Simple How To Repair Leaking Kitchen Faucet

Can I fix a dripping kitchen faucet myself? Yes, you absolutely can fix dripping kitchen faucets with basic tools and simple steps. This guide will show you how to perform a DIY kitchen faucet repair guide for common leaks. If you are worried about the plumber fix leaky faucet cost, doing it yourself can save you money.

Why Do Kitchen Faucets Leak?

Faucets do not leak for no reason. Things wear out over time. Water pressure can also cause issues. The main parts that fail are washers, seals, or the internal mechanism. Knowing the type of faucet you have helps greatly.

Deciphering Faucet Types

There are four main types of faucets found in kitchens. Each one fixes a little differently.

Compression Faucets: These are older types. They use rubber washers to stop water flow. They often leak around the handle or spout.
Cartridge Faucets: These use a movable stem or cylinder, called a cartridge, to control flow. Leaks often mean you need to replace faulty kitchen faucet cartridge.
Ball Faucets: These have a rotating metal or plastic ball inside. They have many small parts and can be tricky to fix.
Disc Faucets: These are modern and use ceramic discs. They are very durable but can leak if the discs crack or seals fail.

Getting Ready for Your Repair

Before you grab any tools, you must prepare the area. Safety first! This stops water damage.

Essential Safety Steps

Turn off the Water Supply: Look under your sink. You will see two shut-off valves (one for hot, one for cold). Turn them fully clockwise until they stop. If you cannot find these, you must shut off the main water supply to your house.
Drain Remaining Water: Turn the faucet handles on. This releases any water left in the lines.
Protect the Sink: Place a towel or rag inside the sink basin. This stops small screws or parts from falling down the drain.

The Best Tools for Faucet Repair

Having the right gear makes the job easier. Here are the best tools for faucet repair you should have ready:

Tool Name	Purpose
Adjustable Wrench	For loosening packing nuts and supply lines.
Phillips and Flathead Screwdrivers	For removing decorative caps and handle screws.
Hex Keys (Allen Wrenches)	Needed for many modern handle sets.
Pliers (Needle-nose recommended)	For pulling out small parts like cartridges.
Utility Knife	To gently pry off caps.
Silicone Grease (Plumber’s Grease)	To lubricate new O-rings and moving parts.
Replacement Parts Kit	Washers, O-rings, or a new cartridge.

Repairing a Leaking Kitchen Sink Tap (Two-Handle Style)

If water drips from the spout, the problem is usually inside the handle assembly. We aim to repair leaking kitchen sink tap by replacing worn parts.

Step 1: Removing the Handle

Locate the Screw: Look for a decorative cap (often marked H or C). Gently pry this off with a utility knife or small flathead screwdriver.
Unscrew the Handle: Use the correct screwdriver or hex key to remove the screw holding the handle onto the stem. Lift the handle off.
Access the Stem/Cartridge: You will now see a large nut, sometimes called a packing nut or bonnet nut, surrounding the stem.

Step 2: Inspecting and Replacing Parts

For older compression faucets:

Use an adjustable wrench to carefully turn the packing nut counter-clockwise. Remove the entire stem assembly.
At the base of the stem, you will see a small rubber washer held by a brass screw. This washer stops the water.
Remove the screw and replace the old washer with a new one of the exact same size.
If the leak is around the handle base (not the spout), you may need to focus on replacing kitchen faucet O-rings found higher up on the stem. Apply a thin coat of plumber’s grease to the new O-rings before installing them.

Step 3: Reassembly and Testing

Screw the stem assembly back into the faucet body. Hand-tighten first, then use the wrench for a gentle final turn. Do not overtighten!
Put the handle back on and secure the screw. Replace the decorative cap.
Slowly turn the water supply back on under the sink.
Test the faucet. If the drip stops, you succeeded!

Repairing a Leaking Single Handle Kitchen Faucet

Repairing single handle kitchen faucet models usually means dealing with the cartridge or ball assembly. This is often where you need to replace faulty kitchen faucet cartridge.

