How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Faucet in a Proper Way

Jessica Wiest
Last updated: March 24, 2024

A leaky faucet with drip drip drip sound is always annoying. Now time to call a plumber, waste some time monitoring him and costing some money. Why do you need to call a plumber? Can you repair a leaky faucet?

Today, I am here with a solution to the question “How to fix a leaking kitchen faucet?” Don’t worry about your faucet type because I will discuss all types. So, keep reading the article and save some money. Before starting, I want to recommend 2 articles on best pull out kitchen faucet and pull down kitchen faucet reviews. Click the link to read the articles.

What You will Know show

How to Fix a Leaking Kitchen Faucet?

Step 1: Disconnect the Water Supply to the Following Faucet

At first, you have to cut off or disconnect the water supply to the line. It is not a tough task. Just find the under the sink and close it.

If you don’t find it there then shut the main valve. You will get the main valve in the basement. To do it, turn the valves clockwise and give pressure to close them properly. Don’t provide extra pressure that results in unexpected damage.

Step 2: Determine the Type and Reason

Now it’s time to know the type of faucet. There are mainly 4 types of faucets; cartridge, ceramic disk, ball, and compression. Most of the time we see leakage in the compression faucet.

Other faucets also leak. For that first determine the reason for leakage. I will discuss a part describing the reasons for leakages.

Step 3: Stopping the Leakage

I will discuss here 4 ways to stop leakage for 4 different types of faucets. So, only the way according to your faucet type.

1. Compression Faucet

First, take a wrench and remove the handle screw and cap.
Now find the seat washer. It may remain in a place by a brass screw.
Remove the seat washer.
Take a new seat washer and replace it.
Use heatproof and non-toxic plumber’s grease to coat the washer.
the problems come from the handle then replace the O-ring supporting the stem out of the packing nuts.

2. Ball Faucet

The ball faucet is more complex to disassemble and finding the problem. Let’s see how to do it.

Get a new replacement kit.
Now disjoint the handle screw and lift-off the screw.
Now make use of adjustable pliers and remove the cap and collar.
Now remove the springs and inlet seals.
Take needle-nose pliers and reach to the faucet body.
Now remove the O-rings, cam washer, valve seats, and springs.
Replace the O-rings and other parts.
Reassemble the parts you disconnected.
Use heatproof and non-toxic plumber’s grease for coating.

3. Cartridge Faucet

Following the previous 2 ways pull out the handle’s decorative cap.
Use the needle-nose pliers and remove the threaded retaining clip.
Now take off the O-rings and replace it with a new product.
Reassemble everything using the heatproof and non-toxic grease.

4. Ceramic Disk Faucet

Push the faucet handle backward and remove the setscrew.
Now unscrew the mounting screws of the disc cylinder.
Now disjoint the escutcheon cap.
Take a blunt screwdriver and take off the seals from the cylinder.
Now clean the cylinder opening using white vinegar and a plastic scouring pad.
Now rinse again and replace the seals.
Reassemble the parts.

What are the Causes of a Leaky Faucet?

Here I will show you some causes of a leaky faucet.

Most of the time it happens because of bad O-rings.
An issue with the valve seat can cause leakage from the spout.
Cartridge faucet leakage can happen due to worn-out cartridge.
Problem with the washer is another common reason for spout leakage.
Water pressure is sometimes responsible for leakage.
Loose or broken parts is another common cause of leakage in the faucet.
Buying a cheap faucet may be a reason for unexpected early leakage. Click here to get the best rated kitchen faucets.

How to Avoid Leakage on Kitchen Faucet?

Here I am providing some tips to avoid leakage on your faucet.

The first tip is you have to use the faucet carefully. Be gentle while turn on and turn off. Don’t put extra pressure on the faucet.
Detect the pressure drops. If you find dirt and metal on the water line take them apart. They can damage the faucet.
Don’t delay to fix any leakage.
Always use non-toxic and heatproof plumber’s grease after repairing any leakage.
Try to avoid old faucets. Don’t repair them rather replace them.

Conclusion

If you are an expert at the DIY task, then repair a water faucet is relatively easy and quick for you. I have discussed the way to repair it step by step. Read them carefully and start working according to the instructions.

Don’t forget to take gloves and masks. If you think it is critical damage, then call a plumber. Most of the faucet comes with a lifetime warranty. If your faucet is one of them then get the service from the faucet manufacturer. We have an article about the best kitchen faucet reviews. Don’t forget to check it.