Before I left for the ETS / SBL conferences a few weeks back, the tub in my bathroom developed a slow drip. I didn't really have time or desire to address it before the conferences, so I decided to just let it be and deal with it when I came back.

Upon returning, I found that the slow drip had developed into a steady trickle. It was time to address the problem. However, I know next to nothing about plumbing, so I turned to the web to look for answers.

I learned a whole lot about Delta single-faucet hardware and the innards. I went to the store and bought the biggest pair of channel-lock pliers I could find (needed to remove the large brass collar, as depicted here). Based on the stuff I'd read, I simply needed to replace a few small seals. So I also purchased some replacement seals and springs, hoping the fix would be easy. (Note: The seals and springs are RP4993 in this PDF graphic)

Now, unfortunately for me, my main water shutoff is in the most inconvienent place possible — under the house in the crawl space (no basement) opposite the entry-hole. So to turn the water on or off, it involved an excursion under the house. Not fun, but thankfully there is about 3 feet of clearance, so I didn't have to crawl the whole way.

So, I turned off the water. I ripped apart my faucet, removed the brass collar (needed to loosen it with some silicone lubricant/penetrant), and yanked out the innards (the whole RP19804 unit from the above PDF graphic), then ripped it apart and replaced the springs and seals.

Convinced I'd fixed the problem, I put it all back together and crawled back underneath the house to turn the water back on. I got back in the house, checked the faucet ... and it was still running at a slow trickle. Drats.

And then inspiration struck. I have two bathtub/shower units in my house, and they both have the same hardware. So, I went back under the house (ugh) and shut off the water. Then I came back into the house, ripped apart both faucets, and started to compare the two parts — particularly RP19805, which seemed to be the most likely piece to be faulty. I messed around with the seals again, and put each faucet back together. Then back under the house to turn on the water (that shutoff really needs easier access!) No dice, the trickle was still there.

Back under the house. Ugh.

Then I decided to get into serious problem-solving mode: It was time to switch the innards. I figured this action had four possible results, only one of which would cause me to have to crawl back under the house:

Result 1: Both faucets would have a steady trickle. This would cause me to go back under the house so I could switch the hardware back, and it would lead me to conclude that both the hardware and the plumbing on faucet #1 were faulty, and that the faulty hardware caused faucet #2 to begin a trickle. This was my worst-case scenario.

Result 2: Neither faucet would trickle. Not quite sure what would cause this, beyond serendipity. This result, while pleasant, wasn't necessarily desired because I wouldn't know what fixed the issue and there would be a high liklihood it would rear its ugly head again. But it would also mean I wouldn't crawl back under the house; at least not today.

Result 3: No change. Faucet #1 continues to trickle, faucet #2 continues with no trickle. This would be unfortunate because it would mean that the faucet hardware is fine, but there was a deeper problem in the plumbing somewhere — and I'd probably have to call in a plumber. But then he would be the one crawling under the house, not me.

Result 4: Opposite. Faucet #1 would have no trickle and faucet #2 would develop a new trickle. This was my desired result, because it would narrow the problem to the faucet hardware, and I would be able to order a replacement part (the Lowes/Home Depot/Hardware Sales sort of stores don't stock RP19804, the part I would need to replace). I would still need to crawl under the house, but I'd do it later with a hopefully reasonable expectation that the problem really would be solved.

Logic is so cool. Yes, I actually did think through these options; I'm not making it up — though there is a little embellishment above, and I only thought of the worst option (Result 1 above) as I was getting ready to crawl back under the house again to turn the water back on.

The result of the switch? We have a winner behind door #4! This was my best-case scenario. So, I hopped onto the web and ordered the necessary part. Should arrive sometime next week, and the tub spigot in my guest bathroom will be trickling until I get the part.

This means I'll have to crawl under the house at least two more times to shut off the water for the repair. But hopefully that'll be the end of it. If that doesn't work, I guess I'll have to call a plumber. I'll let y'all know how it turns out.