Taking Apart a Ball Socket in a Sink

The faucet atop your sink conceals a host of internal parts, including a hollow ball that controls the flow and temperature of water emerging from the faucet spout. Dripping at the spout occurs as a result of damage to the ball, or from deteriorated valve seats or springs. Taking apart your faucet properly to access and service the ball avoids accidentally damaging any of the hardware vital to your sink's operation.

Utility knife (as needed)
Allen wrench
Slip-joint pliers
Masking tape

Instructions

- 1
  Reach beneath your sink and close the water shut-off valve on the wall. The valve features a handle that controls the flow of water to the sink.
- 2
  Locate the setscrew at the front of your sink faucet handle. The setscrew secures the handle to the body of the faucet. If a cap covers the setscrew, use the tip of a utility knife to pry off the cap.
- 3
  Choose an Allen wrench appropriate for the size of the setscrew. Using the wrench, loosen the setscrew to permit removal of the handle.
- 4
  Lift the handle to expose a domed cap atop the faucet.
- 5
  Wrap the tips of your slip-joint pliers in masking tape to protect the faucet's chrome finish. Use the pliers to grab the sides of the domed cap, then loosen and remove the cap. Removing the cap exposes the cam and cam washer.
- 6
  Lift the cam and cam washer away to reveal the hollow ball. Grab the stem of the rotating ball and remove the ball from the faucet.

The Advantages of Different Types of Bath Drains

Can a Cut-off Valve at a Sink Cause a Vibration in the Pipe to a Faucet?

Plumbing