Leaking Tub Faucet

[fast900t]

I have a two handle bathtub faucet of unknown manufacturer - valley I think - OEM in circa 1979 home. It has a plastic cartridge assembly with a teardrop shaped opening in the rear that rides on a spring loaded rubber washer fitted into the brass manifold body. The problem is that the hot side washer is getting torn - sometimes in weeks, sometimes in months. My suspicion is that the hot side rubber swells and is being pinched in the valve body. So far I have used three different valve bodies and washers from HD, Ace, onlineplumbing. I have tried polishing the inside of the brass manifold, theorizing that the washer was binding and not allowed to retract, I have tried lubricating the washer face and sides, I have tried polishing the plastic valve body, I have tried compressing the spring to reduce the pressure applied to the washer and face, all to no avail. This has been a persistent issue since we bought the house and this constant washer replacement is insanity. suggestions?

[Wgoodrich]

When you replace the washer you also replace the seat. The seat uses a plumbing tool either square or octagon shaped. It just screws out and screw the new one in. If you don't replace the seat the water probably has eaten a groove in the seat with a sharp edge eating you washer.

Hope this helps

Wg

[DUNBAR PLUMBER]

One before you take it apart,


and one peering into the side where it is chewing up the washers.



Like Wgoodrich stated, that brass seat is what is tearing up the washers constantly.

[fast900t]

See photos attached - one is as it would be in the manifold, the second is a little blurry, but shows the torn washer face - this is a gross example from the original washer - new washers that are pliable have a very small tear. The tear is not occurring on the brass contact, but on the plastic insert face. 2264

2265

[Wgoodrich]

This is a washerless faucet. Normally they are inexpensive and if you are having repeating problems I would just replace the faucet. Easy change out no more problems.

If you must try to repair, Clean all the parts and ensure no burrs. Reassemble with new Orings and new seats. When you reassemble use vaseline to lubricate the parts.

Good Luck

Wg