Disassembling a Stiff Empire SL4100BN-A Kitchen Faucet

[SPSchaller]

The single handle kitchen faucet in my Forest River/Primetime Lacrosse Travel Trailer is very stiff, making small adjustments impossible and has me worried it may fail if not lubricated. The faucet is an SL4100BN-A made by Empire Faucets. Their website lists only installation instructions, nothing in regards to disassembling the handle. Plumbing websites have general instructions for disassembling similar faucets but I can not seem to determine how the handle on mine comes off. There doesn't appear to be a screw of any kind holding it on. I am curious if anyone has worked with these faucets in the past and might shed some light.
Thanks,
Scott.

 

[CharlesinGA]

That is basically a throw away faucet, and you might consider replacing it with something else.

I saw a video where an Airstreamer had a very similar faucet and they had to put a rubber band over the handle and spout to prevent if from turning on during travel (I guess that is so when they connected city water it would not suddenly come blasting out).

 

[Mark_K5LXP]

It has already failed- if it's stiff, loose or leaks the ship has sailed. You could go with got nothing to lose by trying so maybe tear into it and see what's going on. Some faucets use cartridges, some o-rings, some both. The PO of my RV put in a spendy moen fixture so when it started leaking I tore into it, thinking it's an expensive fixture and worth fixing. By the time it was done I was into it for a $40 cartridge, an o-ring kit I had to order online and a good couple hours futzing with it. I would've been time and money ahead to put that thing in the poop can and replace it with a cheap fixture from lowes. I have to wonder too how a fixture that's used cumulatively less than one month a year craps out. Best case is you get in there and it's a simple fix but the minute it goes south don't feel bad about repair by replacement.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[OldWEB]

https://www.rvfaucets.com/productattachments/index/download?id=80

Either pull the handle off or would the stem loosen off to release the handle?

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Agree with Charles; it's a throwaway and needs to be replaced. Empire is a cheap faucet intended for bulk sale to RV manufacturers and last a year (the factory warranty period).

 

[NVRider]

Didn't think twice about replacing the original faucet on my Lance camper when it started leaking. An easy fix for a DIYer, Plus, I got rid of the stupid hose that we never used and now have just a basic, clean looking faucet. FORIOUS Kitchen Faucet

 

[8Muddypaws]

Select a faucet carefully. Some are not intended for the low pressure RVs have. I made that mistake and there is no way to modify the flow rate.

 

[permitwriter]

Didn't think twice about replacing the original faucet on my Lance camper when it started leaking. An easy fix for a DIYer, Plus, I got rid of the stupid hose that we never used and now have just a basic, clean looking faucet. FORIOUS Kitchen Faucet

View attachment 2445668

We use our hose all the time and wouldn't want to be without it. We have a different faucet so I can't help you with disassembly. I was going to suggest AI but I looked it up myself. There should be a black rubber plug somewhere on the handle. Remove it and you should be able access a set screw. Here's the service manual - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://lci-support-doc.s3.amazonaws.com/manuals/kitchen-and-bath/kitchen/ccd-0007182.pdf

or this Faucet Troubleshooting and Service Manual

See page 10.

It might be a throw away faucet but getting in there to remove it could be a royal pain. Fixing it might be a lot easier. Maybe just a little faucet grease on the cartridge might be all that's needed to loosen it up. But if the faucet is easy to remove, maybe you'd like a new/better one.

 

[SPSchaller]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I decided that since many have suggested to repair by replacing, it wouldn't hurt trying to fix it and should that fail, install a new faucet. I found the replacement I would use if/when necessary, making sure I could get it locally (makes me crazy that so much stuff from the hardware store has to be 'shipped' these days...) Then, the fix. On this faucet, the pull-down handle is unscrewed, revealing an allen nut. Loosen the allen nut and the handle come off. There is a piece of decorative trim that is then unscrewed, providing access to the plate holding the cartridge in place. This plate is unscrewed (I used a pair of needle-nosed pliers) allowing the cartridge to be removed. I made a cleaning solution of 50/50 white vinegar and water. I soaked the cartridge in the solution for several minutes moving the handle and brushing the parts I could access with an old tooth brush. I rinsed the cartridge and the reassembled the faucet... twice. The first time, I allowed the cartridge to rotate while screwing in the holding plate... not good. After cleaning up the mess I made when I turned on the water, I reassembled the faucet making sure the cartridge remained in place this time and voila! The faucet appears to be working quite well...