Grohe faucets look great and are efficient, explaining why many homeowners install them than the other varieties. If you own one, you need to know how to fix a dripping Grohe faucet because it may malfunction due to poor maintenance or mishandling.
Though you may handle or maintain your Grohe faucet well, it may start dripping. The reason could be due to a failed part. Grohe faucets come in different designs and styles, which calls for different ways of repairing them.
But with a dripping faucet, it doesn’t matter the faucet’s size or design. You only need to change its basin mixer cartridge. If you love DIY projects at home or want to save on your money for fixing your dripping faucet, the following guide is for you.
A Step by Step Guide on Fixing a Dripping Grohe Faucet
Grohe faucets come either as a single or double-handle. In this guide, you will learn how to fix both leaking types.
What You Require;
- Wrench
- Tongue and groove pliers
- Faucet replacement parts
- Screwdriver
- Slip joint and needle-nose pliers
Fixing a Double-Handle Grohe Faucet
Double-handled faucets come in the following three types;
- Ceramic disc
- Cartridge
- Compression or reverse-compression
Please continue reading to know how to fix them all. But before that, here is what you need to note about Grohe faucet types. Some ceramic cylinders or disc and cartridge bodies look alike. For easier identification, kindly note that the cartridge bodies come with no moving parts.
You will find moving parts inside a ceramic disc body. These parts pivot to help open the ports found below. The following fixing guide applies for dripping Grohe faucets found in the kitchen, showers, bathrooms, or bathtubs.
Kindly note that the fixing guide below is general. It would be great if you also followed the manufacturer’s fixing instructions that came with your faucet.
Step 1 – Locate the Drip
First, you need to know where the drip is coming from. Start by shutting each water supply valve at a time. When you close the first valve, and the water continues dripping, note that the other valve has a problem. But in case both valves are stuck, close your water’s main supply.
It will also mean that you replace both valves since it’s difficult to know the leaking side. But after you discover the leaking side, close both valves.
Step 2 – Disassemble the Faucet
The next step is to take the dripping Grohe faucet apart. Start by turning the faucet’s handles on to remove any residual water. Then close the sink’s drain to prevent any particles or faucet parts from falling through it. Then cover the sink with a towel or clean cloth to prevent any scratch or damage from the falling parts and help catch them.
Next, remove the aerator and check if it has got any problem. Sometimes the aerator may get stuck due to mineral deposits. If so, loosen it by wrapping it with a towel soaked in vinegar. Then leave it for an hour to soak in the vinegar. After the waiting time has elapsed, twist it gently using pliers and a towel.
Step 3 – Arrange the Removed Parts
After dismantling the entire faucet, arrange the parts well, and take a picture. It will help while reassembling them or identifying the part with a problem. When you take their picture using your phone and show an expert, they will be able to see the part with the problem.
Also, after arranging all the parts, package them properly inside a plastic bag. Then carry them along with you when you go shopping for new parts. You may require only a part or two, but buying the entire set is recommended. Buy a new aerator if that of your faucet is damaged.
Step 4 – Install New Parts
After getting the damaged parts and replacing them with new ones, start the installation process. Like you removed the parts, return them gently, ensuring they all sit to position and are properly tightened. Then open the main water source and the two valves to check if dripping has stopped. If not, it means that you’ve replaced the right parts properly. Your Grohe faucet is now as good as new!
If you have a Grohe Ceramic Disc Faucet that’s leaking, here’s how to go about it;
- How to Fix a Dripping Grohe Ceramic Disc Faucet
Ceramic disc faucets contain cylinders installed with tiny discs at their bottom to control water flow. The best way to repair a dripping Grohe ceramic disc faucet is by replacing its cylinder. Otherwise, use the following steps.
Step 1 – Remove the Handle
First, remove its handle by loosening the set screw.
Step 2 – Remove the Cylinder
After loosening the set screw, unscrew the retainer nut. Some faucets use a mounting screw instead of a retainer nut. Whichever your faucet has, remove it, then pull out the faucet cylinder.
Step 3 – Install a New Cylinder
After removing the old cylinder, put a new one. Ensure it fits properly. Then reassemble the faucet.
Step 4 – Test to See If It’s Working
When you are through reassembling the faucet after installing a new cylinder, test to see if it’s dripping and working right. Turn on the faucet’s knobs slightly to avoid much pressure. Too much water pressure may damage your new hardware.
If all is okay, your leaking Grohe Ceramic Disc Faucet has been fixed! If the dripping problem persists, it means you have made a mistake in installing the cylinder and reassembling the faucet. Remove the faucet’s parts and assemble them again. This time around, pay attention to what you’re doing.
For a leaking Grohe Compression and Reverse-Compression faucet, here is how to solve the problem;
- How to Fix a Dripping Grohe Compression and Reverse-Compression faucet
Unlike the ceramic cylinder faucet, you will have to replace several parts of your Grohe compression and reverse-compression faucet if it’s leaking. The pats to replace include;
- Washer
- O-ring or gasket found on the valve stem
- Faucet’s valve seat
Step 1 – Removing the Knobs or Handles
First, you need to remove the faucet’s knobs or handles. Start with the temperature indicator cap. Pry it off, then remove the screw. Then remove the handles by pulling them off their bases. Some handles may come with a set screw for backup. If you find one in yours, remove it.
Step 2 – Remove the Valve Stem
Use a wrench to unscrew the retaining screw after removing the handles or knobs. Then pull out the valve stem.
Step 3 – Remove the Washer, Screw, and O-ring
After removing the valve stem, you find a screw, old O-ring, and washer. Remove them all.
Step 4 – Install a New Washer and O-ring
Replace the washer and O-ring with new ones, then replace the screw.
