Strange faucet behavior

Strange to me, anyway. Nary, nary a plumber.

I got a old kitchen faucet, washer-type (or compression) very similar to the one depicted at:

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I turn the hot to, say, 30% of flow. It very slowly creeps back to maybe 10%, eventually stops altogether.

I turn the hot to, say, 70% of flow. It very slowly creeps back to maybe 40% or less.

Figgered it had to do with the water going from cold to hot, but it does pretty much the same when the water at the faucet has already reached full temperature.

Any ideas?

TIA Puddin'

"Law Without Equity Is No Law At All. It Is A Form Of Jungle Rule."

Reply to
Puddin' Man
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Can't view that page here, but my guess is that loose stem packing is allowing the water pressure / flow to rotate the valve.

Reply to
Pete C.

1.) The packing is just O-ring(s). 2.) The mechanism threads straight down in the usual fashion (clockwise to close/shut-off). If your guess were accurate, wouldn't it increase rather than decrease flow? P

"Law Without Equity Is No Law At All. It Is A Form Of Jungle Rule."

Reply to
Puddin' Man

Do you meant that the handle is actually turning? If that's the case, I have no idea.

If not, maybe the wrong kind of washer, and it gets compressed when the faucet is closed and slowly expands after it's opened?

Reply to
Larry Fishel

No, I've not seen the handle actually turn.

Loose washer screw. Possible, I suppose, tho you'd think the water pressure would hold it up?

The washer that's in it has been in service a long time. Used to work fine.

"Law Without Equity Is No Law At All. It Is A Form Of Jungle Rule."

Reply to
Puddin' Man

I have experienced this and believe it is due to expansion of the washer and stem from the heat. Some faucets and washers seem to be more prone to this and wear in the threads might be a factor.

Don Young

Reply to
Don Young

Change the valves as they are properly worn how old are they , also are they opened or closed when you put them in .

Reply to
jim

it's the washer swelling up. pretty normal for that type of seal.

s
Reply to
Steve Barker

...

I believe you get the prize. I would call that expansion "rebound" so it might be easier to understand.

Reply to
sligoNoSPAMjoe

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