Dripping head faucet

[Bill Root]

We are on the hook in the Sassafras River in the northern Chesapeake Bay, about 1,000 miles into our 6,000mile Great Loop adventure. The faucet in the aft head is dripping and probably needs to have new washers installed. The faucets are the three piece Elkay ones that Hatteras put on the oval lavatory sinks with the raised lip. I suspect this is a pretty straightforward job, but since I have limited tools on board I thought I would reach out to this group for advice before I start taking the faucets apart, ie how do the handles come off, what kind of guts are in there and does it take a standard washer?

Thanks much.

Bill Root aboard 1973 43' DCMY "Tucandu" anchored off Sassafra River

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Hey Bill... if you look CLOSELY at the base of the knob, theres a small hole to access the set screw that retains the unit. Ive never done one (washer job) on these so let us know the deal... you may want to invest in a seat reamer to cut a new seat while apart (pretty cheap and standard). ALL of mine need this done as well, but the chrome is a gonner. Oh WOE is me.... ws

 

[dwaynec]

If yours are like mine, it isn't too bad a job. There is a little slot in the side of the handle near the base. Stick a small flatblade screwdriver in that slot and give it a little push and the handle will lift right off. then it is like any other faucet, Just unscrew the stem and go to a hardware store to get the right washer. Put it back together and done. Be a little careful when you are removing and replacing the stem. That old brass doesn't like a lot of hard twisting.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

So heres the update... while reading the wall street journal in the "library" just now, I had a chance to examine the knobs a bit closer... these have a slot under the knob which I would guess, an inserted screwdriver will push a "keeper" off a slot and release the handle... EXPERTS??? ws

 

[yachtsmanbill]

BINGO... Does that valve cartridge take a box wrench to remove? If so, I'd give it a tap to break the patina loose, then unscrew... As always, I put a drop of never sieze on the threads before re-assembly... ws

 

[Bill Root]

Thanks to everyone for the advice. It looks pretty straightforward. The next stop on our itinerary where there will be a good hardware store is Cape May, probably late next week.

By the way, the chrome on my faucets is also shot. Has anyone tried re-plating them? Or found NOS replacements? Sam's can't get them.

Bill Root aboard Tucandu anchored on the Sassafras River
1973 43' DCMY

 

[StratPlan61]

When I encountered this dripping and poor chrome/flaking, I replaced the whole unit with a lever-style Moen unit (cartridge unit). Looks nice and will last my lifetime. Did it myself, cost about $70. (yes, it uncomfortable and impossible for a bear 6'5" to work under the head sinks - yikes!!)

 

[dwaynec]

I lucked out and the chrome on mine is still good... Sure am glad that I didn't have to lay on the floor with my feet in the galley when I did mine.

 

[spartonboat1]

So heres the update... while reading the wall street journal in the "library" just now, I had a chance to examine the knobs a bit closer... these have a slot under the knob which I would guess, an inserted screwdriver will push a "keeper" off a slot and release the handle... EXPERTS??? ws

See if you can get some WD40 into the fitting, where the keeper is located. It may (the keeper) be slightly calcified and that may make it easier to press it in. Also, the knob is not too bad to get removed, but some 'wobbling' of the knob may help. Pressing the keeper in while removing the knob is the principal complication.

Do you have any washers on board, to replace the leaking washer? But I think you intend until you can get into Cape May, so may be a non-issue.

Re: The new units, I have purchased Price Phister unit for my forward head, as the chrome is now all mottled on the old faucet unti. Works fine, just is not 'pretty' any more.

If you get under the sink for any reason, be careful of your back. I did not cushion my spine and knocked out a disk that took several months to finally heal. The issue is the hard edge in the wood cutout to get under sink.

Good luck!