How To Fix A Leaking Kitchen Tap Fast

A dripping faucet repair is one of the most common DIY tap repair jobs. Can you fix a leaky kitchen sink yourself? Yes, most sink tap leak issues can be resolved quickly and easily with a few basic tools and a bit of know-how. This guide will walk you through fixing dripping tap problems and kitchen faucet maintenance to get your tap running smoothly again.

Why Your Kitchen Tap Might Be Leaking

Before we dive into the fixes, let’s look at why your tap is water dripping from tap. Most leaks stem from worn-out internal parts.

Worn-out Washers: These are rubber or plastic rings that create a seal. Over time, they can harden, crack, or wear down, allowing water to escape. This is the most frequent cause of a dripping faucet repair.
Damaged O-rings: Similar to washers, O-rings are small rubber rings that seal joints. If they’re damaged, water can leak from around the handle or spout.
Faulty Cartridges: Modern mixer taps often use ceramic disc cartridges. If the seals within the cartridge fail, the tap will leak.
Loose Components: Sometimes, the leak is as simple as a loose tap handle or a spout that hasn’t been tightened properly.
Corrosion: Over years of use, metal parts can corrode, creating small gaps that let water through.

Essential Tools for Tap Repair

Gathering the right tools before you start will make the job much easier. For most DIY tap repair jobs, you’ll need:

Adjustable wrench
Pliers (including needle-nose pliers)
Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
Penetrating oil (like WD-40)
Rag or old towel
Bucket
Replacement parts (washers, O-rings, or cartridge, depending on your tap type)
Plumber’s grease (silicone-based)

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Leaking Kitchen Tap

Important First Step: Turn Off the Water Supply!

This is crucial. Before you do anything else, you must shut off the water to the tap.

Locate the Isolation Valves: Under the sink, you’ll usually find two small shut-off valves connected to the pipes leading to your tap.
Turn the Valves Clockwise: Turn both valves clockwise until they are fully closed.
Test the Tap: Turn on the tap to release any remaining water in the pipes. Ensure no more water flows.

Fixing a Tap with a Worn Washer (Compression Taps)

Most older kitchen taps are compression taps. These are the ones most likely to suffer from a dripping faucet repair due to worn washers. Replacing tap washer is a straightforward process.

h3: Dismantling the Tap Handle

Remove the Decorative Cap: Most tap handles have a small decorative cap on top or front, often marked with red (hot) and blue (cold). Gently pry this off using a flathead screwdriver or a thin knife.
Unscrew the Handle Screw: Beneath the cap, you’ll find a screw. Use the appropriate screwdriver to remove it.
Lift Off the Tap Handle: Once the screw is out, the handle should lift straight off. If it’s stuck, a gentle wiggle or a light tap might help. Avoid forcing it, as you could damage the tap.

h3: Accessing the Valve and Washer

Remove the Cover/Shroud: Some taps have a decorative metal cover or shroud over the valve stem. Unscrew this or gently pry it off.
Unscrew the Valve Stem (Bonnet Nut): You’ll see a hexagonal nut holding the valve stem in place. Use your adjustable wrench to carefully unscrew this nut, turning it counter-clockwise. It might be tight, so a bit of firm pressure is needed.
Remove the Valve Stem: Once the bonnet nut is off, you should be able to pull the valve stem out. It might come with a washer attached at the bottom.

h3: Replacing the Tap Washer

Examine the Old Washer: At the base of the valve stem, you’ll find a rubber washer. It might be screwed in or held by a small screw. Note its size and shape.
Remove the Old Washer: If it’s screwed in, unscrew it. If held by a screw, remove that screw.
Install the New Washer: Place the new washer onto the valve stem. Ensure it sits flush. If there was a retaining screw, re-insert and tighten it.
Lubricate and Reassemble: Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the threads of the valve stem and the new washer. This helps it seal better and makes future repairs easier.
Reinsert the Valve Stem: Carefully slide the valve stem back into the tap body.
Screw on the Bonnet Nut: Tighten the bonnet nut with your wrench. Don’t overtighten, just snug it up.
Replace the Handle: Put the tap handle back on and secure it with the screw. Replace the decorative cap.

h3: Testing Your Repair

Turn Water Back On: Slowly turn the isolation valves back on by turning them counter-clockwise.
Check for Leaks: Open and close the tap. Check if the water dripping from tap has stopped. Inspect around the handle and spout for any new leaks.

Fixing a Tap with a Damaged O-ring

O-rings are often the culprit for leaks around the base of the spout or the tap handle.

h3: Identifying the O-ring Leak Source

Spout Leak: If water leaks from the base of the spout where it meets the tap body, the O-rings on the spout are likely worn.
Handle Leak: If water seeps from around the tap handle, the O-ring around the valve stem or cartridge might be the issue.

h3: Replacing the Spout O-ring

Remove the Spout: Many spouts can be pulled straight up after removing the handle and bonnet nut. Some might have a small retaining clip or screw at the back or underside that needs to be removed first. Check your tap’s manual if unsure.
Locate Old O-rings: Once the spout is off, you’ll see one or more O-rings on the base of the spout or inside the tap body.
Remove Old O-rings: Carefully use a small screwdriver or pick to lift the old O-rings off their grooves.
Install New O-rings: Gently slide the new O-rings into the grooves. Make sure they are the correct size and seated properly. Lubricate them with plumber’s grease.
Reassemble: Reattach the spout, ensuring it’s fully seated. Then, reassemble the handle and bonnet nut as described in the washer replacement section.

