American Standard faucets offer a variety of designs; there are traditional two-handle units for bathrooms or modern one-handle ones for the kitchens.
Identifying an American Standard faucet
You can identify your faucet by simply inspecting the faucet and its parts, and matching it to images.
The American Standard faucets have three screws in the cartridge under the handle. The base of the faucet spouts, on the front, has ingrained text that says “American Standard”. You can also see the text on the trim piece that surrounds the shower faucet handle.
How to repair a leaky faucet
A leaky faucet is usually caused by seepage from the water supply. Here is how to repair a leaky faucet:
Tools:
A screwdriver
Penetrating oil
An adjustable wrench
Washers’ replacement
1. Turn off the main water supply
Remove the handle by unscrewing the screw at the top/back of the handle. Some of the screws may be hidden by a plastic or metallic button. After you have gotten rid of the button, use penetrating oil to loosen the top-mounted handle screw.
2. Remove the handle
Remove the faucet handle and take a look at the assembly. Using an adjustable wrench, remove the packing nut and be careful not to scratch the metal. Twist the stem by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Get rid of the screws
Use penetrating oil to loosen the screws that hold the washer and remove them. Replace the screw and the stem if they are damaged.
How to repair a noisy faucet
When the American Standard faucets are used over time, they may make whistle and chatter noises.
Noises could be caused by a washer that is either the wrong size or not properly secured by the stem. Turn off the water supply, and then replace the washer with a brand new one, or tighten the current one. This should stop the noise.
If the faucet still makes noise, check the washer seat. Clean the seat off any residue and this should eliminate the noise.
A squealing noise is caused by metal threads of the stem that bind against the threads. Remove the threads and the stem, and coat both of them with penetrating oil. You may need to replace the stem with a new one.
How to repair a flexible hose
There could be issues in the hose-to-head connection, at the hose-to-spout connection or within the actual hose, if the water is dripping. Here is how to repair a flexible hose:
Tools:
A piece of clean cloth
An adjustable wrench
Plumber’s joint compound
1. Check the head connection of the hose
Dry the hose with a clean cloth. If the leak is at this point, disassemble the unit, tighten the connection, and then make the repairs. Check the head connection of the hose. You may also need to replace the head and the hose assembly with new ones.
2. Check the spout connection
Look under the sink to check for the said spout connection. Tighten to stop the leaking.
3. Disconnect the hose
This measure is to be taken if the leak continues. You can apply a plumber's joint compound onto the threads and reconnect the hose.
Check for any cracks (no matter how tiny), chafes or any other indicators of mechanical damages.
How to repair a malfunctioning diverter valve
A malfunctioning valve diverter valve or a restricted hose can cause an uneven flow of water and low water pressure. This may cause issues in switching back and forth from the spray head to the sink spout. Here is how to repair a malfunctioning diverter valve:
1. At the coupling, disconnect the spray head from the hose by prying the snap-ring retainer.
2. Let the water stream into the hose. The diverter valve has an issue if there is high pressure flowing out of the open end of the hose. Weak pressure also indicates that there is a blockage inside the hose. The blockage can be cleared when you leave the water running in full force.
3. If the above methods don’t work, detach the hose from the spout attachment, stretch it out straight, and point a strong source of light towards it. If that doesn’t work, replace your hose with a new one.
How To Service The Diverter Valve
1. Loosen the screw on top to remove the sink spout. Unfasten the threaded spout ring and lift it to expose the valve beneath it. If there is a screw, turn it so it can free the valve.
2. Flush all the parts with water as well to clean them.
3. Replace the valve with a new one if there are still problems. Make sure the new valve is the same model.