Kitchen Faucet Leaking? Repair It In 3 Easy Steps
Is your kitchen faucet dripping constantly, causing you endless frustration while driving up your water bill? Don't despair - with a few basic tools and DIY know-how, you can tackle a leaky faucet repair and stop the maddening drip for good.
In this handy guide, you'll learn a proven 3-step process to diagnose and fix a leaky kitchen faucet yourself, without having to call a plumber.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
Before tackling any faucet repair, it's crucial to shut off the water supply lines under the sink. This prevents water from spraying everywhere when you disassemble the leaky faucet.
Start by locating the hot and cold water shut-off valves, normally found attached to the water supply lines feeding the faucet. They are typically located under the sink or up behind it. The valves resemble small metal discs you can turn clockwise to halt water flow.
Locate the Shutoff Valves
The shutoff valves control water supply to the faucet and are typically located under the sink. Check near where the hot and cold supply lines connect to the main water lines. You may have to reach far back into the cabinet to access them.
Some shutoff valves are built into the faucet body itself. Check user manuals to locate these. Ball valve and compression valve designs are common.
Turn Off Water Supply
Carefully turn the hot and cold shutoff valves clockwise as far as they will go to stop water flow. Don't over-crank them to avoid valve or supply line damage. The valves may be stiff initially but should close with moderate force.
Test the faucet to confirm water is off. If needed, give the valves another quarter turn and recheck.
Step 2: Disassemble the Faucet
With the water turned off, it's time to take apart the leaky faucet and expose the interior components. The disassembly process will vary depending on the specific faucet style.
Required Tools
You'll need basic tools like adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and replacement parts. Specific tools depend on your faucet, but these are commonly used:
- Basin wrench - for tightening nuts in cramped spots
- Groove joint pliers - grips corroded fixtures
- Utility knife - cuts away old plumber's putty
- Flashlight - illuminates hard to see areas
Remove the Handle and Spout
Removing the handle and spout exposes the faucet's interior parts for inspection and repair. Use pliers or wrenches to loosen set screws or nuts holding these pieces in place. Pull straight out once hardware is detached.
Removing the spout diverting valve gives access to the faucet cartridge which often houses rubber washers, O-rings, and seals. These tend to wear out over time.
Step 3: Identify and Replace Faulty Parts
Now that you're "inside" the faucet, it's time to diagnose what exactly is causing the leak. Inspecting the interior parts closely will reveal any cracks, corrosion, stuck valves, worn washers or general damage allowing water to seep out.
Inspect Interior Parts
Thoroughly examine all washers, O-rings, valve seats, cartridges, supply tubes, and other inner components. Look for cracking, broken pieces, corrosion, and mineral deposits which indicate wear.
Worn, cracked, or missing rubber washers around the valve stem are a common cause of drips. Carefully check these parts for damage.
Obtain Replacement Parts
Once you've identified any faulty parts inside the faucet, get replacements matched to your make and model. Rubber washers, O-rings, cartridges, and valve units often need replacing over years of use.
Bring the old parts to the hardware store to ensure you get the exact fit and style. Consult manufacturer websites for specific replacement parts diagrams and videos if unsure.
Reassemble the Faucet
Put the faucet back together with new components installed. Ensure you follow manufacturer instructions closely and do not overtighten connections.
Carefully remove old plumber's putty residue and reseal with fresh putty during reassembly to prevent future leaks.
Step 4: Restore Water Supply and Confirm Repair
After successfully disassembling, diagnosing, and replacing any faulty parts, it's time to button up your leaky faucet repair by turning the water back on and testing your work.
Turn Water Back On
Carefully turn the hot and cold shutoff valves counterclockwise to restore water flow to the faucet. Go slowly to avoid pressure surges. Fully open valves once flow is established.
Check supply lines and connections for any drips during this process. Tighten fittings as needed if small leaks persist.
Check for Leaks
The moment of truth! Turn your faucet handle to the on position and make sure no water is still leaking out. Inspect closely around the base, spout and handles.
If a leak continues, don't panic yet. Review your repair steps and tighten any potentially loose connections. Additional disassembly may be needed to replace other worn parts you may have missed.
Troubleshooting Tips
If small drips continue, try replacing additional washers, O-rings, and seals one at a time until you isolate the problematic part. Persistent leaks likely mean an improperly seated cartridge.
For stubborn leaks, call in a professional plumber. They can identify any underlying issues like pipe damage or faulty installation.
While leaky faucets can be enormously frustrating, you now have an easy 3-step guide to take control of the situation yourself. With the right preparation and patience, you can definitively fix a dripping kitchen faucet without paying for a costly plumber.
Follow these steps to stop wasted water and restore peace to your kitchen once more. You've got this! Before you know it, you'll be leak-free and enjoying your handiwork.