OK. Started as a drip/inconsistant control on my hot water side. I'm not very mechanical, but I figure I could turn off the sink's valves/check for buildup or need a new washer right?

So I turned hot off. Got it down to a dribble but not all the way off (didnt want to damage the valve by overdoing it). Hmmm, so maybe the cold side is the 'dribble'. So I turn that off to the same dribble.:confused: so maybe I don't know what I'm doing and should bother that allknowing relative that everyone has. So...

So I turn both valves back on. Nothing but the same dribble. On.. Off... I try several times and get it 'off' down to a drip again, but can't turn the water back 'on'. Afraid to mess with the fixture too much if the water's not actually totally off and this basic on/off issue doesn't make me feel very adventurous in messing with the main valve-especailly since it's winter in Minnesota.

Any help would be greatly appriciated. Thanks

Hi Dang:

This is a two handle lavatory faucet... yes? First thing, with water shutoffs in on position.. remove the aerator at end of spout and clean it... then turn on water to faucet using normal handles and see if water is restored to sink.

Get back to me on that... is water restored to faucet? Then we will work on faucet washers themselves... PLEASE NOTE that a name brand or good description of faucet will improve any instructions I can provide you. So on next post... be descriptive. Thank you.

OK. You were right on. Aerator cleared and I got back my water, but it's kicking out little rubbery black chunks that (of course) block the aerator almost immediately once put back on. (maybe part of a washer/seal/something?)

faucet has no obvious markings but (after looking online-http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/51-287-bathroom-double-handle.aspx) looks most like a LDR industries double handle faucet. EDIT:havent taken the handles all apart yet, but this model seems to be washerless(?) online

so now we are back to start with a leaky faucet (seems to be the hot side) because sometimes it wants to stay on and/or drip and if you fiddle with it for a bit you can get it to random amounts of flow until you get it back to just a drip.

Thanks so much so far (for returning my faith in logic) and of course if you have any other advice I'll be grateful.

OK mrdang... looking at that faucet... I think this exploded view of faucet should help you (see pic.).

Here, shut off shutoffs again... or shut off main supply shutoff to the house. Then remove handles, then remove chrome nuts, then pull up on STEM assembly (should POP up and out).. then reach down inside and pull out the washer and spring (each side... if doing this, do to both sides). Then bring to nearest home supply store and get replacement parts.

NOW, when get home, put rag over each side of faucet and pulse water on/off so that you remove any debris still in the faucet (you will need help here).. do that to both sides... just a little now.

Then install the springs/washers (use long thin phillips head screwdriver (place spring /washer on this) and another long thin phillips head screwdriver to push gently down into hole for spring/washer). Re-assemble all and test it out (remove aerator for the test).

If that does not fix, you may want to purchase the hot and cold water stems as well (cheap enough... so maybe buy for now... and return if don't need them.. hmm?)

That should do it. If it doesn't, of course, get back to me.. ok? Also, if aerator is really gunked up with garbage, bring that to home supply store and REPLACE that, too.. will seem like a new faucet when you are done... I hope!

If this helped please RATE THIS ANSWER by clicking on rate this answer button at top right or at bottom of this post. Thank you.



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Whew! You were dead on again! Thank You so much for your help. I'm sure it seemed like a no-brainer, but the valve thing tatally threw me. There were a couple of drips off the main shutoff valve, but I'd assume that's from just using it- though I'l be keeping an eye to make sure after the day I've had.

Thanks again for your help and your quick response!
-dang

Mr. Dang... The drips from the main shutoff are coming from the PACKING NUT around the stem of the shutoff valve. Here, you need to hold the valve firmly in one hand and then using a pair of pliers tighten the packing nut 1/8 th turn or so.

BUT only if still dripping. This being the main water shutoff suggests that if you make a mistake you could break/damage the main valve.. so only do it if necessary. OK? Take care.