Replace Bathroom Lav Faucet

Dean Madison
by Dean Madison
This is a 10" center diverter and it leaks. I am looking for a replacement faucet or how do I fix the leak. It seems to be in the body of the diverter?
  7 answers
  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 08, 2017

    I found this helpful tutorial to get you started:

  • Asko, the big Finn Asko, the big Finn on Feb 08, 2017

    Hi Dean!

    I am not sure, what you call a diverter? If the faucet is leaking all the time, it is your faucet. There are only two parts usually to stop the water: a seat and a washer. If the washer is new, your problem is the seat. It is very easy to change and costs less than $4 for a pair. Turn the water off, unscrew the valve(s), and use a seat wrench to unscrew the seat. Give a tap to drive the seat wrench tight, soft brass rounds the center hole easily. Using the seat wrench, install new seats, and PRESTO!! Done! Takes less than an hour and a few big ones. Have changed many a seat in faucets and showers.

    If your spout is leaking, when you run the water, it could be internal or a bad connection. You should be able to figure that out easily.

    A HORROR story. Last fall a single woman called me, if I could change her somewhat old tub faucet. Told her, most likely I can fix it. One of the biggest plumbing companies came over and did not even take a look inside the valves, and told her: the parts are not available any more, have to open up the back side in the bed room and install a new faucet, cost $650 minimum!!! The new seats cost $3.59

    tax included, readily available at any hardware store. A very easy job to put in new seats, which will last tens of years. Another single woman was told the exact same words, her estimate was $500. The MORAL STORY: do not always believe the "Big Boys". I have been retired as a contractor for over 22 years, but this kind of rip offs are the main reason I am still working some. Especially single women get screwed often, I run into this quite frequently. I GET VERY MAD, when this happens!!!


    Asko the big Finn








    • Pallet Man Pallet Man on Feb 11, 2017

      If it is the valves that are leaking in a vitreous china sink like the one shown, be very careful removing the valve stems and valve seats. They tend to freeze in place in a faucet this old. The high torque that may be required to break them free can crack the sink. But, I have seen the center spout corrode through on the underside and epoxy putty works fine to patch the leak.

  • Pallet Man Pallet Man on Feb 08, 2017

    These faucets were usually made by the fixture/sink manufacturer. This one looks to be from the 50's or 60's. It will be difficult to find replacement parts. If the center spout is leaking, you could use an epoxy putty to try to plug the leak. But, if it is just a corroded aerator, they can be removed and replaced. It may take pliers or other tools to remove the old one but it can be done. Hopefully, it is not corroded on. Remove it and take it to a hardware or plumbing store to find a replacement. Be sure the replacement has a good assortment of rubber washers to fit tight.

  • Larry Brown Larry Brown on Feb 11, 2017

    Little tidbit Most plumming supplyers have a parts & repair web site!! I had a problem pfister tub & shower Diverter. Not only did they have stept by stept instruction on how to fix it,but they also sent me the part at no charge & free shipping!!!Great place!!!

  • Jay Jay on Feb 14, 2017

    The faucet is an "American Standard" faucet with aqua-seal stems. If the faucet is dripping, you can get new stems and seats at a big box store. The stems come in both right and left hand. This means what direction you turn the handle to turn the faucet on and off. You will need 2 right hand stems because of the type handles the faucet has (round). If the faucet had lever handles you would need one right hand and one left hand stem. You will not likely find a new faucet. If this is all that is wrong with the faucet, it's worth repairing. If you do not want to repair the faucet, this would be a good time to replace the whole sink and faucet being you have already replaced the toilet.Hope this helps.

  • Pallet Man Pallet Man on Feb 15, 2017

    Yes, I thought it was an American Standard faucet and lav combination but have been retired for 10 years. Changing it will be more than a simple change out. Wall mount lavatories can be a bear to retrofit, especially without redoing the tile back splash. But, if it has legs or a cabinet, the whole system can be replaced.

  • Kirill Kirill on Feb 21, 2017

    I would advice you this site: https://houseofenki.com/ I'm sure, that you can find something useful for yourself:)