Easy Guide: How To Fix Leaking Faucet In Kitchen

Yes, you can usually fix a leaking faucet in your kitchen yourself! Most leaks come from a few common, easy-to-fix parts. This guide will help you get that annoying drip to stop fast. We will show you simple steps for kitchen faucet repair to stop dripping kitchen sink water waste.

Preparation: Getting Ready for Faucet Fixes

Before you touch any screws, you must prepare your workspace. Safety first! A little prep saves big messes later.

Turning Off The Water Supply

This step is vital. You cannot fix a leak if water is still flowing.

Look Below the Sink: Find the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink cabinet. They usually have small handles.
Turn Them Off: Turn both handles clockwise until they stop. This closes the water line to the faucet.
Test the Faucet: Turn the faucet handles on fully, both hot and cold. Some water might drain out. If no more water comes out, you are good to go. If water still flows, you need to find the main water shut-off for your house and turn it off there.

Gathering Your Tools and Parts

Having the right tools makes the job much easier. You may not need everything for every faucet, but it helps to have them ready.

Tool/Item	Purpose
Adjustable Wrench	Loosening packing nuts or supply lines.
Screwdriver Set	Phillips and flathead for handle screws.
Pliers (Needle-nose or Channel-lock)	Gripping small parts.
Utility Knife or Flat Blade	Prying off decorative caps.
Safety Glasses	Protecting your eyes from debris.
Replacement Parts Kit	Contains various washers, O-rings, and seals.
White Vinegar	Cleaning mineral buildup.
Rag or Towel	Soaking up any residual water.

Protecting the Sink Area

Place a towel or rag inside the sink basin. This prevents small screws or parts from falling down the drain. It also protects the sink finish from dropped tools.

Deciphering Your Faucet Type

Not all faucets are built the same. The way you fix a leak depends heavily on the type of faucet you have. Knowing which one you own is the first step in successful DIY faucet leak troubleshooting.

Here are the four main types:

Compression Faucets: These are older types. They have separate handles for hot and cold. You must tighten them down to stop the flow. They leak when the washer wears out.
Ball Faucets: Common in kitchens, these use a single handle that rotates over a rounded cap or “ball.” They often use many small parts.
Cartridge Faucets: These also have one or two handles. They use a hollow metal or plastic cartridge to control flow.
Ceramic Disc Faucets: These are newer and very durable. They use two ceramic discs that slide against each other to manage water flow.

Fixing Leaks Based on Faucet Type

Let’s tackle the most common issues for each type. This section details how to repairing kitchen tap leaks specific to your model.

Compression Faucet Leak Repair

If you have an older faucet that drips when turned off tightly, you likely need to replace worn faucet washer.

Step 1: Taking Off The Handle

Pop off the decorative cap (often marked H or C) on top of the handle. Use a thin knife or flat-head screwdriver gently.
Look for the screw underneath. Use the correct screwdriver to remove it.
Lift the handle straight up. If it sticks, rock it gently side to side while pulling up.

Step 2: Accessing The Stem Assembly

You will see a large nut holding the internal stem piece in place. This is called the packing nut.
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the packing nut by turning it counter-clockwise.
Pull the entire stem assembly straight out of the faucet body.

Step 3: Replacing Worn Parts

Look at the bottom tip of the stem assembly. You will see a small screw holding a rubber washer in place. This is the seat washer.
Remove the screw and take off the old washer.
Put a new washer of the exact same size in its place. Tighten the screw securely.
Also, check the packing material (it might be string or a small O-ring) around the stem. If it looks worn, replace it too. This helps stop dripping kitchen sink water from coming up around the handle base.

Step 4: Reassembly

Carefully slide the stem assembly back into the faucet body.
Screw the packing nut back on tightly, but do not overtighten.
Put the handle back on, secure the screw, and replace the decorative cap.

Ball Faucet Repair Guide

Ball faucets are popular but can be tricky due to the many small parts inside. If your single handle drips or feels loose, you need a repair kit for this type of fix leaky single handle faucet.

Step 1: Disassembly

Remove the set screw holding the handle in place. This screw is usually hidden under a small decorative cap or located near the base of the handle. Use an Allen wrench (hex key) if needed.
Remove the handle.
Use channel-lock pliers to unscrew the cap or collar surrounding the ball mechanism. Place a rag over the collar to prevent scratching the finish.
Lift out the cam, packing, and the rotating ball.

