The Delta Kitchen Faucet 21996lf comes with different parts that are joined to form the whole unit. Each of these parts wears down or gets damaged in the long run and needs to be replaced. In this article, we are going to highlight the parts that require replacement and how they are replaced.
Parts of the Delta Faucet 21996lf
- Cartridge
- Aerator
- Washers
- Escutcheons
- O-Rings
- Caps & Index Buttons
How to Replace the Delta Faucet 21996lf Cartridge
Tools
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-tip screwdriver
- Slip-joint pliers
- New cartridge
Step 1: Shut off the water supply valves on the lines that supply water to the unit. If you can't access them, shut off your house's main water supply lines. Turn on the faucet to drain any water in the lines.
Step 2: Disconnect the faucet handle by removing the setscrew below the lever. For handles with two round knobs, the screw is located beneath the index button.
Step 3: Insert the cartridge escutcheon using your hand. This is the metal sleeve that secures the cartridge housing.
Step 4: Use the slip-joint pliers to remove the cartridge-retaining ring from the faucet body.
Step 5: Pull out the cartridge by hand. If difficult to remove, gently pry it out of the faucet body using the screwdriver.
Step 6: Slip the cartridge into the faucet by ensuring the guides on the cartridge and the faucet body are at the same level.
Step 7: Use your hand to fix the retaining nut on the faucet and tighten it with a pair of pliers.
Step 8: Insert the escutcheon back into its place.
Step 9: Fix the handle back and tighten its screw with a screwdriver.
Step 10: Turn on the water to test the unit.
Warning:
Ensure to replace the Delta faucet 21996lf cartridge with an exact model.
How to Replace the Delta Faucet 21996lf Aerators
Tools
- Towel
- Materials
- Faucet aerator
Step 1: Remove the Existing Aerator
Close the sink basin using a stopper. Fold up a small towel and place it in the sink to catch any parts that may drop. Shut off the faucet collar that has the aerator. Use your finger to rotate the collar counterclockwise. If the collar is hard to grip, use a wet washcloth and place it over the collar as you turn. A damp washcloth will offer more friction compared to a dry one.
Step 2: Install the Aerator
Align the faucet collar such that the threads are facing upward. Place the aerator into the collar gently, with the mesh end facing downward. Push the aerator into the collar until it is tight.
Step 3: Install the Aerator Gasket
Position the aerator gasket inside the faucet collar on top of the aerator.
Step 4: Complete the Aerator Assembly
A well-assembled faucet should have the aerator's hole side facing up. The aerator cannot work without the gasket.
Step 5: Screw the Aerator in Place
Tighten the aerator and collar onto the end of your Delta faucet using your finger. Do not overtighten as this may lead to cracks or damages to the unit. Turn on the faucet to test.
How to Replace the Delta Faucet 21996lf Washer
One of the most common problems with Delta faucets is persistent leaks, due to the water pressure through the faucet. The only long-lasting solution to leaks is to replace the washer. This is a simple task that won't take much of your time.
Tools
- Stem washer
- Dull knife
- Flathead screwdriver
- Adjustable pliers
- O-ring
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Razor blade
- Heat Proof grease
Step 1: Shut off the water supply valves on the lines that supply water to the unit. If you can't access them, shut off your house's main water supply lines. Turn on the faucet handle to drain out any water in the lines.
Step 2: Use a flathead screwdriver or a dull knife to remove the index cap at the center of the handle, and then use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screw on the handle. Finally, remove the faucet handle by pulling it off the faucet.
Step 3: Use an adjustable pair of pliers to unscrew the faucet by turning the mounting nut counterclockwise and pulling out the faucet valve from the sink or wall.
Step 4: Using a Phillips head screwdriver, unscrew the single screw at the bottom end of your faucet. This screw holds the stem washer in place. Remove the stem washer.
Step 5: Remove or cut off the rubber O-ring using a razor blade. The O-ring prevents water from leaking once the faucet is turned on.
Step 6: Smear the O-ring and stem washer with heat-proof grease and fix them onto the faucet. Tighten the single stem screw well to hold the stem washer in place. Do not overtighten as this would distort the stem. Again, use the heat-proof grease to coat the faucet threads.
Step 7: Install the faucet and use adjustable pliers to tighten it into place, and then fix the handle, the retaining screw, and lastly, the index cap to finish up the repair.
How to Replace a Delta Faucet 21996lf Escutcheon
Tools
- Escutcheon
- Hex wrench
- Plumber's putty
Replacing a Delta faucet escutcheon is not a daunting task, but you should do it correctly. The escutcheon is a metal plate that sits at the back of the faucet wall and runs around the shower arm. It runs out of the wall to connect to the showerhead.
Step 1: Prepare the Wall Area
Ensure that the surrounding area around the shower arm, whether it is tile or any other material, is thoroughly clean and dry. Apply the Plumber's putty to the back of the escutcheon plate, following the guidelines on the putty's container.
Step 2: Fix the Plate
Insert the escutcheon plate up the shower arm through the wall of the faucet and push the plate firmly on the wall. Apply firm pressure as you hold the escutcheon plate in place for about two minutes.
Apply the Plumber's putty evenly around the surface of the plate. Too little putty will not protect the plate from being water-resistant, while too much putty can make for a messy cleanup. After the plate is fixed, wipe it and its surrounding with a wet cloth to clear any excess putty.
How to Replace the Delta Faucet 21996lf Spout O-rings
Step 1: Turn the cold and hot water supply lines off.
Step 2: Pull out the rubber index button to access the set screw holding the handle in place. Use a hex wrench to twist the set screw counterclockwise to loosen it.
Step 3: Pull out the handle with your hand. If it is difficult to get it out, loosen the set screw more.
Step 4: Using your hand, twist the handle trim cap counterclockwise to remove it.
Step 5: Use an adjustable wrench to remove the brass adjusting ring by twisting it counterclockwise.
Step 6: Loosen the sleeve by rotating it counterclockwise and pull it up by hand.
Step 7: Remove the cartridge. If it is not easy to come out, leave it and remove it with the spout.
Step 8: Pull off the spout by rotating it counterclockwise as you pull upwards. The spout is a compression-fitting piece and requires a little force to remove.
Step 9: Pull out or cut the two groves on the faucet body. Clean the dirt on the valve before fixing the O-rings. Mount the new O-rings in the same groves. Apply some plumber's grease or vegetable oil on the O-rings to make it easy when pushing the main spout into place.
Step 10: Re-fix all the other parts you had taken out onto the faucet (index button, handle trim cap, spout, brass adjusting ring, handle set screw, and sleeve).
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Robert Syengo is an experienced web writer with a home improvement history that includes toilet remodeling and appliance installation. He enjoys writing and learning about electronics, gardens, design, remodeling and repair.