Fixing Mixer Taps with Cartridge Issues

Mixer taps use cartridges, often made of ceramic discs, to control water flow and temperature. If your mixer tap is leaking, the cartridge is the most probable cause. Repairing faucet cartridges usually means replacing them.

h3: Identifying the Cartridge Type

Manufacturer and Model: The easiest way to get the right replacement cartridge is to know the manufacturer and model of your tap. Look for branding on the tap itself.
Take the Old Cartridge to a Store: If you don’t know the model, you can carefully remove the old cartridge and take it to a plumbing supply store or a well-stocked hardware store. They can often match it up.

h3: Replacing the Cartridge

Turn Off Water and Dismantle Handle: Follow the same steps as above to turn off the water and remove the tap handle.
Remove the Cartridge Retaining Nut/Clip: Once the handle is off, you’ll see the cartridge. It’s usually held in place by a large retaining nut or sometimes a clip. Unscrew the nut with a wrench or carefully remove the clip with pliers.
Pull Out the Old Cartridge: The cartridge should now pull straight out. It might be stiff. You might need to wiggle it gently or use pliers to grip and pull.
Install the New Cartridge: Ensure the new cartridge is oriented correctly. There are usually notches or keys that align it with the tap body. Push it firmly into place.
Reassemble: Replace the retaining nut or clip, then reassemble the handle and screw.

h3: Testing the Cartridge Replacement

Turn Water Back On: Slowly restore the water supply.
Check for Leaks: Test the tap by turning it on and off. Check for any leaks around the handle or spout.

Dealing with a Loose Tap Handle

A loose tap handle might not cause a leak, but it can be annoying and could lead to more significant problems if left unfixed.

Tighten the Handle Screw: Usually, the solution is as simple as re-tightening the screw that holds the handle in place. Access this by prying off the decorative cap as described earlier.
Check the Handle Splines: If tightening the screw doesn’t help, the splines (the grooved part of the tap stem that the handle fits onto) might be worn. In this case, you might need to replace the tap handle itself.

Troubleshooting Common Leaks

Leak Location	Most Likely Cause	Solution
Water dripping from tap	Worn washer or faulty cartridge	Replace washer or cartridge
Leak from spout base	Worn O-rings on spout	Replace O-rings
Leak from handle base	Worn O-ring on valve stem/cartridge	Replace O-ring or cartridge
Leak around handle	Loose handle screw or packing nut	Tighten screw; tighten or replace packing nut
Leak from tap body	Cracked tap body or worn seal	May require tap replacement

Kitchen Faucet Maintenance Tips

Regular kitchen faucet maintenance can prevent many leaks and prolong the life of your tap.

Clean Regularly: Wipe down your tap with a soft cloth after use to prevent mineral buildup.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can scratch and damage the finish.
Address Minor Leaks Promptly: Don’t ignore a small drip. It can worsen over time and waste a lot of water.
Check for Loose Parts: Periodically check if handles or the spout are loose.
Consider Water Softeners: If you have hard water, mineral buildup can accelerate wear. A water softener can help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How much does it cost to fix a leaking kitchen tap?
A1: If you do it yourself, the cost is minimal, usually just the price of replacement parts (washers, O-rings, or a cartridge), which typically range from $5 to $30. If you hire a plumber, expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 or more, depending on your location and the complexity of the repair.

Q2: How often should I replace tap washers?
A2: Tap washers don’t have a set replacement schedule. They need replacing when they start to show signs of wear, like a persistent drip. This could be anywhere from a few years to over a decade, depending on water quality and usage.

Q3: My tap is still leaking after replacing the washer. What else could it be?
A3: If you’ve replaced the washer and the drip continues, the valve seat (the metal surface the washer presses against) might be corroded or damaged. You can try cleaning the valve seat with a soft cloth or a specialized valve seat dresser tool. If it’s badly damaged, you might need to replace the entire tap or call a plumber. Another possibility is that you bought the wrong size or type of washer, or the O-ring on the valve stem is also worn.

Q4: Can I use PTFE tape (plumber’s tape) to fix a leak?
A4: PTFE tape is primarily used to seal threaded connections, like those found on pipe fittings, to prevent leaks. It’s not typically used to fix the internal seals of a tap, such as washers or O-rings. Using it incorrectly can sometimes make leaks worse.

Q5: My tap has a persistent leak from the handle. What should I do?
A5: A leak from the handle is often due to a worn O-ring around the valve stem or cartridge, or a loose packing nut. Try tightening the packing nut first (this is a nut located behind the handle). If that doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to replace the O-ring or cartridge as described in the relevant sections of this guide.

Q6: What’s the difference between a compression tap and a mixer tap?
A6: Compression taps (often older styles) typically have separate hot and cold handles that you turn to open and close. They rely on rubber washers to create a seal. Mixer taps (often single lever) use a ceramic disc cartridge or a ball valve mechanism to control both water flow and temperature with a single handle.

By following these steps, you can tackle most common sink tap leak issues yourself. Remember to work patiently, have the right tools, and always turn off the water supply before you begin any DIY tap repair. Happy fixing!