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When you close a compression faucet, the rubber stem washer presses against the inside of the valve to cut off the water. The place where the washer presses is called the valve seat. Over time, this area of the faucet can get worn or scratched. When that happens, leaks can occur. Worn seats can be resurfaced using a simple resurfacing tool, or replaced. If your faucet leaks, be sure to check the valve seats for wear.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

SKILL SCALE
Easy

TIME REQUIRED
You can replace a worn valve seat in half an hour.

TOOLS
Screwdrivers
Seat wrench

MATERIALS
Heatproof grease
Faucet seat

Turn off water. Remove the valve and then stick your finger inside the hole. Feel around the rim of the seat for any damage; if it feels rough and the seat has flat edges, it can be replaced. A round seat isn't replaceable. Double-check by looking into the valve with a flashlight.

Insert the end of the seat wrench into the hole. It should fit neatly into the seat. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise to remove the seat. Then install a new seat, making sure it's an exact duplicate. Lubricate the threads of the seat before inserting it. If the seat can't be removed, resurface it with a seat-dressing tool. Turn water back on.

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