Step 5 – Remove and Replace the Valve Seat
When the new O-ring and washer are secured in their positions, take out the valve seat. A hex wrench or a seat will do an incredible job. Then install a new valve seat.
Step 6 – Reassemble the Faucet
After installing a new valve seat, put back all your faucet’s parts. Ensure each part sits properly in its position.
Step 7 – Test the Faucet
Open the faucet’s knob’s slightly to avoid damage from too much water pressure. If the leaking has stopped, then the problem has been fixed. If not, you could have reassembled the parts wrongly. Remove all the parts again and put them back keenly.
The following are steps for fixing a two-handled Grohe cartridge faucet.
- How to Fix a Grohe Cartridge faucet
Step 1 – Remove the Handle
The initial step is to remove the handles. Unscrew the set screws and take out the retaining nuts or clips.
Step 2 – Remove and Replace the Cartridge
After taking out the retaining nuts or clips, pull out the cartridge gently. Then take a new one and install it properly.
Step 3 – Put Back the Faucet’s Parts
After replacing the cartridge, reassemble the faucet’s parts. Be careful about how you place the parts back. Wrong reassembling may not solve the problem. You may end up with more problems than dripping.
Step – 4 Test the Faucet
Open the faucet’s knobs slightly to avoid pressure from too much water. Such pressure can damage the newly installed parts. If it’s no longer leaking, then your faucet is repaired. But if the water still drips, disassemble all the parts and assemble them again. This time around, ensure every part is properly installed.
Point to note: The price of springs and seats is peanuts. Instead of returning the old ones after disassembling the faucet, put on new ones. Your faucet’s repair will be better.
When fixing your faucet, be keen on the aerator. It is a device installed at the faucet’s tip to help streamline the water coming out. An aerator assists in conserving water and lower energy costs. Replace the aerator when fixing your dripping Grohe faucet.
Soak a dirty aerator in white vinegar to clean it or remove any deposits and buildup. Then rinse it with clean water before installing it.
After every faucet repair, allow the water to run for some time. It will help remove debris and other particles from newly installed parts.
You are now aware of how to fix your Grohe double-handled faucet. What if your faucet is single-handled? No need to worry. Follow to steps below to repair your leaking faucet.
- Fixing a Dripping Grohe Single-Handle Faucet
Step 1 – Find the Leak’s Location
Like with a double-handled faucet, you will need first to know the location of the leak. When a single-handled faucet drips, it means that some or all of its parts are damaged. If you discover the leak from the faucet’s base, it indicates that the seals found around its body are damaged.
The following guide will help you repair such a faucet, but it’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the repair.
Step 2 – Disassemble the Faucet
After discovering where the leak is coming from, remove all the faucet’s parts. Follow the manufacturer’s guide in doing so. Otherwise, you may spoil most parts and end up with more problems than before. If you are not sure how to do it, ask an expert to assist.
Start by closing the shut-off valves to turn off the water. If the shut-off valves are hard to close or stuck, close your house’s main water valve. Then open the water using the faucet’s handle to remove any left water and pressure.
Then close the drainage to avoid any of the faucet’s part from dropping inside. They may block the drainage, increasing the repair work. Also, cover the sink’s surface to protect it from scratch and chipping from the faucet’s parts or repair tools if they fall or drag through.
Please keep all the parts safe and in a manner to remind you of their assembly. Putting them in a box or bag is a great idea. You can also take their pics for reference in case they mix up.
Step 3 – Remove and Replace the Damaged Parts
Check out for the parts with a problem and remove them. If it’s a Grohe Ball faucet, remove its washer, cam, and ball. Then replace them with new ones. Also, remove the seats, springs, and O-rings if the problem is at the faucet’s base. Then replace them all with new ones.
Like fixing a dripping Grohe double-handled cartridge and ceramic disc faucet discussed above, follow the same procedure in repairing a leak or drip for the single-handled ones.
Step 4 – Assemble and Test the Faucet
After putting back all the faucet’s parts, test to see whether it’s still leaking. Avoid opening the water with a lot of pressure as it may affect the installed parts. If working well with no dripping, the process has been successful. If not, you could have made a problem somewhere while assembling the parts. Pull them all apart and try fixing them again. Ensure each part is properly installed before engaging another.
If you follow the above procedures, you will fix your Grohe faucet dripping issue successfully. But what could cause your faucet to leak in the first place? Here is the insight.
Why is My Grohe Kitchen Faucet Leaking?
A faucet leaks when its cartridge or O-ring gets won out. It is common when the faucet has been in use for a long time or mishandled. The solution is to replace the worn-out parts. Use the above guide to do so.
Unfortunately, sometimes the leaking may not stop despite applying the above guide. What could be the problem?
Why is My Grohe Faucet Still Dripping?
If you install the new O-ring or cartridge wrongly, your faucet may continue dripping. Also, ensure that no parts get left inside the faucet when assembling. All the parts must get placed in their position. Ensure the cartridge is properly sealed.
After repairing, test the faucet to ensure the dripping has stopped. If not, check whether the seal and cartridge are properly installed.
Conclusion
Grohe faucets have gained popularity among its users due to their outstanding durability, look, sturdiness, and efficiency. It would be best for a homeowner to learn how to fix a dripping Grohe faucet as it may fail.
As explained above, you shouldn’t panic when your faucet starts dripping or leaking. The repair process is not rocket science. You only need to follow the above fixing guide. If you have time or love working with your hands, the repair process is an excellent DIY project.
In case you are busy or don’t love working with your hands, you may call the assistance of an expert. But it will cost you some money. Don’t allow your water bill to rise with a leaking faucet. Use the above guide to fix the problem.
