3 Tips To Fix a Hard-To-Turn Faucet

 

A hard to turn faucet turns a daily requirement into an ongoing struggle. While you turn your faucet several times a day, you will never appreciate a good working oiled faucet until you experience one that does not want to budge. Whether you have been dealing with a struck faucet for a while or seeing the first signs of trouble, you will want to take care of it before it becomes severe and prevents you from getting water.

Luckily, you probably do not spend money to invest in a new spout or a handle. Instead, you can use these handy tips to clean the difficult faucet or replace any troublesome component, especially the cartridge.

Disassembling a Stuck Faucet Handle

• For understanding the problem, you will need to look inside the stuck faucet and understand the necessary repairs you will need to make it work smoothly again.
• Shut off the faucet water supply by turning the valve located beneath the sink.
• If the faucet does not have a dedicated shut-off valve, turn the main water supply attached to the water meter. Now, unscrew the bolt and remove the cartridge for inspection. Pro tip – You can take a picture to remember its correct placement.

Detach the Cartridge

Cleaning and checking the cartridge for any corrosion can help you turn your faucet into a new-like condition. If you find any signs of extensive damage that cannot be clean, changing the cartridge can be the only option. Danco has a wide range of toilet handle replacement parts that can help you change the leaky faucet handle and hard-to-turn faucets.

Clean the cartridge

• If the corrosion is not extensive, you can clean it with simple cleaning products found around the home. You will need an old rag, white vinegar, and a medium-sized bowl. Pour vinegar in a bowl until handles are entirely submerged, and allow them to soak overnight. Next morning, remove the faucet, rinse it with water, and  dry it thoroughly before reinstalling.
• If you find common forms of debris such as minerals, metal shavings, and grit, you can clean them out using a scrub brush and vinegar.   
• You can also scrub the corroded part with a wire brush until the rusty surface smoothens.  
• To check, turn on the water supply and turn on the faucet handle to test its functionality. It should rotate smoothly now.

Knowing the issues, having the right tools, and cleaning the faucet's parts will help you restore your faucet's function. If you still cannot fix your faucet, it's best to replace it. Danco has a wide selection of the necessary repair parts and a wide range of faucets in a variety of colors and finishes to introduce a touch of style to your faucet fixture.