricey, but it doesn't have to be. You can probably get one for ~$100 less at Rona that looks similar.
Installation is pretty simple. You can do it with regular tools like pliers, a crescent wrench, screwdriver, and some logic. Probably wont take you more than an hour including some preliminary thinking, and some beer drinking.

And if you're hooped for time and can't get to it until next weekend, put a cutting board in the sink or tape a spoon to the wall and aim the drip so that it deflects.

[Svartsengi]

I have plumbing experience. It sounds from what you are telling me that it is either the ball needs to be replaced. Check for cracks and wear in the ball. I will assume since your father in-law agreed to help he is a handy guy and some experience with these kind of repairs. he would not put an obviously worn out ball back in. I will assume he put the seals in right checking for any sharp metal pieces that would damage the seal.

It was dripping before and now its worse. The faucet is cracked somewhere and is able to do an end run around the seal. It drips worse because whatever build up had occured before slowing down the leak has now been cleaned away during repair. The original crack or weakening either happened during shipping but most likely when the original guy installed it he overtightened it. Had nothing to do with your father in-law.

This happens alot. It can take some time for the leak to appear. Shine a flashlight on it when you take it apart and you will see a faint crack or chip. You will need a new faucet but they have a guarantee on there stuff so it won't cost anything.

I always use plumbers grease for stuff like this it does help. There is some forgiveness with certain models which would explain why other posters have had success with there repairs. The repair may not last as long however.

[Rathji]

Thanks.

I have no problems doing repairs like this, but with me working full time and in school full time, they take a back seat. I will get her to check the ball and seals and contact Delta about it.

[red sky]

Originally Posted by Rathji

Thanks.

I have no problems doing repairs like this, but with me working full time and in school full time, they take a back seat. I will get her to check the ball and seals and contact Delta about it.

I had this exact same problem with my rental unit. I replaced the springs and the seats first to see if they were worn but the leak continued. If you this happens then you have to replace the entire cartridge. You have a few choices to get the replacement cartridge. First, you can call the Home Depots and Rona's to see if the distributer has left any with them. This will probably be the quickest option however it may take a while to track one down. The other option is to call Delta and they will send you a replacement cartridge however it will take about 5 business days for it to arrive. Once you have the cartridge it is very easy to replace. This should fix the problem. Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.