Faucet doesn't "stop turning" HELP!?

Question

I'm having a problem with my 35154678 year old bathroom faucet.

Leaking has always been a slight problem but I've always somehow been able to get it to stop if I close the faucet REALLY tightly. However, today I tried to turn the faucet shut, and the thing just popped and doesn't stop turning! It goes around and around from weak water flow to strong water flow, without the usual "resistance" before the water finally stops. So basically, I can't shut off the water flow by using the usual faucets and I have to use the main faucets underneath the sink.

Gee, I sure hope I'm making sense.

I guess it is time for a replacement, but can anyone tell me what might have broken to cause this? Will repairing this be as easy as simply replacing the O-rings, or do I need a plumber?

Answer 1

First: The dripping is probably caused by bad stem washers and/or bad seats in the faucet.  second: You probaly stripped the faucet handle and/or broke the plastic stop inside the handle...! Replace the faucet... its cheaper than repairing..!!

Answer 2

I dont know what the make of that faucet is but there are a lot of nylon pieces in it, you may be able to get a rebuild kit for it at a hardware store.  

Answer 3

It cannot be repaired, but it is actually not that hard to replace a faucet.  You do need tools though.  A faucet costs about $40 and more depending on the quality.  I would buy one for about $60.  You need a small crescent wrench and large one.  Probably one that is about 8 inches and one that is about 12".  You have to have patience and follow the installation instructions and measure everything and maybe take the hoses under the sink off so you can compare when you get your stuff at Home depot or wherever.  You may want to hire a plumber if you think it is too hard, but sometimes you learn out of necessity.  There is a new auction site for plumbers and other construction people, but it is brand new and there is noone on it.  You may want to check it out for future reference.

http://www.skilledlaborauction.com

Answer 4

you can get new stems for it...but if its that old...just break down and get a new one...cause the seats go bad also...you will be better off in the long run

Answer 5

get a new one or put a rock underneath the faucet so it doesn't turn and how can it be that old in the first place?

Answer 6

More than likely the stop that on the stem has broken,common prob when faucet is tightened to much. You can take one out by removing the handle (usally held on by a s***w somewhere,but beware you can strip out this s***w pretty easy).When you get the handle off, it will usally take a pair of pliers to extract the stem(look for a big nut),after you loosen this or take it off,the stemm should pull out (again this may not be very easy,depending on the age).Take it to a hardware store and match it up. If the faucet is very old,I would probaly replace it,you can pick up a good faucet for 75.00 most places,if you do this invest in a basin wrench,it will save you hours of fun under a sink!

Answer 7

sometimes it is better to buy a new faucet, there are not to expensive  and easy to install , because like you say the one you have is to old and soon or later you  will have to replace something ales if you buy a new one you will probable pay around $ 2o.00 dollars but you r not going to have any more problems any more for long time ,i hope this helps you.

Answer 8

It's best to just replace old faucets.  Modern technology offers far superior valving than what you have.  Call a plumber.  Most plumbers will give you  low cost or free estimate to repair or replace it and have enough experience to recommend what is best.  Older faucets sometimes can be very difficult to replace, best to save your knunckles and let a pro take care of it.  Avoid cheap faucets, ones that  are made in Mexico or China.  Expect to pay at least $ 100 for a good faucet.

Good luck.