JBark
WoW Member
Posts: 163
|
Post by JBark on Jan 23, 2010 21:26:02 GMT -6
I've got this cheapy faucet in my apartment, installed about a year or so ago, and the water comes out real sloooow. I'm guessing its mineral buildup but there is no way to take the faucet end off. Is there a way to solve this without disassembling the whole thing?
John
|
|
rrich
WoW Member
Posts: 737
|
Post by rrich on Jan 23, 2010 22:09:09 GMT -6
Usually all you have to do is unscrew the bubbler and clean out the sand / minerals etc. If there is too much lime buildup around the bubbler put some distilled vinegar in a baggie and hold it so that the bubbler is in the vinegar. A rubber band will usually hold it in place. Over night should be enough.
BTW - Turn the bubbler clockwise as viewed from the top of the faucet when removing it. DAMHIKT
|
|
|
|
Post by TDHofstetter on Jan 23, 2010 23:27:25 GMT -6
"Diffuser".  Yep, that's nearly always the culprit. Can't count how many times I've pulled one off to clean the sand & grit out of it 'cause it wouldn't flow any more. I'm assuming the valves under the sink are both turned all the way on... Rich, good call on the baggie with vinegar. John again... worst case, you can pick up a 4"-spread vanity faucet at WalMart for about five bucks. Lifetime warranty. |
|
sawduster
Moderator 
The Motley Crew
Posts: 1,831
|
Post by sawduster on Jan 24, 2010 8:43:53 GMT -6
Why not just call the apartment maintenance and have them fix it for you. That's normal "wear and tear" so they can't blame it on you. This is, of course, assuming that you're in a rental apartment and not a condo you (or you and the bank) own.
|
|
|
|
Post by woodmannie on Jan 24, 2010 9:25:55 GMT -6
Same as above, but I use CLR.
FYI, for a slow drain, pour in vinegar followed by baking soda. Let it bubble away, then pour in a big pot of boiling water. Better than the Plumber stuff.
Tom
|
|
JBark
WoW Member
Posts: 163
|
Post by JBark on Jan 24, 2010 11:26:35 GMT -6
Usually all you have to do is unscrew the bubbler and clean out the sand / minerals etc. If there is too much lime buildup around the bubbler put some distilled vinegar in a baggie and hold it so that the bubbler is in the vinegar. A rubber band will usually hold it in place. Over night should be enough. BTW - Turn the bubbler clockwise as viewed from the top of the faucet when removing it. DAMHIKT Okay thanks. What is a bubbler? John |
|
JBark
WoW Member
Posts: 163
|
Post by JBark on Jan 24, 2010 11:27:35 GMT -6
Why not just call the apartment maintenance and have them fix it for you. That's normal "wear and tear" so they can't blame it on you. This is, of course, assuming that you're in a rental apartment and not a condo you (or you and the bank) own. I'm trying to think of why I haven't done that. Can't think of an answer. LOL. John |
|
Joe Lyddon
WoW Member
Banned.
Sam Maloof & I Dec. 2, 2005
Posts: 2,507
|
Post by Joe Lyddon on Jan 24, 2010 13:22:15 GMT -6
Yep, soak it in Vinegar, etc.
... clean it up... soft wire brush...
|
|
|
|
Post by TDHofstetter on Jan 24, 2010 16:09:53 GMT -6
Okay thanks. What is a bubbler? That's the little diffuser screen assembly right at the tip of the faucet, where the water comes out. There should be a screen there, and a little plastic or metal baffle, all inside a little round cap that unscrews. It's about the same diameter as your thumb, and maybe 3/8" or 1/2" long. As far as I know, they ALL unscrew with NO exceptions. That's what makes your plain unadorned stream of water into an air-filled gush of water that cleans your hands faster. Without the diffuser, water comes out more like a garden hose, in a clear stream. |
|
|
|
Post by dcarter636 on Jan 25, 2010 9:54:33 GMT -6
Those bubblers and diffusers are also commonly sold as aerators. ;D
|
|
JBark
WoW Member
Posts: 163
|
Post by JBark on Jan 25, 2010 10:45:40 GMT -6
Okay thanks. What is a bubbler? That's the little diffuser screen assembly right at the tip of the faucet, where the water comes out. There should be a screen there, and a little plastic or metal baffle, all inside a little round cap that unscrews. It's about the same diameter as your thumb, and maybe 3/8" or 1/2" long. As far as I know, they ALL unscrew with NO exceptions. That's what makes your plain unadorned stream of water into an air-filled gush of water that cleans your hands faster. Without the diffuser, water comes out more like a garden hose, in a clear stream. I thought they all came off but I don't see an obvious way to take it off. Can I just use padded pliers to undo it or is there a better way? John |
|
|
|
Post by larryh86gt on Jan 25, 2010 11:42:22 GMT -6
That's the little diffuser screen assembly right at the tip of the faucet, where the water comes out. There should be a screen there, and a little plastic or metal baffle, all inside a little round cap that unscrews. It's about the same diameter as your thumb, and maybe 3/8" or 1/2" long. As far as I know, they ALL unscrew with NO exceptions. That's what makes your plain unadorned stream of water into an air-filled gush of water that cleans your hands faster. Without the diffuser, water comes out more like a garden hose, in a clear stream. I thought they all came off but I don't see an obvious way to take it off. Can I just use padded pliers to undo it or is there a better way? John They normally just unscrew clockwise when you are facing the faucet. Sometimes they will corrode in place and be hard to loosen. The padded pliers should do the trick. Larry |
|
|
|
Post by TDHofstetter on Jan 25, 2010 13:59:28 GMT -6
One way that's a little kinder than padded pliers is... at the grocery store, sometimes you see a rubber or silicone sheet with rough surfaces. They're sold to soft-handed housewives for opening jars & such, and they work like CRAZY. One of those, used in your hand, will usually do a good job of removing all but the most stubborn diffusers.
If it ain't enough with the fingers, it'll serve as very good plier padding, too.
|
|
JBark
WoW Member
Posts: 163
|
Post by JBark on Jan 25, 2010 15:16:47 GMT -6
Thanks gents...I'll let you know if it comes off without dynamite.
John
|
|
