Easy How To Fix A Leaking Kitchen Tap Now

If your kitchen tap is dripping, you can usually fix it yourself with some basic tools and a little know-how. The most common cause for a leaking faucet is worn-out internal parts like washers or cartridges.

Preparing for Your DIY Sink Tap Repair

Before you start any plumbing repair for dripping taps, you must take safety steps. A small drip can become a big mess quickly. Taking time now saves water and money later. This guide will help you with basic DIY sink tap repair jobs.

Essential Tools and Supplies Checklist

Gather your gear before you begin. Having everything ready makes the job smooth.

Adjustable wrench
Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
Pliers (needle-nose are handy)
Utility knife or small scraper
Replacement parts (washers, O-rings, or a new cartridge)
Towel or rag
Penetrating oil (for stuck screws)
Flashlight (for dark spaces)

Shutting Off the Water Supply

This is the most critical first step. You must stop the water flow to the tap.

Look under the sink. You will see two small valves, one for hot water and one for cold water.
Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. This shuts off the water.
Test the tap. Turn the tap on fully. If water still flows out, the shut-off valves might not be working well.
If the under-sink valves fail, you must turn off the main water supply to your house. This is usually near your water meter or where the main pipe enters your home.

Draining Remaining Water

Even after shutting off the supply, some water stays in the lines.

Turn the tap on again (both hot and cold). Let all the water drain out completely. This relieves pressure in the system.

Locating the Source of the Leak

A tap can leak from the spout (a drip) or from the base where it meets the sink. Knowing where the leak comes from tells you what part to fix.

Dripping From the Spout

A drip from the spout usually means the internal seal is bad. This is often related to repairing dripping faucet parts like washers or the cartridge.

Leaking Around the Base or Handle

If water pools around the bottom of the tap or under the handle, this points to worn replacing kitchen tap O-rings or packing nuts that have come loose. This is key for fixing leaky kitchen sink areas around the fixture itself.

Fixing Common Kitchen Tap Problems

Most kitchen taps fall into one of four main types: compression, ball, ceramic disc, or cartridge taps. The repair method depends on your tap style.

Repairing Compression Taps (Two Handles)

Compression taps are older style. They use rubber washers that press down to stop water flow.

Taking Apart the Tap Head

Remove the Handle: Find the decorative cap on top of the handle. Pry it off gently with a small flathead screwdriver.
Unscrew the Handle Screw: Use the screwdriver to remove the screw underneath the cap. Lift the handle off.
Expose the Stem: You will see a large packing nut holding the stem in place. Use your adjustable wrench to carefully loosen and remove this nut. Turn the nut counter-clockwise.
Remove the Stem: Pull the entire stem assembly out. You may need to wiggle it a bit. If it’s stuck, a light tap might help.

Replacing Worn Faucet Washers

The washer is usually at the bottom of the stem. This part wears out from constant friction.

Look at the bottom of the stem. You will see a screw holding the washer in place.
Remove this screw. Take off the old washer.
Take the old washer to a hardware store to find an exact match. Bring any old parts to ensure you buy the right size. This step is crucial for replacing worn faucet washers.
Fit the new washer onto the stem. Secure it with the screw. Tighten it just enough—over-tightening can damage the new washer.

Checking the Seat

The seat is where the washer presses against to stop water.

Look down into the tap body where the stem came out.
Use a seat wrench (a special tool) or a rag wrapped around a screwdriver to clean any debris. Sometimes, mineral deposits rough up the seat, preventing a good seal. This part of stopping a running kitchen tap is often overlooked.

Reassembly

Put the stem back into the tap body.
Tighten the packing nut. It should be snug, but not so tight that the handle is hard to turn.
Put the handle back on and secure the screw and cap.

Servicing Cartridge Sink Taps

Cartridge taps are common in modern kitchens. They use a single handle to control flow and temperature. When these leak, it usually means cartridge replacement sink tap is needed.

Accessing the Cartridge

Locate the Set Screw: The handle is usually held on by a small screw hidden under a decorative cap or plug at the back or side of the handle base.
Remove the Handle: Use an Allen key or small screwdriver to remove this set screw. Pull the handle off.
Remove the Retaining Nut/Clip: You might see a dome-shaped cap or a small retaining clip holding the cartridge in place. Remove this clip with needle-nose pliers or unscrew the cap.

