Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet
A leaky kitchen faucet can be an annoying and constant bother in your home. The steady drip-drip-drip not only wastes water, but over time can damage your sink or cause water stains on your cabinets and countertops. Replacing the entire faucet may seem like your only option, but don't worry - in most cases the fix is actually a simple and inexpensive repair. With a few basic tools and a little patience, you can stop that leaky faucet yourself without having to call a plumber.
We'll cover how to identify the type of faucet you have, gather the necessary repair tools and materials, take the faucet apart to inspect and clean it, replace any worn or damaged parts, and reassemble it for leak-free performance. With our detailed instructions and helpful tips, you can become a kitchen faucet repair expert in no time!
Identify the Faucet Type
Kitchen faucets come in several varieties, but single-handle faucets are very common. Within the single-handle style there are two main designs - ball faucets and cartridge/disk faucets. The repair process differs slightly between the two, so it's important to know which type of faucet you have before getting started.
A ball faucet has a single handle that moves in all directions to control water flow and temperature. Identifying features include a rounded, dome-shaped cap at the base of the handle. Ball faucets tend to have a single body design.
A cartridge/disk faucet also has a single handle but it only moves up and down and side to side. Cartridge faucets often have a flatter handle, and the body may be slightly bulkier with separate hot and cold water lines. Disk faucets have a cylindrical cartridge inside.
Examine your faucet closely and experiment moving the handle to identify the type. Know that while both styles have similar steps for disassembly and repair, small differences in the interior parts mean correctly identifying the faucet type matters for a smooth repair process.
Gather the Necessary Tools
Before taking your faucet apart, be sure you have the right tools for the job. faucet repairs can generally be accomplished with common household tools. Here's what you'll need:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pipe wrench
- Screwdriver
- Allen wrench
- Utility knife
- Plumber's grease
- Replacement O-rings or cartridge (depending on issue)
It's a good idea to set up all your tools within easy reach of the workspace. A towel spread out under the faucet can help catch any dropped parts or water drips.
Safety tip: Be sure to exercise caution when using sharp tools near water lines. Wearing safety goggles is also a good precaution during faucet repair.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Before taking anything apart, you must shut off the water supply lines. There will be two of them - one for hot and one for cold water. Most kitchen faucets have shut-off valves located under the sink. They typically have handles that turn to open or close the water flow.
To shut off the water, simply turn the handles clockwise all the way until tight. This stops the water supply and releases any remaining pressure in the faucet so you can safely disassemble it without getting wet or damaging water lines.
Tip: Turn on the faucet after shutting off the valves to allow any remaining water and pressure to drain out. This also ensures the faucet is depressurized so you can pull it apart without water gushing out.
Remove the Faucet Handle
With the water turned off, now you can take the faucet apart to inspect and repair it. Start by removing the handle, which is held in place with a single screw.
Look for a small cap at the base of the handle and pop it off with a flathead screwdriver. Underneath will be a screw that needs to be turned counterclockwise to loosen and remove.
Once the screw is out, gently wiggle the handle back and forth while pulling up to slide it off the faucet body. Set it aside in a safe place.
Remove the Cartridge
With the handle off, you'll see the cartridge assembly inside the faucet body. To remove it, simply unscrew the large retaining nut holding it in place. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen it counterclockwise and take it off.
The cartridge should then slide right out. Inspect it closely and give the movable parts a turn to make sure they operate smoothly. A worn or damaged cartridge that needs replacing will have visible cracks or calcification.
Clean the Faucet Housing
Before installing a new cartridge, it's a good idea to thoroughly clean out the faucet housing. Build up of mineral deposits over time can prevent the cartridge from seating properly, resulting in leaks. Use a small nylon brush to gently scrub away any gunk or corrosion inside the faucet body.
Pay special attention to the inlet ports and any -rings or washers. These seal connections need to be spotless to prevent leaks. A mild soap solution can help break up stubborn build up. Rinse everything clean before moving on.
Replace Seals and O-Rings
While the faucet is disassembled, replacing old seals and O-rings is recommended to prevent future drips. Worn out seals will be hardened or nicked upon close inspection.
Look up the make and model of your faucet online to find the correct replacement O-ring kit. Apply a dab of plumber's grease to the new seals and O-rings before installing to help them slide into place and create a tight friction fit.
Reinstall Cartridge and Handle
Now you're ready to put everything back together. Slide the cartridge back into the faucet body, making sure it is properly aligned. The tabs or notches on the cartridge should fit smoothly into their slots. Reattach the retaining nut by hand tightening it until snug.
Carefully place the handle back onto the cartridge stem. Align the splines and slide the handle down until fully seated. Replace the retaining screw underneath and tighten with a screwdriver. Don't over tighten, as you can strip the screw.
Be sure to keep track of any small washers or caps that may have fallen off during disassembly. Replace them in their original positions before reattaching the handle.
Turn Water Supply Back On
The moment of truth has arrived! It's time to turn the water supply back on and test your repair work. Go back under the sink and slowly turn the hot and cold shut-off valves counterclockwise to open them.
Turn the faucet handle to the hot side - you should hear the water start to flow through. Let it run for about 30 seconds before turning off. Repeat the process with the cold water side. This flushing clears any sediment or dirty water from the lines.
Check all connections, valves, and end points carefully for any drips or leaks as the water starts flowing again. If there are leaks, tighten joints and connections as needed. Be sure your newly installed cartridge and seals/O-rings are snug.
Learning how to fix a leaky kitchen faucet yourself can save the hassle and expense of a plumber visit. In most cases, the basic skills described here are all you need to solve those annoying drips and have your faucet working like new again in no time.
Just remember to always exercise caution when working with plumbing, especially shutting off main water lines. If your faucet issue involves the hot water supply or you encounter leaks in the wall or under the sink, it's wise to call in a professional plumber.
We hope this step-by-step kitchen faucet repair guide gives you the confidence to tackle this common DIY project yourself. Let us know in the comments if you have any tips or questions!