Step 2: Replacing Seals and Springs

Look inside the faucet body cavity. You will see small rubber seats and springs resting in holes.
Use needle-nose pliers to carefully pull out the old springs and rubber seats.
Replace them with the new springs and seats from your repair kit. Make sure the pointed end of the spring faces down into the hole.
Replace the rotating ball. Align the groove or slot on the ball with the pin inside the faucet body so it sits correctly.

Step 3: Reassembly

Place the new cam and packing assembly over the ball.
Screw the collar or cap back on. Tighten firmly, but allow the handle to move smoothly.
Reattach the handle and secure the set screw.

Cartridge Replacement Kitchen Faucet

If you have a cartridge faucet, the leak usually means the entire cartridge needs replacement. This is a key part of cartridge replacement kitchen faucet work.

Step 1: Removing the Handle

Locate the set screw. On many single-handle models, this screw is often located underneath the lever toward the back.
Remove the screw and lift the handle off.

Step 2: Pulling Out The Cartridge

You might see a decorative dome or cap covering the retaining nut or clip. Remove the cap.
Some models have a retaining nut; unscrew it with pliers or a wrench. Other models use a small metal clip (often brass or plastic) that holds the cartridge in place. Use needle-nose pliers to pull this clip straight up and out. Be careful not to lose this clip!
Grip the top of the visible cartridge stem (it might have splines or ribs). Use pliers to gently pull the cartridge straight up and out of the housing. Wiggle it slightly if it resists.

Step 3: Installing the New Cartridge

Important: Line up the new cartridge exactly as the old one was positioned. There are usually markings or tabs that ensure correct orientation for hot and cold water alignment.
Push the new cartridge firmly down into the faucet body.
Reinsert the retaining clip or tighten the retaining nut.
Reattach the handle, secure the set screw, and test.

Ceramic Disc Faucet Maintenance

Ceramic disc faucet maintenance is often straightforward because these discs rarely wear out. Leaks typically come from worn-out seals around the disc cylinder, not the discs themselves.

Step 1: Accessing the Cylinder

Remove the handle using the set screw method described for cartridge faucets.
Remove the dome cap and the screws holding the disc cylinder housing in place.

Step 2: Inspecting Seals

Carefully lift out the disc cylinder.
Look at the bottom of the cylinder housing. You will see several small neoprene seals or gaskets surrounding the water inlet ports.
Pry out the old seals and springs (if present).
Clean the entire housing thoroughly to remove mineral deposits. Use vinegar if needed.
Install the new seals and springs, ensuring they seat perfectly flat.

Step 3: Final Assembly

Place the disc cylinder back, making sure the small holes line up with the water inlets correctly.
Screw the housing back down securely.
Reattach the handle.

Addressing Leaks at the Base (Swivel Spout Leaks)

Sometimes the drip isn’t coming from the spout tip, but rather seeping out from the base where the spout swivels. This usually means the O-rings inside the spout base are worn. This applies to many faucet types, but we will focus on the general process for repairing kitchen tap leaks around the base.

Step 1: Removing the Spout

You must first remove the handle and the internal valve assembly (cartridge, ball, or stem) as described above. This frees the spout from the faucet body.
The spout often lifts straight up once the internal guts are removed. Some models may have a retaining nut or screw at the very back or bottom that needs to be loosened first.
Gently pull the spout upward and off the faucet body.

Step 2: Replacing O-Rings

Look closely at the brass or plastic base of the spout. You will see one or two rubber rings fitted into grooves. These are the O-rings.
Use a small pick or utility knife tip to gently roll the old O-rings off the spout.
Clean the grooves where the rings sit.
Coat the new O-rings lightly with plumber’s grease (silicone grease). This helps them slide on easily and seals them better.
Roll the new O-rings onto the spout base.

Step 3: Reattaching the Spout

Slide the spout back down over the faucet body, making sure the O-rings do not catch or tear on the metal edges.
Reinstall the internal mechanism (cartridge, ball, or stem) and the handle.

Advanced Troubleshooting: When a Simple Washer Isn’t Enough

If you performed the basic kitchen faucet repair and the drip persists, the issue might be deeper, especially with older faucets.

Inspecting the Valve Seat (For Compression Faucets)

The valve seat is the metal part inside the faucet body that the washer presses against to stop water flow. If this surface is rough, pitted, or corroded, even a brand-new washer will leak.

