How to Remove an American Standard Ball Faucet

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Things You'll Need

  • Allen wrench

  • Channel-lock pliers

  • Masking tape

  • Flathead screwdriver

An American Standard ball faucet is known as a "washerless" faucet. These faucets feature a single handle, which attaches to a dome-shaped cap. The ball faucet derives its name from the fact that it uses a single hollow ball, typically metal or plastic, to control both the temperature and flow of water. American Standard's ball faucets generally require less maintenance than other faucet types and are specifically designed to permit quick repairs. However, most repairs cannot be performed until the faucet's components have first been removed.

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Step 1

Turn off the water supply at the main shutoff valve, which is typically located at the water meter.

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Step 2

Loosen the set screw from the faucet's handle. The set screw is located at the base of the handle and faces the sink. To remove the set screw, use an Allen wrench to turn the screw in a counterclockwise direction. It is not necessary to completely remove the screw from the handle.

Step 3

Remove the faucet's handle by pulling the handle up. Doing so will expose the dome-shaped faucet cap.

Step 4

Remove the faucet cap with channel-lock pliers. Wrap the jaws of the pliers with masking tape to prevent scratching the cap's finish, then grasp the cap with the pliers and turn it in a counterclockwise direction.

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Step 5

Lift out the now-exposed plastic faucet cam, the rubber cam washer, followed by the rotating ball itself.

Step 6

Remove the four springs and the four rubber valve seats to complete the removal process. These components rest directly under the now-removed rotating ball. These springs and valve seats allow the ball to rotate when the faucet's handle is turned. The rubber valve seats can be pried away with the tip of a flathead screwdriver. Removing the valve seats will expose the springs, which can simply be lifted away.

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