Despite their name, “washerless” faucets do in fact have some washers and other replaceable parts. While they may not have the traditional rubber washers found in compression faucets, washerless faucets typically use cartridges, balls, or ceramic discs that can wear out over time and cause drips or leaks. The good news is that these faucets can usually be repaired by replacing the worn components, rather than requiring a full faucet replacement.
Repairing Ball Faucets
Ball faucets, such as those made by Delta, have a single handle that rotates over a ball mechanism. To fix a leaky ball faucet, you’ll need to tighten the adjusting ring, which is a threaded washer visible when you remove the handle. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to replace the ball, O-rings, seals, and springs that sit below the cam assembly.
Repairing Cartridge Faucets
Cartridge faucets, like those made by Moen, have a cylindrical cartridge that can be pulled out and replaced. Common problems include leaks from the base of the faucet, which can be fixed by replacing the O-rings around the faucet body. For other leaks, you’ll need to remove the cartridge and replace it with a new one.
Repairing Ceramic Disc Faucets
Ceramic disc faucets, found in brands like American Standard and Kohler, use a pair of ceramic discs to control water flow. If this type of faucet is leaking, you’ll likely need to replace the entire cylinder or cartridge assembly, rather than just individual washers or seals.