How to Troubleshoot a Leaking Franke Faucet

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrenches

  • Towel

  • Adjustable wrench

  • Screwdrivers

  • Franke faucet repair kit

Franke kitchen faucets come in a chrome or pewter finish, with popular features such as a separate sprayer hose and gooseneck tap that rotates over virtually the entire sink. Over time the Franke fixture, like almost any faucet, may begin to leak. This is typically occurs from a disintegrating rubber gasket, or washer, packed inside the valve stem assembly. With a faucet repair kit from a hardware or plumbing store, you can stop the leak yourself and avoid a plumbing bill.

Advertisement

Step 1

Access the cabinet below the Franke faucet and turn off the water supply lines leading to the faucet. Turn the knobs completely clockwise to close.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Loosen the setscrew on the side of the faucet handle, using an Allen wrench to turn it counterclockwise. Don't take the screw all the way out.

Step 3

Pull off the handle and set it on a towel so it doesn't get scratched.

Step 4

Twist the hex nut at the base of the Franke faucet counterclockwise to remove, using the wrench. You can now access the valve and packed rubber gaskets.

Advertisement

Step 5

Pry up the gaskets surrounding the valve one at a time and arrange them on a towel in the order you remove them. Inspect each gasket for wear, including cracks and missing chunks around the edges.

Step 6

Grab the crescent-shaped clip around the valve with needle-nose pliers and pull gently to remove. This disengages the Franke valve for removal.

Advertisement

Step 7

Pull the valve out with pliers. Check the sides and twist the brass mechanism for smooth movement. Cracks or dents in the side of the valve indicate the part has malfunctioned or soon will. If the part doesn't twist smoothly, the valve is likely worn out.

Step 8

Remove the packed washers remaining inside the Franke faucet one at a time and arrange on the towel in the order you take them out.

Advertisement

Step 9

Line up the new washers and gaskets from your Franke repair kit to match the row of old parts on the towel. Pack the new washers and gaskets into the faucet tube in reverse order of how you removed the old parts.

Step 10

Line up the notches on the new valve with the slots inside the Franke faucet and push downward to seat the valve.

Advertisement

Step 11

Press the remaining washers into place over the valve.

Step 12

Lower the hex nut over the valve and onto the threaded base. Tighten the nut with the adjustable wrench.

Step 13

Slide the handle onto the valve assembly and twist slightly until it drops into position.

Advertisement

Step 14

Tighten the setscrew in the side of the faucet, using the Allen wrench.

Step 15

Restore water pressure by opening the valves below the sink.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references