This sounds simple but it isn't. The strainer is new with new washers so that isn't it. We took off the strainer and it still leaks. We shut the water supply and took off the two handles and they look fine, unless they have to be screwed off. They are clear plasic handles with screws on top. Not sure if they have washers we don't see any except white hard plastic under there. Hmmm do you think we need a whole new faucet set? Thanks, any help will be appreciated.

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Originally Posted by dellicate

This sounds simple but it isnt. The strainer is new with new washers so that isn't it. We took off the strainer and and it still leaks. We shut the water supply and took off the two handles and they look fine, unless they have to be screwed off. They are clear plasic handles with screws on top. Not sure if they have washers we dont see any except white hard plastic under there. hmmm do you think we need a whole new faucet set? thanks, any help will be appreciated.

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White hard plastic your seeing is the valves... which my or may not have washers... they make them both ways now days. Should be a large nut at the base of the white hard plastic to take valves out. Sometimes it is just easier to replace the faucet. If it is old you may enjoy the new look it gives your bath/kitchen as well :-)

Dellicate... under those handles you see white plastic.. yes? There are chrome nuts that hold those STEMS in place. You need to shut water to faucet (hot and cold), remove handles, then loosen/remove chrome nuts (counterclockwise), then lift the stem up and out of the valve body (note the alignment of the a little nub that sticks out to one side of the plastic stem (see pic. #1).

Under that stem assembly you shoule find black or red seals with springs under them.. You need to replace these seals/springs (Home supply store has repair parts for this type faucet.. just bring seals/springs with you).

Then reverse above process... the tricky part is getting the springs/seals back in (hint --->> use a long thin phillips head screwdriver) and see if it is fixed... get back with any questions.. ok?

Check out picture #2... your faucet may not match the style of faucet, but I would bet the parts underneath are pretty much the same.

Good luck!

If this helped please RATE THIS ANSWER. Thank you.



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"then lift the stem up and out of the valve body (note the alignment of the a little nub that sticks out to one side of the plastic stem" (see pic. #1).


Hi mass plumber,

Please tell us what tool we shoud use to lift the stem up and what kind of pulling motion we should use, we are having a little trouble.

Thanks so much

Hi Dellicate... AFTER you have removed the nuts just pull up... it can be stubborn but will pull up with enough force. Just grab the metal stem with a pair of pliers or similar and wiggle a bit and yank up. Very rare to break... so just go for it. Keep me posted.

Dellicate... you can also connect the handle back in place... just the handle now.. screw that back on and then pull up. The added leverage should allow you to pull that stem assembly up nice/easy. Just another way to do it (depends on handle, too).

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Dellicate...you can also connect the handle back in place...just the handle now..screw that back on and then pull up. The added leverage should allow you to pull that stem assembly up nice/easy. Just another way to do it (depends on handle, too).

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Hi again mass plumber, I am afraid that the stem will not pull out. Tried everything, lilquid wrench, moved it from side to side, almost sprained my hand... I think it is because it is too old... assemblly came with the house 19 yrs ago. Probably have to buy a whole new faucet set... what do you think? That's what I think. Thanks again.

There are just one thing keeping the cartridge from coming out and that's the "O" ring that has swelled and is now binding the cartridge. If you bcan just get the cartridge to turn you will have broke the connection and you should be able to pull the cartridge free. Good luck, Tom

Delicate... Like Tom said... only a little tiny o ring holding it in there... :p... give it a really good yank using a pair of pliers. Otherwise, may be time to replace that baby... but I swear... yank it up.. will come out. Keep us posted!! Mark

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Delicate...Like Tom said...only a little tiny o ring holding it in there...:p...give it a really good yank using a pair of pliers. Otherwise, may be time to replace that baby...but I swear...yank it up..will come out. Keep us posted!!! Mark

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Thought you might like to know the verdict is in. We have to replace our kitchen faucet. The bad news is we can't do it ourselves. There is some tricky plumbing under there, copper pipes sodering to be done and a flex hose. Its going to cost us.

The unit was Foremost faucet, UPC(R), CCF, SA(R), LM 10323... came with the house in 1989 we live in Maryland. Wonder if everyone else here had the same problem.

There evidently was no o ring or sping under that unit. It was not removable.

Thanks for your help everyone. It was very helpful and we learned a lot.