How To Install The Delta RP4993

If you're repairing an existing older model Delta RP4993 faucet, you'll find the process is neither terribly complex or time-intensive. The entire faucet installation process is somewhat more complicated and will require more time. In both cases, you'll need some basic tools and approximately an hour or so to complete the project.

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To begin installing the faucet or to repair its seats and springs, you'll need some basic tools, including Philips and flathead screwdrivers, an 1/8-inch Allen wrench, needlenose pliers and channel lock pliers.

You'll also need a repair kit or a seats and springs kit for the original Delta RP4993 faucet model. You should be able to find these kits at any major home improvement store.

Before you do anything else, you'll need to shut off the water supply for the fixture you'll be installing at a minimum. You can find this knob underneath the sink on which you'll be working. Alternatively, you can also shut off the main water supply for the entire house.

Once this is done, make sure to empty the line of any existing water. If your model is a two-handle style, open both the hot and cold water handles. If your faucet is a one-handle model, open it to a warm setting. After the water has completely drained, close off the basin so you don't lose any small parts.

Once you're ready to proceed, remove the faucet handle or handles. Use a screwdriver if your Delta faucet has acrylic handles or a single plastic handle. Simply pop off the screw cover button with a flathead screwdriver, then remove the handle screws with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the handle off the faucet cartridge stem by hand.

If your Delta faucet has one or two metal handles, you will need an Allen wrench to loosen the handle set screws in order to remove them. Unscrew the cartridge or stem retaining nut. Remove the Delta faucet cartridges with pliers, then lift the seats and springs out of the faucet body with your screwdriver or Allen wrench.

Install your new Delta RP4993 seats and spring repair kit. An easy way to install the kit is to slide the rubber seal on to a small screwdriver or Allen wrench with the small open end in front. Slide the metal spring up on the small end of the tool first. Carefully lower the tool into the faucet body, and let the spring and seal slide down into the faucet. You may need to work the rubber seal into position with your fingers. However, be careful not to poke the seal with tools to avoid damaging the rubber seal.

Reinstall the remaining faucet parts in the order in which you removed them.

Remove the aerator from the end of the faucet spout. Turn the faucet handles on, then resume the water supply back on to the faucet. Allow the water to flow for a few seconds, then turn the faucet off. Replace the aerator and inspect the faucet for leaks or drips.

As before, shut off the water supply to the sink or to the house. If there's an old faucet installed, you'll need to remove it before going further.

Next, position the faucet through the mounting hole in your countertop. Beneath the sink, take the U-shaped mounting bracket and slide it over the faucet shank. The supply lines should fit neatly inside the bracket.

Tighten the nut on the shank at its end, using the Allen wrench to secure it further against the counter's bottom surface beneath the sink. Double check the positioning of your faucet assembly before you make the final tightening adjustments.

Next, you'll attach the water supply lines. At the ends of each line, you'll see either blue or red coloration. Blue represents the cold water line, while red denotes the hot water line. Connect each line to the corresponding supply. The compression fitting at each end should fit right over the supply valve. (You may require an adapter here.) Tighten each connection firmly with an adjustable wrench.

Now, it's time to test the installation. First, open your faucet handle fully in the "on" position. Then, turn back on the water supply. Allow the water to flow for about 30 seconds or so to let any debris flow out of the line. Turn the faucet back off, then check for leaks both around the base and underneath the faucet. If you see any moisture that denotes a leak, try tightening the connections more, then run the test again.