Replacing the Cartridge

The cartridge itself is a plastic or brass cylinder. Note its exact orientation before pulling it out. Mark the front if needed.
Pull the cartridge straight up and out. Sometimes they are stiff. Use pliers gently if necessary.
Insert the new cartridge, ensuring it lines up exactly with the notches or openings in the tap body. This alignment is vital for correct hot/cold mixing.
Reinstall the retaining clip or nut.

This process is the best way for stopping a running kitchen tap that uses a cartridge system.

Dealing with Ball Taps (Older Single Handle)

Ball taps are identifiable by their single handle that sits on a rounded cap. They use a slotted metal or plastic ball to control water.

Disassemble: Remove the handle screw and the handle. Unscrew the cap.
Remove Parts: You will see a cam, a packing, and the ball. Lift these parts out carefully.
Replace Seals and Springs: Under the ball, there are small rubber seats and springs. These are the usual culprits for leaks. Replace these springs and seats. You can often buy a full repair kit for ball taps.
Reassemble: Put the ball back in, making sure the slot lines up with the pin inside the tap body. Then replace the cam, packing, and cap. Tighten the cap until the handle moves smoothly but firmly.

Fixing Leaks Around the Tap Base or Handle (O-Rings)

If water seeps out from under the spout or the handle, you need to look at the O-rings. This is part of replacing kitchen tap O-rings.

For Spout Leaks (Swivel Spouts)

If your spout swivels, water seals around the base via O-rings.

Remove the Spout: You often need to unscrew a retaining nut at the base of the spout, or sometimes there’s a hidden screw under the main tap body cover. Check your model instructions if unsure.
Locate O-Rings: Once the spout lifts off, you will see one or two rubber O-rings wrapped around the base of the spout body.
Replace O-Rings: Cut the old O-rings off. Clean the grooves thoroughly. Coat the new O-rings lightly with plumber’s silicone grease (not petroleum jelly, which degrades rubber). Slide the new rings into place.
Reassemble: Carefully lower the spout back into position and secure it.

For Handle Leaks

If the leak is around the handle base (on two-handle taps), the packing nut needs attention first.

If tightening the packing nut does not help, you might need to replace the small packing washer or O-ring located just under that nut on the stem assembly (see Compression Tap section).

Advanced Faucet Troubleshooting

Sometimes the problem isn’t just a simple washer replacement. Other issues can cause noise or looseness.

Troubleshooting Noisy Faucet Issues

A troubleshooting noisy faucet situation is often caused by water moving too fast or a loose part vibrating.

Water Hammer: If you hear a loud bang when the tap is turned off quickly, this is water hammer. It often needs a professional plumber to install arrestors, but sometimes simply ensuring the tap is fully closed (not just partially) helps.
Vibration/Buzzing: If you hear a buzzing sound when running water, check the aerator (the screen at the tip of the spout). Debris stuck there can cause turbulence and noise. Unscrew it and clean it.
Loose Internal Parts: If you recently did a DIY sink tap repair and the handle rattles when running, a component inside the cartridge or stem might not be seated tightly enough. Recheck the tightness of the retaining screws or nuts.

Fixing Loose Tap Handle

A fixing loose tap handle scenario is common, especially on lever-style taps.

Locate the Set Screw: As detailed before, find the screw that locks the handle onto the spindle (the shaft sticking up from the body).
Tighten the Screw: Use the correct Allen key or screwdriver to firmly tighten this screw.
Check the Spindle: If tightening the handle screw doesn’t work, the spindle itself might be loose inside the body. For cartridge taps, this means checking the locking nut holding the cartridge in place. For compression taps, check the packing nut.

Reassembly and Testing Your Work

Once you have replaced the faulty parts, it is time to test your successful repairing dripping faucet efforts.

Reversing the Steps

Reassemble the tap following the exact reverse order of disassembly. Do not rush this. Hand-tighten parts before using tools for the final snug fit.

Turning the Water Back On Slowly

This step requires patience to avoid water hammer or stressing the new seals.

