Leaks in this pop in of faucet can usually be fixed with a new neoprene valve seat and spring.

What is Delta’s Lifetime Warranty Policy?

Delta will repair or replace the product, free of charge, during the applicable warranty period.

Leaky Delta faucet handle being turned

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Before You Begin

Place your hand under the drip from the faucet.

If the water is warm, the leak is most likely on the hot side of the faucet.

If the water is cold, the leak is most likely on the cold side.

Materials and tools to repair leak of Delta faucet

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

No matter which valve wears out quicker, many people choose to replace both valves at the same time.

The valve may have a small football-shaped handle or a lever or knob.

Turn the handle clockwise until it stops.

Delta faucet handle being removed from screw on sink deck

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

pop launch the hot or cold faucet, as appropriate, to see to it the water is off.

You may need to remove a decorative cap from the top of the handle to reach the handle screw.

Lift the handle straight up to remove it from the faucet stem.

Bonnet nut removed from Delta faucet stem with adjustable wrench

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Remove the Bonnet Nut

Loosen the bonnet nut securing the faucet stem.

Use tongue-and-groove pliers or an adjustable wrench to turn the nut counterclockwise.

Unthread the nut completely and remove it from the stem.

Delta faucet stem removed by pulling out of housing

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Remove the Stem

Note the position of the stem before removing it.

You must reinstall it in exactly the same position for the faucet to work properly.

It might be helpful to take a photo of the stem for reference.

Neoprene valve seat removed from bottom of faucet housing with screwdriver

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Remove the stem by pulling it straight up and out of its housing.

Use pliers, if necessary, gripping just the spindle at the top of the stem.

The valve seat is a small, black, rubber cap with a hole in the top.

New seat and spring on screwdriver end to place in stem housing

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Sitting inside and below the seat is a small metal spring.

Note the spring’s orientation inside the valve seat.

You must set up the new spring and seat with the same orientation.

Plumber’s grease applied to valve stem base for stem reinstallation

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Use the screwdriver or wrench to guide the spring and seat into the hole in the stem housing.

They must fit all the way down into the hole.

Remove the screwdriver or wrench and confirm the valve seat is positioned properly.

Stem tightened back on faucet for testing handle

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Fit the stem into its housing, aligning the tabs on the stem with the slots in the housing.

Push the stem all the way down until it stops.

Reinstall the bonnet nut and tighten it carefully with pliers or an adjustable wrench.

Do not overtighten the nut, which can damage the stem housing.

Check for leaks around the faucet stem.

Fit the handle onto the stem and secure it with the screw or setscrew.