How to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet

A leaky kitchen faucet isn’t just annoying; it’s a waste of water and money. Can you fix a leaky kitchen faucet yourself? Absolutely! This guide will walk you through common faucet problems and how to tackle them with simple DIY plumbing fixes. We’ll cover everything from a simple drip to more complex issues, helping you save water and keep your kitchen sink in top shape.

Why Your Faucet is Dripping

A dripping faucet is one of the most common household plumbing problems. It can be caused by several worn-out parts inside the faucet. Fixing a dripping faucet promptly can prevent water damage and significant increases in your water bill.

Common Faucet Problems Explained

Worn-out Washers: The most frequent culprit for a leaky tap is a worn or damaged rubber washer inside the handle. This washer creates a seal when you turn off the faucet. Over time, it can harden, crack, or break, allowing water to seep through.
Faulty O-rings: O-rings are small rubber rings that help seal connections between different faucet parts. If an O-ring wears out, it can cause leaks around the handle or spout.
Damaged Cartridge: Many modern faucets use a cartridge system instead of washers. This cartridge controls the flow and temperature of the water. If the cartridge is worn or cracked, it can lead to leaks. Replacing a faucet cartridge is a common repair.
Loose Parts: Sometimes, a leak is as simple as a part that has come loose. This could be the handle, the bonnet nut, or other components.
Corroded Valve Seat: The valve seat is where the washer presses against to stop water flow. If this metal seat becomes corroded or rough, it won’t create a good seal, leading to leaks.

Tools You’ll Need for Faucet Repair

Before you start your DIY faucet repair, gather these essential tools:

Adjustable Wrench: For loosening and tightening nuts.
Pliers: Needle-nose and regular pliers are helpful.
Screwdrivers: Both Phillips head and flathead.
Plumber’s Grease: To lubricate parts and help create a better seal.
Rag or Towel: To catch any drips and keep your workspace clean.
Bucket: To collect any residual water.
Penetrating Oil (Optional): For stubborn, corroded parts.
Replacement Parts: Washers, O-rings, or a new cartridge, depending on your faucet type.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Leaky Kitchen Faucet

Let’s get your leaky tap fixed! This guide assumes you have a standard compression or cartridge faucet.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

This is the most crucial first step for any plumbing fixes. You don’t want water spraying everywhere!

Locate the Shut-Off Valves: Look for two valves under your kitchen sink. One controls the hot water, and the other controls the cold water. They are usually small, oval-shaped knobs.
Turn the Valves Clockwise: Turn both valves firmly clockwise to shut off the water supply to the faucet.
Test the Faucet: Turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water and confirm that the water supply is indeed off.

Step 2: Disassemble the Faucet Handle

Now, it’s time to access the inner workings of your faucet.

Remove Decorative Caps: Many faucet handles have a decorative cap that hides the screw. These can often be pried off gently with a flathead screwdriver or a utility knife. Sometimes they pop off.
Unscrew the Handle: You’ll find a screw holding the handle in place. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove it.
Lift Off the Handle: Gently pull the handle straight up and off the faucet stem. If it’s stuck, try wiggling it gently or use a handle puller tool if available.

Step 3: Access the Faucet Internals (Washer or Cartridge)

This is where the repair process can differ slightly depending on your faucet type.

For Compression Faucets (Often Older Models with Two Handles)

Compression faucets typically use washers and valve seats.

Remove the Packing Nut or Bonnet Nut: Once the handle is off, you’ll see a larger nut, often called a bonnet nut or packing nut, around the valve stem. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen and remove this nut by turning it counter-clockwise.
Remove the Valve Stem: With the bonnet nut removed, you can usually pull or unscrew the valve stem out of the faucet body.
Locate the Washer: At the bottom of the valve stem, you’ll find a small rubber washer held in place by a screw. This is often the source of the drip.

For Cartridge Faucets (Often Newer Models with a Single Lever)

Cartridge faucets use a self-contained unit called a cartridge.

