Faucet Handles

Q. "Are there any helpful hints for changing balls/cartridges/seals?"
A. When changing the ball/cartridge and/or seal it is recommended that with an assistant, you hold a cup or towel over the open valve, turn on the water to flush out the lines, then install the new part. This may help to extend the life of the parts.

Q. "How do I get the seal out after I remove the cartridge/ball?"
A. Push a pen or pencil into the seal then pull it out.

Q. "What tools should I have before I begin installing my faucet?"
A.Some common tools are: Pipe wrench and an adjustable wrench, and maybe a flashlight.

Q. "Why do I have pin holes in my spout?"
A. Pin holes in a Delta faucet spout are usually caused by "dezincification," which is the removal of zinc from the brass due to salt solutions, brackish water, mildly acidic solutions and poorly grounded plumbing systems. When the zinc is removed, the copper is re-deposited to these areas and the surface of the part. The re-deposited copper is a weak mass that is porous and fragile.

Q. "I put in a new cartridge but now it turns on and off opposite of before. Did I purchase the wrong cartridge?"
A. No, you will need to remove the cartridge and turn it 180° then put it back in.

Q. "I switched my round handles to lever, but one turns on and off in the wrong direction. What can I do to fix it?"
A. You will need to remove the cartridge from that side and turn it 180° then put it back in.

Q. "I noticed that some of the handles have finishes like Chrome/Brass or White/Chrome. What does this mean?"
A.The first finish listed is the base; the second finish is the accent. When a finish is shown in this manner, it comes as a complete handle kit. To offer a greater variety, some handle bases and accents must be purchased separately.

Q. "How can I remove mineral deposits from my aerator?"
A. Remove the aerator by turning it counterclockwise. Soak it in vinegar overnight and flush it with water, rubbing it with a toothbrush if the deposits are stubborn.