how can i fix my kitchen tap?

I have a Moen 7700 kitchen faucet with a gooseneck spout, single handle and sprayer.

When the sprayer stopped working consistently, I contacted Moen and they sent out a new spray diverter and sprayer. I tried to replace it myself, but scratched the spout in the process, so Moen also sent out a replacement for that.

I had a plumber come to install the new spout and spray diverter and my sprayer now works, but now I have a new problem. Every time the faucet is turned on and then off, water continues to run out of the spout. I never had this problem with the original spout. The plumber has returned at my request and simply says it cannot be fixed and it's due to gravity.

Moen says that the cartridge should be replaced and that the plumber should make sure all the air is out of the line. The plumber refuses to replace the cartridge.

Can you help? This is really frustrating to have been charged more than $200 for a repair and then to be left with a new problem.

Thank you.

Frustrated in Durham NC
April 2010

If it is traditional tap sink washer (Rubber 1/2 inch) you can buy these from B and Q. You will need an adjustable spanner or mole grip and release liquid (Wd40) and small flat screwdriver. Place plug in tap hole so that you don't lose anything down the waste hole. Tap head can be released by unscrewing grub screw on tap handle. (This screw may be hidden by plastic disc showing Hot or Cold) Prise the disc off with a small pointed knife. Squirt release liquid around tap fitting. Next turn off the water. This is easy if the person who plumbed in the sink unit has put isolation valves or taps on the copper pipes leading to Hot and
Cold taps. Isolation valves are switched off by turning the small screw in the valve a 1/4 turn. If the pipes do not have an isolation valve you will need to turn the cold water by turning off stop cock tap for the mains water coming in to the house. Here again you may need to use release fluid to ease the tap. When turning the tap do so backwards and forwards. This will help ease the movement. A ring spanner is very useful to turn the tap by linking it around one arm of the tap. To turn the hot water off to the sink go to the loft. There should be 2 pipes about 1inch and 1/4 leading with stop cocks from the main cistern. One is for the hot water and goes to the hot water cylinder. The other is for cold water supplies to bathroom. You may not be able to work out which tap is which so turn both these taps off by easing with release liquid and use ring spanner to ease movement.
After checking water is off in the sink. use the adjustable spanner or mole grip to unscrew large nut on the tap. Use again liquid release to ease movement of the tap in its housing. Once this is removed you will see the rubber washer at the bottom held by a small nut or simple pushed over a nipple. Replace with new washer. Make sure tap and its new washer is seated properly in its housing and carefully screw unit up tightly. Once both taps are replaced check they will screw in and out easily. Go to the loft and turn hot and cold stop cocks on fully. Check water is flowing OK from Hot water sink tap. Finally tuen on mains stop cock to the house. End of story. Amen

AlleluiaPTL
July 2009

It sounds like your tap has a ceramic valve, rather than the traditional rubber washer. You can't repair these but you can often buy new inserts that replace the complete valve itself. Turn the water off, unscrew the insert and try B&Q or similar for the exact replacement - failing that contact the maker for a spare. If your tap has a 'gooseneck' spout and the leak is from there, the 'o' ring seal has given up. Hope this helps!

John
November 2007