Go back under the sink. Slowly turn the cold water valve back on (counter-clockwise). Listen for any immediate rushing or hammering sounds.
Slowly turn the hot water valve back on.
Wait a minute. Check under the sink for any new leaks around the supply lines or shut-off valves.

Final Test of the Tap

Turn the kitchen tap on to a medium flow. Let the water run for a minute to clear any debris from the lines.
Turn the tap fully off.
Wait five minutes.
Check the spout. Is it completely dry?
Check around the base of the tap and under the sink. Is everything dry?

If the tap is silent and dry, congratulations! You have completed your DIY sink tap repair.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While many leaks are simple fixes, sometimes the problem is bigger or requires specialized equipment.

You should call a professional plumber if:

You cannot locate or turn off the main water supply.
The tap body itself is cracked (this requires full replacement, not just part replacement).
After replacing parts, the tap still leaks, suggesting deep corrosion or a damaged valve seat that needs specialized grinding tools.
You are attempting to fix a very old or antique fixture where parts are impossible to source.
You hear loud banging (water hammer) that persists even after checking simple fixes.

A plumber will be adept at tackling complex issues related to plumbing repair for dripping taps quickly and safely.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Leaks

Good habits keep your taps running smoothly for years. These small steps help avoid future repairing dripping faucet jobs.

Clean the Aerator Regularly: Unscrew the aerator every three to six months to remove mineral buildup. This helps maintain good flow and prevents noise.
Handle with Care: Do not force handles closed. Over-tightening wears out washers and cartridges much faster.
Check O-Rings Annually: If you have a swivel spout, make it a habit to check for seepage around the base once a year. A dab of plumber’s grease on the replacing kitchen tap O-rings can extend their life significantly.
Address Minor Issues Fast: If you hear a slight tick or feel a small bit of resistance when closing the tap, address it right away. Small problems grow into big leaks.

Summary of Repair Steps by Leak Type

Leak Location	Likely Cause	Primary Repair Focus	Key LSI Keywords Used
Spout Drip (Hot or Cold)	Worn Washer or Cartridge	Replacing worn faucet washers or Cartridge replacement sink tap	Repairing dripping faucet, Stop running kitchen tap
Leak at Handle Base	Loose Packing Nut or Worn O-ring	Tightening packing nut or Replacing kitchen tap O-rings	Fixing loose tap handle
Leak at Tap Body Base (Spout Swivel)	Worn O-rings at Spout Base	Replacing kitchen tap O-rings	Fixing leaky kitchen sink
Noise/Rattling When Running	Loose Internal Parts or Debris	Tightening retaining components or cleaning aerator	Troubleshooting noisy faucet

This structured approach covers the main elements needed for successful DIY sink tap repair. By following these steps carefully, you can resolve most common issues that cause a leaking kitchen tap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to fix a dripping faucet?

If you do the DIY sink tap repair yourself, the cost is very low—usually between \$5 and \$30 for replacement washers, O-rings, or a simple cartridge kit. If you hire a plumber for plumbing repair for dripping taps, expect labor costs ranging from \$75 to \$150, plus the cost of parts.

Can I fix a cartridge tap without shutting off the main water supply?

For most cartridge taps, you can usually stop running kitchen tap flow by just using the shut-off valves under the sink. Only if those under-sink valves fail to stop the water completely do you need to go to the main house supply.

What is the easiest way to stop running kitchen tap water if I can’t find the under-sink valves?

If you cannot find or use the valves under the sink, you must find and turn off the main water shut-off valve for your entire house. This is crucial before starting any repairing dripping faucet work to prevent flooding.

My tap handle keeps coming loose after I tighten it. What should I do?

This is a common issue with fixing loose tap handle problems. First, ensure the screw itself isn’t stripped. If the screw is tight, the spindle (the shaft the handle mounts onto) might be spinning freely. For cartridge taps, you need to check the nut holding the cartridge in place. If it’s a compression tap, the packing nut might be loose or the stem threads are worn.

Why is my faucet noisy even after I replaced the washers?

If you are troubleshooting noisy faucet problems after a repair, check the aerator first. If the aerator is clean, the noise often comes from partial blockage or turbulence caused by a poorly seated cartridge or washer that restricts flow unevenly. Ensure all internal parts are correctly aligned during cartridge replacement sink tap procedure.