Step 1: Handle Removal and Access

Find the Set Screw: Single-handle faucets usually have a small set screw hidden near the base or back of the handle. You will likely need a hex key to loosen this.
Remove the Handle: Lift the handle off once the set screw is loose.
Remove the Cap/Dome: There may be a decorative dome or bonnet covering the cartridge. Unscrew this by hand or with smooth-jaw pliers (wrap the jaws in tape to prevent scratching).

Step 2: Dealing with the Cartridge

If you are troubleshoot running kitchen faucet issues on a single handle model, the cartridge is the prime suspect.

Remove the Retainer Clip: Many cartridges are held in place by a small metal clip (often U-shaped). Use needle-nose pliers to carefully pull this clip straight up and out. Keep it safe!
Remove the Cartridge: Grasp the top of the cartridge stem with pliers. Pull it straight up. It might require a little wiggling.
Match and Replace: Take the old cartridge to the hardware store to find an exact match. Note the orientation—the new one must go in the exact same way.
Lubrication: Before inserting the new cartridge, coat the rubber seals and the outside of the cartridge body with plumber’s grease. This helps it seal better and last longer.

Step 3: Final Assembly

Insert the new cartridge, making sure any notches line up with the faucet body slots.
Reinstall the retainer clip securely.
Screw the dome/bonnet back on.
Reattach the handle and tighten the set screw firmly—but do not strip the screw head.
Restore the water supply and check for leaks.

Common Leak Points and How to Address Them

Leaks do not just happen at the spout. They can occur where the faucet connects to the counter or where the lines connect below.

Leaks Around the Handle Base

If water seeps out when you turn the water on, you likely need to focus on replacing kitchen faucet O-rings or tightening the packing nut (on two-handle styles).

Procedure: Disassemble the handle down to the stem or cartridge. Check the O-rings (small rubber rings around the stem). If they look cracked or flat, replace them. When reassembling, use plumber’s grease on the new rings.

Leaks Under the Sink

If you see water pooling beneath the sink, the issue is probably where the water lines connect to the faucet body or the shut-off valves.

Tighten Connections: Use an adjustable wrench to gently tighten the connection nuts securing the supply lines to the faucet tailpieces. Do this slowly, a quarter turn at a time. Overtightening these brass fittings can cause them to crack.
Check Supply Lines: If the leak persists after tightening, the supply line itself may be damaged or the connection washer inside the nut has failed. You may need to replace the entire supply line assembly.

Dealing with Low Pressure or Inconsistent Flow

If the problem is not a drip but poor flow, this is a different form of leakage issue we must troubleshoot running kitchen faucet problems.

Aerator Check: The most common cause is a clogged aerator (the screen at the very tip of the spout). Unscrew the aerator.
Cleaning: Soak the aerator parts in white vinegar overnight to dissolve mineral buildup. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush.
Reinstall: Screw it back on tightly. If flow is still poor, the blockage might be in the cartridge or supply lines, requiring further disassembly as detailed above.

When to Call a Professional

While most minor leaks are easy to fix, sometimes the job is too much for a beginner. When should you consider the plumber fix leaky faucet cost worth it?

When Parts Are Stuck: If a retaining nut is rusted solid and won’t budge, forcing it could break the entire faucet body, leading to a massive repair bill.
When Dealing with Specialized Faucets: High-end or very old antique faucets may require proprietary parts that are hard to source or need specialized tools.
If Multiple Leaks Appear: If you fix one drip and suddenly another starts, you may have a system-wide pressure issue or corrosion that a professional needs to assess.

If you feel uncertain at any stage, stop. Putting things back together incorrectly can cause more leaks than you started with.

Maintaining Your Faucet for Longevity

Preventative care stops future leaks. A little maintenance goes a long way toward avoiding the need to fix dripping kitchen faucet next year.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Wipe Down: Regularly wipe the faucet body to prevent hard water scale buildup around moving parts.
Handle Check: Periodically check if the handles feel loose. If they do, simply tighten loose kitchen faucet handle screws or set screws. This prevents strain on the internal seals.
Annual Inspection: Once a year, turn the water off, remove the aerator, and let the water run for a minute to flush out any sediment before it clogs up the internal mechanisms.

By following these simple steps, you can successfully handle most leaks yourself, keeping your kitchen running smoothly and avoiding unnecessary service calls.