I have a two handle Delta faucet in my master bathroom that has developed a slow drip. By alternating the shutoff valves, I was able to determine that it was the Hot side causing the leak.

Figuring this would be an easy fix, I replaced the internal seat and spring (the obvious culprit), but the faucet continued to drip. I then replaced the stem, but it still continues to drip. And yes, I have the lock nut tightened down, so that's not it.

Now I'm stumped. I've replaced all the serviceable parts on that side, to no avail. What else should I try, before resorting to replacing the whole fixture?

The inside had some slight mineral deposits, but it didn't appear severe enough to affect function. I hit it with some white vinegar and a Q-tip, and got most of it off. Should I try again with something more serious like CLR?

Is it worth swapping the seat and spring again, on the off chance I just had a defective one the first round?

Can you swap out the other side & reinstall those parts on the problem side?

I could. The parts are the same, just installed in a mirrored fashion.

Run into this all the time. Mineral deposits need to be gone before new parts are installed.

Take it apart, clear all water, and use CLR over night to clean it. As a plumber I use much stronger stuff to make the job quick, replace your new parts with newer parts afterward.

If it is a Delta with a tension ring in the cap, you may have to tighten that down to put more pressure on the seal cups.

Thanks. I had a sneaking suspicion that the minerals might have something to do with it, but it didn't look (to my untrained eye) like it was bad enough to be the cause.

I'll hit it with CLR overnight. Luckily, I still have enough parts to do it all again.

The lock ring is plenty tight.

“There ya go”. Marshall Sam McCloud

There is an easier answer.

Sell and move.

Just replace the entire fixture. They're $60 and not designed to last a lifetime.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Just replace the entire fixture. They're $60 and not designed to last a lifetime.

Many of the older ones are made much better than newer ones. Thicker metal and more brass.

FWIW $60 doesn't get you much in a Faucet today.

quote:

Originally posted by comet24:

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Just replace the entire fixture. They're $60 and not designed to last a lifetime.

Many of the older ones are made much better than newer ones. Thicker metal and more brass.

FWIW $60 doesn't get you much in a Faucet today.

$44-78 at lowes depending which one of the single handle ones he has. The body and seats get worn out with use, just like anything else.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Delta...ith-Drain/1000162735

As stated at the beginning of the OP, it's a dual handle model.

Besides, I don't see the point in dropping $100+ and spending all the extra time on removal and install of a whole new fixture, if I can fix it in a few minutes with a few bucks worth of parts.

I also don't buy a new car every time the windshield wipers need replacement.

quote:

I also don't buy a new car every time the windshield wipers need replacement.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Our government does.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
As stated at the beginning of the OP, it's a dual handle model.

Besides, I don't see the point in dropping $100+ and spending all the extra time on removal and install of a whole new fixture, if I can fix it in a few minutes with a few bucks worth of parts.

I also don't buy a new car every time the windshield wipers need replacement.

Well, when a few bucks worth of parts and a few minutes didn't fix it, such as this case, it needs replacement.

Was the valve stem backed all of the way out when you tightened it/installed it.

quote:

Originally posted by wreckdiver:
Take it apart, clear all water, and use CLR over night to clean it. As a plumber I use much stronger stuff to make the job quick, replace your new parts with newer parts afterward.

Worked like a charm. Thanks wreckdiver!

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:

quote:

Originally posted by wreckdiver:
Take it apart, clear all water, and use CLR over night to clean it. As a plumber I use much stronger stuff to make the job quick, replace your new parts with newer parts afterward.

Worked like a charm. Thanks wreckdiver!

To quote our esteemed dear member, now departed, JAllen, “Nothing beats knowing what you’re doing”.

That’s one of the great things about this forum, somebody is an expert in some field and willingly shares what and how to do.

Keep in mind, MOST manufacturers have 10 year to lifetime warranties. I've called Delta for 30 year old parts before and they're happy to send them, shipping paid and everything, even if I'm not the original purchaser, and I have no receipt. They will require you to make sure you have the model identified properly (google). But I agree with the above that mineral deposits are likely the issue if it's new guts.