How To Fix A Dripping Kitchen Faucet Now

Can I fix a dripping kitchen faucet myself? Yes, most people can fix a dripping kitchen faucet by following simple steps. This guide will help you with DIY faucet repair and stop that annoying drip today. Fixing a leaky kitchen faucet is usually straightforward.

How To Fix A Dripping Kitchen Faucet
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Why Faucets Drip: Finding the Root Cause

A dripping faucet wastes water and can drive you crazy. Before we start repairing a leaky kitchen faucet, we must know why it happens. Common kitchen faucet problems usually stem from worn-out internal parts. Water keeps running because a seal or a part is no longer fitting right. This often means stopping a dripping faucet requires replacing these small parts.

Here are the main causes:

Worn-out washers or seals.
A cracked or damaged O-ring.
A faulty cartridge or ball valve assembly.
Loose packing nuts or connections.

Gathering Your Tools for Faucet Repair

Before you begin fixing a running kitchen tap, get all your gear ready. Having the right tools makes the job much quicker. You do not need a huge workshop. Most repairs need only basic items.

Here is a list of what you should have on hand:

Adjustable wrench or basin wrench.
Screwdrivers (both flat-head and Phillips).
Pliers (needle-nose are helpful).
A utility knife or small scraper.
White vinegar for cleaning mineral deposits.
New replacement parts (washers, O-rings, or a new cartridge).
Plumber’s grease or best lubricant for faucet repair (silicone-based).
A small bucket and old towels.

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

This is the most crucial first step. If you skip this, you will have a flood!

Locating the Shut-Off Valves

Look under the sink. You should see two small valves coming out of the wall or floor. One controls hot water, and the other controls cold water.

Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. This shuts off the water flow to the faucet.
Test the faucet handles. Turn the faucet on fully. If water still flows out, the shut-off valves may not be working.
If the main valves fail, you must turn off the main water supply to your house. Find your home’s main shut-off valve, usually in the basement, garage, or near the water meter.

Relieving Remaining Pressure

After turning off the valves, turn the faucet handles on again. Let any water left in the lines drain out. This releases pressure so you can safely take the faucet apart.

Step 2: Disassembling the Faucet Handle

How you take apart the handle depends on the type of faucet you have. Kitchen faucets usually fall into three main types: compression, ball, or cartridge. We will cover the general steps for access.

Locating the Screw Cap

Most modern handles have a decorative cap covering the screw that holds the handle in place.

Use a thin flat-head screwdriver or a utility knife to gently pry off this cap. Be careful not to scratch the handle finish.
Underneath, you will find a screw. Use the correct size screwdriver to remove this screw. Keep it safe; these small screws get lost easily.
Pull the handle straight up and off. If it sticks, wiggle it gently. Do not force it too hard.

Dealing with Stuck Handles

If the handle will not budge, it might be stuck due to mineral buildup. A spray of penetrating oil (like WD-40, but keep it away from internal parts if possible) or a soak in vinegar can help loosen it. Tightening a loose kitchen faucet handle is usually done after the repair, but removing a stuck one is a job for disassembly.

Step 3: Accessing the Internal Mechanism

Once the handle is off, you will see the inner workings. This is where the problem usually lies.

Compression Faucets

Compression faucets have two handles (hot and cold) that you twist down to stop the water. They rely on rubber washers.

Look for a packing nut or bonnet nut surrounding the stem.
Use your adjustable wrench to carefully unscrew this nut. Turn counter-clockwise.
Once the nut is off, you can pull the entire valve stem assembly out.

Cartridge Faucets

Cartridge faucets usually have one handle that moves up/down and side-to-side. They use a self-contained cartridge unit.

You might see a retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge in place.
If there is a clip, use needle-nose pliers to pull it straight up. It is often a small, U-shaped brass or plastic piece.
If there is a nut, unscrew it with your wrench.
Pull the cartridge straight up. It might need a gentle tug. Note its orientation before removal, as it must go back the same way. This process is key to replacing kitchen faucet cartridge.

Ball Faucets

These single-handle faucets use a rotating metal or plastic ball to control flow.

After removing the handle, you will likely find a slotted cap or collar. Use special pliers or an adjustable wrench to remove this collar.
Lift out the cam, washer, and the rotating ball mechanism.

Step 4: Identifying and Replacing Worn Parts

Now you are ready for the repair itself. This part is crucial for stopping a dripping faucet.

Faucet Washer Replacement (For Compression Faucets)

The washer at the base of the stem is the number one culprit in these older styles.

Look at the bottom of the stem you removed. You will see a screw holding a rubber washer in place.
Remove the screw.
Pry off the old, cracked, or hardened washer.
Take the old washer to the hardware store to find an exact match. They come in various sizes.
Install the new washer. Secure it with the screw.
Check the O-rings along the stem body as well. If they look cracked or flat, replace them. Applying a thin coat of best lubricant for faucet repair (silicone plumber’s grease) on the new O-rings helps create a better seal and makes future repairs easier.

Dealing with Cartridges and Ball Assemblies

If you have a cartridge or ball faucet, replacing the whole unit is usually the easiest route for DIY faucet repair.

If you are replacing kitchen faucet cartridge, take the old one to the store. Faucet brands use proprietary cartridges, so a perfect match is vital.
For ball faucets, replace the springs, seats, and the ball itself, often sold as a repair kit.

Inspecting for Damage

While the parts are out, look closely at the faucet body itself, especially the seats (where the washers or cartridge make contact).

If the metal seat is rough or pitted, it will chew up new washers quickly. You may need a special seat-dressing tool to smooth it out. This is an advanced step in repairing a leaky kitchen faucet.
Clean any white, crusty mineral buildup (lime or calcium) from all parts using white vinegar. Soak metal components for a few hours if necessary.

