Delta touch faucet is a good addition to getting water without touching the faucet. Delta touch faucet uses touch-activated technology to control the flow of water. It saves the faucet from dirty fingerprints and debris and keeps the faucet hygienic.
However, just like other faucets, Delta touch faucets also face issues while performing their functions. Delta touch faucet dripping is one of the common issues. If your Delta touch-activated faucet is dripping, there may be an issue with the sensor so the water drips from the faucet even if you don’t touch it. Let’s see how can you fix its dripping issue.
Why Is Delta Touch Faucet Dripping?
Is your Delta touch faucet driving you crazy with its constant dripping? Don’t worry, if you know the cause, you can fix the drip. Here are several possible causes of a dripping Delta touch faucet.
O-ring is a tiny component but it can give you a headache when it is damaged. This ring keeps the faucet handle in a secure place and prevents any leak from it. You will find this disc at the stem screw of the faucet. When it is loose or worn out, the Delta touch faucet will start dripping.
If the O-ring is not the reason, it may be a valve seat. If water is dripping from the spout, there is a chance that the valve seat is damaged. The valve seat creates an important connection point between the Delta faucet and its spout. With time, the buildup is accumulated on the valve seat and the result is corrosion or damaged seat that causes water drip.
The washer is another potential reason for dripping water from the Delta touch faucet. The washer is placed against the valve seat.
Whenever water flows from the Delta faucet, friction occurs on the washer and becomes a reason for its wearing and leads to a dripping Delta touch faucet. If you have recently replaced the washer but the new washer is not the same as the old one then improper sizing or incorrect installation of the washer cause dripping.
Last but not least, tightening loose pieces can occasionally be the answer. A fast remedy for a leaky sink handle can involve tightening the packing nut. Amazingly, a minor change can have a significant impact on whether the unpleasant leak continues or not.
How Do I Stop My Delta Touch Faucet From Dripping?
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver (depending on the type of screws used)
- Replacement O-ring or cartridge (check the faucet model for the specific part)
Before starting to fix the drip, you need these tools to make the process simple. Also, turn off the water to prevent water leaks while repairing.
Disassemble The Faucet
- Use the adjustable wrench to remove the faucet handle. Most Delta touch faucets have small set screws located at the base of the handle. Loosen the screw and carefully remove the handle.
- Once the handle is off, you’ll see a decorative cap or collar. Gently pry it off using a screwdriver or your fingers.
- Underneath the cap, you’ll find the retaining nut. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the nut.
- With the nut removed, you can now lift off the entire faucet assembly, exposing the O-ring or cartridge.
Replace the O-ring or Cartridge
Once the faucet assembly is removed, carefully inspect the O-ring for any signs of wear, damage, or deterioration.
If the O-ring looks worn out, cracked, or flattened, it needs to be replaced. Alternatively, if your Delta touch faucet uses a cartridge instead of an O-ring, check for any visible signs of damage or malfunction, such as cracks or mineral buildup.
If an O-ring needs to be replaced, make sure you have an appropriate replacement that is the same size and shape as the damaged one.
Assuring a snug and appropriate fit, carefully place the replacement O-ring in the same location as the previous one. If your faucet utilizes a cartridge, take out the old one and put in the new one, making sure to position it correctly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Clean Mineral Buildup
If faucet parts are in good condition then dripping in the Delta touch faucet is due to mineral buildup. To clean mineral buildup, use a soft cloth or toothbrush to gently remove the buildup without damaging the faucet finish. When you remove mineral buildup, it will improve the faucet’s performance and stop its dripping.
Sometimes mineral buildup won’t be cleaned by scrubbing the faucet for this you need to soak the faucet part into the vinegar for a few hours.
For this create a mixture of warm water and vinegar and submerge the affected parts into the mixture. The acidic properties of vinegar will help dissolve the mineral deposits, making them easier to remove.
Reassemble The Faucet
- Once you have replaced the O-ring or cartridge and cleaned any mineral buildup, it’s time to reassemble the faucet.
- Place the faucet assembly back into position and secure it with the retaining nut. Tighten the nut using the adjustable wrench.
- Put the decorative cap or collar back in place, ensuring it is snugly fitted.
- Finally, attach the faucet handle and tighten the set screw to hold it in place.
Check also – Can a Touchless Faucet Work Manually?
How To Fix If a Delta Faucet Is Dripping From The Handle?
If the water is dripping from the handle, it means the nut of the handle is loose. A loose nut can’t hold the handle in the right place. You need to tighten its nut to stop dripping.
Every Delta faucet handle has a hex screw at the base of the faucet handle. An Allen wrench is the right tool to remove this hex screw.
Grab the screw with the Allen wrench and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. When the screw comes out, gently pull the handle away from the faucet. Underneath the handle, you’ll find a rounded base covering the holding nut.
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According to the faucet model, the rounded base comes out. In some models, you can pull it directly and, in some models, it requires twisting it to remove it. When you remove the rounded base, the holding nut will be visible. This nut is the main reason why the handle is loose and water is dripping from the handle.
To tighten the nut, the centerset wrench is the right tool. Take care not to overtighten it as you wouldn’t want to strip the threads.
After tightening the nut, take a quick inspection of the faucet. Turn on the water and see if there is any sign of a leak or not. If there is no leak, it means, you have successfully stopped the dripping of the Delta faucet. Now it’s time to put the handle back in its position. Align the handle with the faucet stem and gently push it into position. Know more in detail in this video.
Can An Aerator Cause a Faucet To Drip?
Yes, an aerator can cause a faucet to drip. The aerator is located at the tip of the faucet spout. It mixes air into water and reduces splashing and makes a gentle water flow. But with time, mineral deposits accumulate in the holes of the faucet aerator.
When you see the water dripping from the spout, it may be due to a clogged aerator. To check the actual reason for the dripping is the aerator or not, remove the aerator from the faucet.
After removing the aerator if the water stops dripping then the aerator was the reason. If water drips won’t stop, it means the aerator is not the reason and there is any other part of the faucet is damaged.
Final Thoughts
Addressing a Delta touch faucet dripping is essential to ensure the optimal functionality and longevity of your faucet. By understanding the causes of a dripping Delta touch faucet and following the steps to fix it, you can save water, prevent further issues, and maintain a smoothly operating faucet. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to keeping your Delta touch faucet in excellent condition. Remember to clean your faucet regularly, avoiding abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.