Using Chemistry to Fix the Kitchen Sink

Posted by 5x5 on April 20, 2009 under Random Science | Read the First Comment

Have you ever pulled up on your kitchen sink handle only to find water pouring full force into the sink and a detached handle in your hand? There is a good chance your problem resulted from either scaling (mineral buildup) or a loose screw.

What you will need:

Flat head screw driver
Allen wrench (Try 1/8th inch)
Bowl – large enough to submerge entire handle
Vinegar

Instructions:
1. Align the hole in the bottom of the handle with the rod in the faucet base and gently press down. Turn off the running water.
2. Pull the handle straight off, leaving the faucet in the off position.
3. Look for a tiny piece of red and blue plastic set into the handle. It is used to indicate which direction is hot versus cold. It is also used to cover up the screw adjustment hole. Squat down on the floor or find a place you can work without pieces falling down the sink drain. Take the flat head screw driver and place it on the inside of the handle, flatly against the back side of the plastic bobble. Gently apply even pressure until it comes out.
4. Place the handle in the bowl and fill it with vinegar, covering the handle completely.
5. Go find something fun to do for about an hour.
6. Pull the handle out of the vinegar and see if the back of the screw inside the handle is visable. Put the allen wrench in the front and make sure the screw rotates. If the screw back is not visible or does not rotate, place it back in the vinegar until it is.
7. Align the hole in the bottom of the handle with the rod in the faucet. Press down eavenly and firmly to ensure it is attached.
8. Use the front access hole to tighten the screw on to the rod.
9. GIve the faucet a try and make sure it stays snuggly on the rod. If it does not, you probably need to tighten it more. Put the short side of the allen wrench in the hole and use the leverage of the longer end to give a better torque.
10. Align the cute little red and blue bobble back over the hole. Press gently and evenly until it is back in place.
11. Call it a day. You’ve done enough hard work.

Why does soaking the handle, scaled with calcium carbonate in vinegar fix the sink? Find out what the geeks at Ask a Scientist have to say or try a little at home experiment with an egg.

What have you fixed around the house using chemistry?

References:
Your Household Water Quality: Corrosive or Scaling Water

U.S. Department of Energy