Step 5: Lubrication and Reassembly

Good lubrication ensures smooth operation and longevity.

Applying Plumber’s Grease

Always use plumber’s grease, which is safe for contact with drinking water and rubber parts.

Apply a thin layer of grease to the threads of the valve stem or cartridge.
Apply grease to new O-rings before sliding them into place. This acts as the best lubricant for faucet repair for moving parts.

Putting It Back Together

Reassembly is just the reverse of disassembly. Take your time.

Insert the stem or cartridge carefully, making sure it aligns correctly. This is especially important for cartridges that must seat perfectly.
If you removed a retaining clip, put it back in place.
Screw the packing nut or bonnet nut back on. Tighten it firmly, but do not overtighten. Overtightening can crush new washers or make the handle stiff. If you are tightening a loose kitchen faucet part, ensure it is snug but not strained.
Reattach the handle and screw it down. Pop the decorative cap back on.

Step 6: Testing the Repair

This is the moment of truth for fixing a running kitchen tap.

Ensure the faucet handles are in the OFF position.
Slowly turn the water shut-off valves back on under the sink. Listen for any immediate leaks.
Turn the faucet handles on, one at a time, testing both hot and cold.
Let the water run for a minute to flush out any debris.
Turn the water off completely. Watch the spout closely for several minutes. If the drip is gone, congratulations! You successfully performed DIY faucet repair.

Addressing Specific Faucet Types and Issues

Not all drips are fixed with simple washers. Here is a brief look at other common scenarios related to common kitchen faucet problems.

Cartridge Faucet Drips (Single Handle)

If you have replaced the cartridge and it still drips, the issue might be the mounting surface inside the faucet body. However, most often, the initial problem was replacing kitchen faucet cartridge with the wrong type or failing to seat it correctly.

Table 1: Cartridge Faucet Troubleshooting

Symptom	Likely Cause	Solution
Drip continues after replacement	Improper seating of the cartridge	Remove, inspect O-rings, reinsert ensuring alignment tabs fit slots.
Handle is stiff	Lack of lubrication or overtightened bonnet/clip	Remove handle, lubricate stem/cartridge area with plumber’s grease.
Leak around handle base	Worn O-rings or failed spout gasket (if applicable)	Replace O-rings; apply plumber’s grease during reassembly.

Ball Faucet Dripping

Ball faucets are complex due to the many small parts (ball, seats, springs). Leaks usually occur from the spout or around the handle base. Repairing a leaky kitchen faucet of this type almost always means using a complete replacement kit designed for your faucet brand (e.g., Delta, Moen).

Dealing with Leaks Around the Base

If water leaks out from around the base of the spout when you turn the water on, this is not a drip from the spout but a leak under pressure.

You must remove the spout assembly (usually held down by a set screw near the base).
Inspect the O-rings located on the spout body itself.
Replace these O-rings and generously apply the best lubricant for faucet repair before reattaching the spout.

Advanced Tips for DIY Faucet Repair

For those looking to improve their skills beyond basic washer swaps:

Tightening a Loose Kitchen Faucet Base

Sometimes the entire faucet wobbles in the sink deck. This is not a drip issue but can cause leaks if the supply lines shift.

Get under the sink again.
Locate the large mounting nut or plate that secures the faucet body to the sink or countertop.
Use a basin wrench (a specialized long-handled wrench) to reach up and firmly tighten this mounting nut. Do not strip the threads.

Preventing Future Leaks

Regular maintenance helps keep your faucet running smoothly and avoids future repairing a leaky kitchen faucet emergencies.

Every six months, remove the handle caps and check for any signs of mineral buildup. Wipe down the area.
If you notice the handle getting hard to turn, it is a sign the internal components are drying out or wearing down. Apply more plumber’s grease when you hear squeaks.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While most drips are simple fixes, sometimes the job is too big for DIY faucet repair. Call a professional if:

The shut-off valves under the sink are corroded, leaking, or won’t turn.
The faucet body itself is cracked or severely pitted, meaning the leak is coming from the metal casting.
You cannot find the correct replacement part after multiple trips to the hardware store.
You attempt fixing a running kitchen tap but the leak reappears immediately, suggesting deep internal corrosion within the main valve body.

Replacing the entire faucet might be more cost-effective than trying to resurrect a very old, heavily corroded fixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fixing Dripping Faucets

How long should it take to fix a dripping faucet?

For a standard compression faucet needing faucet washer replacement, the job usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, provided you have the correct tools and parts readily available. Cartridge replacement is often faster if the cartridge is easily accessible.

What is the best lubricant for faucet repair?

The best lubricant for faucet repair is generally silicone-based plumber’s grease (often marked as NSF-approved). It resists water washout, stays put, and will not harm rubber or plastic seals, unlike petroleum-based greases.

Why is my single-handle faucet leaking when turned off?

This usually means the cartridge inside is failing. The best solution for fixing a running kitchen tap of this type is replacing kitchen faucet cartridge entirely, as the internal seals within the cartridge wear out over time.

Can a loose packing nut cause a drip?

Yes. If you have a compression faucet, tightening a loose kitchen faucet packing nut often stops leaks coming from around the handle (not necessarily the spout). If the drip is from the spout, the washer below the stem is the main suspect for stopping a dripping faucet.

Are faucet repair kits worth it?

Yes. For ball and ceramic disc faucets, complete repair kits that include seats, springs, and sometimes the tools needed for removal are highly recommended for successful DIY faucet repair and troubleshooting common kitchen faucet problems.