Resurfacing the Seat

After removing the stem assembly, look down into the faucet body. You will see the brass seat.
You need a special tool called a seat dresser or seat grinder. This tool fits onto the faucet opening.
Use the tool according to its instructions. It gently grinds away the rough metal, making a smooth, flat surface for the new washer to seal against.
Clean out any metal shavings thoroughly before reassembling.

Dealing with Mineral Buildup

Hard water leaves behind mineral deposits (scale). This buildup prevents seals, O-rings, and cartridges from sitting flush, causing drips.

When disassembling any part—cartridges, valve stems, or the spout base—soak the parts in white vinegar for several hours.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any softened deposits before rinsing them completely with clean water.

Finalizing the Repair and Testing

Once all parts are replaced or repaired, it is time for the crucial test phase.

Ensure Handles are Closed: Make absolutely certain all faucet handles are in the “off” position.
Slowly Restore Water: Go back under the sink. Very slowly, turn the hot and cold shut-off valves counter-clockwise to turn the water back on. Turning them too fast can cause a surge of pressure that might damage new seals.
Check for Leaks: Watch the area under the sink for any immediate leaks from the supply lines.
Test the Faucet: Turn the faucet handles on fully, then turn them off completely. Listen for the drip. If the drip is gone, congratulations! You have successfully performed DIY faucet leak troubleshooting.
Check Handles Again: If water is leaking around the handle base (not the spout), the packing nut or retaining clip might be too loose or the O-ring beneath the handle needs replacement.

Readability Focus: Simple Language Summary

Fixing a leaky kitchen faucet is usually simple. First, turn off the water under the sink. Next, figure out what kind of faucet you have: old (compression), single-handle (ball or cartridge), or modern (ceramic disc).

For old faucets, take the handle off. Unscrew the stem. Change the small rubber washer at the bottom. Put it back together.

For single-handle faucets, you usually change the whole inner part, called the cartridge or the ball assembly. Take out the handle screws. Pull out the old part. Put the new part in the same way.

If water leaks where the spout turns, you must take the spout off. Change the rubber rings, called O-rings, inside the spout base. Put plumber’s grease on the new rings.

When you put everything back, turn the water on slowly. If it still drips, check the surfaces where the seals touch; they must be smooth. Cleaning with vinegar helps clear buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Faucet Leaks

Q: How much does it cost to fix a leaking kitchen faucet?

A: If you do the kitchen faucet repair yourself, the cost is very low, usually between $5 and $25 for replacement parts like washers, O-rings, or a complete cartridge kit. If you hire a plumber, expect to pay a service fee plus labor, which can range from $100 to $300 depending on your location and the complexity of the repair.

Q: My single handle faucet leaks from the base, not the spout tip. What part do I need to fix this?

A: If you need to fix leaky single handle faucet leaking from the base, you most likely need to replace the O-rings around the spout or possibly the seals located under the cartridge or ball assembly. For a quick fix, look at the O-rings first as they are the most common culprit for base leaks.

Q: Can I use plumber’s tape (Teflon tape) to stop a drip?

A: No. Plumber’s tape is designed to seal threaded pipe joints, not the moving or sealing surfaces inside a faucet mechanism. Attempting to use it inside the faucet will likely clog it or prevent moving parts from working, making the leak worse. You must replace worn faucet washer or seals instead.

Q: How often should I perform ceramic disc faucet maintenance?

A: Ceramic disc faucet maintenance is usually only needed every several years, if at all, because the discs themselves are very hard. Most maintenance involves cleaning mineral deposits from the inlet seals or replacing the rubber gaskets beneath the disc cylinder when a slow leak develops.

Q: What tool do I use for compression faucet leak repair if the seat is damaged?

A: You need a specialized tool called a faucet seat dresser or seat grinder. This tool is used to smooth down the rough metal of the valve seat inside the faucet body, ensuring a perfect seal when you replace worn faucet washer.

Q: What is the difference between a cartridge and a ball faucet?

A: A ball faucet uses a rotating metal or plastic ball with slots to control water flow, relying on many small springs and rubber seats. A cartridge faucet uses a solid plastic or brass cartridge that moves up and down or rotates slightly to control flow. Cartridge replacement kitchen faucet units are generally simpler to repair than a full ball faucet repair guide replacement.