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View Full Version : Bathroom Hot Water Faucet Clunks and Kills


JoshInMPLS
Jan 14, 2008, 09:23 AM
When turning on the hot water at the sink in one of our bathrooms there is a single loud clunking noise and then the water immediately stops (if it started at all). This is for the hot only. Cold faucet works just fine. Is this simply in the faucet control itself or..?

ballengerb1
Jan 14, 2008, 10:08 AM
Sounds like this is a two handle faucet, correct? I think if you pull the stem you will find a washer is very loose under its screw. If you are not sure how to pull the stem just write back.

JoshInMPLS
Jan 14, 2008, 10:11 AM
You are correct. It is a two handle faucet. Sorry for not detailing that earlier.

Are you saying that I should simply have to tighten this washer/screw up to fix the issue? Also, please describe the process of pulling the stem.

ballengerb1
Jan 14, 2008, 10:16 AM
OK shut off the supply line to the sink and open the faucet a bit. Unscrew the bonnet nut under the handle. The bonnet is a like a collar nut going around the stem of the faucet. Once the bonnet is unscrewed you can keep opening the faucet further until the entire stem lifts out. Look on the bottom of the stem and there should be a screw holding a washer. Tightening that screw should fix your problem but I normally replace the washer if I have the faucet torn down this far. Also stick you oinky into the hole and feel the seat which is a smooth round ring inside the faucet body. That ring needs to be perfectly smooth with no burrs or nicks. If you feel a burr just write back and we'l;l do the next step.

KISS
Jan 14, 2008, 10:40 AM
OPen the valve all the way and undo the top nut and continue screwing the valve out.

Just take it to the hardware store. They are pretty helpful and will sometimes replace the washer for free. You may need a new packing seal (seals the stem). The bang can occur if the stems loose. They can figure out what you need and they usually have lots of stems as well.

The washer can be loose.

Bad things can happen, like the brass screw breaks off or the head gets mangled. At that point you need a new stem.

A good fitting screwdriver is essential. A pair of needle nose like vise grips work well on stripped screws.

Lubercate the washers and threads with plumbers silicone grease.