Delta bathroom and kitchen faucets with two handles are often stem-style faucets that include a neoprene valve seat and spring that fits into the faucet below a cartridge-like insert stem. This is different from a true cartridge-style faucet, which closely resembles a stem faucet but does not have valve seats and springs.
With a stem-style faucet, a neoprene valve seat and spring fit into the water inlet port in the valve body. Over the valve seat and spring, the stem is held into the body with a bonnet nut; the handle then fits onto the top of the stem.
Leaks in this type of faucet can usually be fixed with a new neoprene valve seat and spring. However, you may also need to replace the entire stem if the handle is stiff when turning on the faucet, if there is a leak around the handle when the faucet is turned on, or if replacing the seat and spring doesn’t stop the leak.
What is Delta’s Lifetime Warranty Policy?
Delta’s Lifetime Warranty Policy states that “all parts and finishes of Delta faucets purchased from authorized Delta sellers are warranted to the original consumer purchaser to be free from defects in material and workmanship for as long as the original consumer purchaser owns the home in which the faucet was first installed.” Delta will repair or replace the product, free of charge, during the applicable warranty period. Proof of purchase (original sales receipt) from the original purchaser must be shown to Delta for all warranty claims.
Before You Begin
Place your hand under the drip from the faucet. If the water is warm, the leak is most likely on the hot side of the faucet. If the water is cold, the leak is most likely on the cold side. This tells you which is the better side to fix first, but it’s possible that both sides are leaking. No matter which valve wears out quicker, many people choose to replace both valves at the same time.
Look under the sink to locate the shutoff valve on the side of the faucet you will work on (hot or cold). The valve may have a small football-shaped handle or a lever or knob. Turn the handle clockwise until it stops. Open the hot or cold faucet, as appropriate, to make sure the water is off.
If there are no shutoff valves under the sink, turn off the water to the entire house at the home’s main shutoff valve, then turn on both sides of the faucet to relieve pressure in the supply lines.
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