Identify the Cartridge Retainer: There might be a retaining clip, nut, or bonnet that holds the cartridge in place. Remove this carefully. Some cartridges are held by a threaded bonnet nut, similar to compression faucets, while others have a small metal clip that needs to be pulled out.
Remove the Cartridge: Once any retainers are removed, you can usually pull the cartridge straight up and out. You might need pliers to gently wiggle it free. Note the orientation of the cartridge before removing it, as the new one will need to be installed the same way.

Step 4: Replace the Worn Parts

This is where the actual faucet repair happens.

Replacing the Faucet Washer

If you have a compression faucet and suspect the washer is the issue:

Remove the Old Washer: Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the old washer to the bottom of the valve stem.
Install the New Washer: Place the new washer onto the stem and secure it with the screw. Make sure it sits flush.
Inspect the Valve Seat: Look down into the faucet body where the stem was. The valve seat is a brass ring. If it looks rough or corroded, it may need to be smoothed with a valve seat dresser tool or replaced entirely. This is a more advanced repair.
Apply Plumber’s Grease: Lightly coat the new washer and the valve stem threads with plumber’s grease. This helps with lubrication and sealing.

Replacing the Faucet Cartridge

If you have a cartridge faucet and have identified a faulty cartridge:

Take the Old Cartridge to the Store: It’s essential to get an exact match. Bring the old cartridge to your local hardware or plumbing supply store to find a replacement.
Install the New Cartridge: Slide the new cartridge into the faucet body, ensuring it’s oriented correctly (refer to how you removed the old one).
Apply Plumber’s Grease: Lightly grease the O-rings on the new cartridge for easier installation and a better seal.
Reinstall Retainers: Secure the new cartridge with its retaining clip, nut, or bonnet.

Replacing O-rings

If you’ve identified a leaking O-ring (often around the spout or handle base):

Remove the Old O-ring: Carefully use a small pick or screwdriver to pry off the old O-ring.
Clean the Area: Wipe down the area where the O-ring sits to remove any debris or mineral buildup.
Install the New O-ring: Roll the new O-ring into place. Ensure it’s seated correctly and isn’t twisted.
Apply Plumber’s Grease: A light coating of plumber’s grease will help the O-ring seal effectively.

Step 5: Reassemble the Faucet

Carefully put everything back together in reverse order.

Reinstall the Valve Stem/Cartridge: Place the stem back into the faucet body or slide the cartridge in.
Tighten the Bonnet Nut/Retainer: Screw on the bonnet nut or secure the cartridge retainer. Tighten it firmly with your wrench, but don’t overtighten, as this can damage the new parts.
Reattach the Handle: Place the handle back onto the stem and secure it with the handle screw.
Replace the Decorative Cap: Snap or screw the decorative cap back into place.

Step 6: Turn the Water Back On and Test

The moment of truth!

Slowly Turn On Shut-Off Valves: Turn the hot and cold water shut-off valves back on by turning them counter-clockwise.
Check for Leaks: Inspect the faucet for any drips around the handle, spout, or base.
Test Faucet Operation: Turn the faucet on and off several times, checking the hot and cold water. Ensure the flow is normal and there are no new leaks.

If the leak persists, you might need to revisit the steps or consider that another part is worn.

Troubleshooting Common Faucet Problems

Even with careful work, sometimes a leak continues. Here are some common issues and how to address them.

Table: Common Faucet Leaks and Solutions

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Dripping from spout	Worn washer (compression faucet) or faulty cartridge (cartridge faucet)	Replace the washer and screw, or replace the entire faucet cartridge.
Leaking around handle	Worn O-ring or loose packing nut	Replace the O-ring on the stem, or tighten the packing nut.
Leaking from the base of the spout	Worn O-ring at the base of the spout	Remove the spout, replace the O-rings at its base, and lubricate them with plumber’s grease before reassembly.
Water flow is weak	Mineral buildup in the aerator or clogged valve seat	Unscrew and clean the aerator. If the valve seat is suspected, it may need professional cleaning or replacement.
Faucet won’t turn off fully	Corroded valve seat (compression faucet)	Use a valve seat dresser tool to smooth the seat, or replace the valve seat if possible. This requires specific tools and expertise.
Handle is stiff or hard to turn	Lack of lubrication or damaged internal parts	Disassemble, clean all parts, reapply plumber’s grease to moving components, and check for any damage to the stem or cartridge.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While many kitchen sink leaks are straightforward DIY faucet repair projects, some situations might call for a professional:

Persistent Leaks: If you’ve tried replacing common parts and the faucet still leaks, there might be a more complex issue like a cracked faucet body or severely corroded valve seat.
Unfamiliar Faucet Types: Some faucets have unique mechanisms that can be tricky to work with.
Risk of Damage: If you’re not comfortable with basic plumbing or fear causing further damage, it’s best to call a plumber.
Corroded or Stuck Parts: If parts are heavily corroded and won’t budge, forcing them can break them, leading to more significant problems.

Benefits of Fixing a Leaky Faucet

Beyond the obvious annoyance, fixing a leaky tap offers several advantages:

Water Conservation: A small drip can waste gallons of water per day. Fixing leaks is a significant step towards water conservation. This is especially important in areas experiencing drought.
Cost Savings: Less wasted water means lower water bills. The small cost of replacement parts is quickly offset by the water savings.
Preventing Further Damage: Chronic leaks can lead to water stains, mold growth, and damage to your cabinetry or subflooring.
Improved Aesthetics: A dripping faucet is unsightly and can be a constant reminder of a task undone.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your plumbing is in good working order provides peace of mind.

Types of Kitchen Faucets

Knowing your faucet type is crucial for successful faucet repair. The two most common types are:

1. Compression Faucets

Characteristics: Usually have two separate handles for hot and cold water. They work by using a screw mechanism that compresses a rubber washer against a valve seat to stop water flow.
Common Issues: Washer wear, O-ring failure, valve seat corrosion.
Repair Focus: Replacing washers and O-rings, or addressing the valve seat.

2. Cartridge Faucets

Characteristics: Often feature a single lever that controls both water flow and temperature. They contain a movable cylinder (cartridge) that regulates water.
Common Issues: Worn or cracked cartridges, O-ring failures.
Repair Focus: Replacing the entire faucet cartridge.

Other Faucet Types (Less Common for DIY Repair)

Ball Faucets: Have a single handle that moves over a rounded cap. They use a metal or plastic ball with slots to control water flow. Repairing these can be more intricate.
Ceramic Disc Faucets: Feature two ceramic discs that slide against each other. They are known for their durability but can be expensive to repair if the discs crack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much water does a dripping faucet waste?
A1: A single drip every second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. Fixing that leaky tap makes a big difference for water conservation!

Q2: Can I fix a leak if I don’t know my faucet brand?
A2: Yes, you can. Focus on identifying the type of faucet (compression, cartridge, etc.) and then match the internal parts by size and shape at your local hardware store. Taking the old part with you is always the best approach.

Q3: What if the parts are seized and won’t come out?
A3: If parts are corroded and stuck, apply a penetrating oil and let it sit for a while. Gentle tapping might also help. However, if they still won’t budge, it’s best to stop to avoid breaking them and consult a plumber.

Q4: How often should I replace faucet parts?
A4: There’s no set schedule. You should replace parts as needed when you notice leaks or reduced performance. The lifespan of faucet parts depends on water quality and usage.

Q5: Is it cheaper to fix a leaky faucet or replace the entire faucet?
A5: For minor leaks like a worn washer or O-ring, fixing is significantly cheaper. If your faucet is very old, heavily corroded, or you’re doing a kitchen renovation, replacing the entire unit might be more cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing.

Conclusion

Tackling a leaky kitchen faucet can seem daunting, but with the right tools and a methodical approach, most DIY faucet repair jobs are quite manageable. By following these steps, you can stop that irritating drip, conserve precious water, save money on your utility bills, and prevent potential water damage. Remember to always turn off the water supply before starting any work and to have replacement parts ready. For those more complex plumbing fixes or if you’re unsure at any point, don’t hesitate to call a qualified plumber. Happy fixing!