How to remove and replace Delta Ball Valves

Many of Delta’s single-handle faucets contain a ball valve assembly. In this type of faucet, one handle controls both the temperature and flow of water from the faucet. Inside the faucet body, springs and valve seats support a metal ball and allow it to rotate in the turn direction of the handle. Over time, the springs and seats, and eventually the metal ball itself, can wear and cause leaking from the faucet. Repairing a Delta ball valve faucet requires replacement of the defective parts.

1. Remove the faucet cap and cam packing. The faucet cap is a chrome piece that covers and protects the inside parts. To remove, loosen the white plastic adjusting ring by placing a flat-head screwdriver in one of the four notches and tapping in a counterclockwise direction. Then, unscrew the faucet cap. If the cap will not budge, use a jar opener to provide extra gripping power. Lift off the white plastic cam-packing piece to expose the ball valve. Clean any hard water deposits from the piece by wiping it with a soft cloth dipped in a little lime scale remover.


2. Remove and replace the ball valve and seal/spring combinations. Grasp the ball valve stem and lift up. Inspect the underside of the ball for signs of wear. Signs you need to replace the ball include wearing of the metal around the holes, scratches, or a brass color appearing from underneath the metal plating. Remove and replace seals and springs. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry out the three spring/seal combinations and discard. Slide a spring onto the open end of each rubber seal and then reinsert in the faucet body, using your finger to push them into place.

3. Reassemble the faucet. Replace parts in this order: the new ball valve, cam-packing piece, faucet cap, handle, and cover plate. Turn the water back on and test the faucet for leaks. If leaking occurs, remove the faucet handle and tighten the adjusting ring.