How to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet?

Do you have a constant dripping kitchen faucet? It is vital to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet to avoid water loss. Fortunately, it is easy to fix a leaky faucet within an hour or less. You have to learn the basics to complete this project. The repair process can be different for each type of faucet.

You have to learn how to fix water leaks in a ceramic disc, cartridge and reverse-compression. Some cylinders/ceramic disc bodies and cartridge bodies may look the same. In numerous cases, these may not come with moving parts. The cylinder/ceramic disc body may have moving parts. It is essential to open the ports on the base.

For your assistance, here are some instructions to repair kitchen faucets. Make sure to follow the steps below:

How to Replace Kitchen Faucet?

Locate the Source of Leak

Before you start the fixing process, it is crucial to determine the leaking side of the faucet. Turn off the water supply and check the source of leaks. If the water is not stopped even after turning off the valve, you have to check the other line for leaking.

After determining the right side of leaking, turn off two supply valves. If any valve is stuck, turn off the main water. It is vital to replace the hardware for two sides if you cannot identify whether cold or hot side has problems.

Disassemble a Leaky Faucet

In the first step, you have to disassemble a leaky faucet. Take it apart carefully, but cover the sink with a cotton cloth or towel to protect nuts and screws. Turn the handles of faucet toward an “On” position to release residual water.

• Close a drain and put the towel in the sink for protection of the surface. The towel will catch dropped parts easily.
• Remove an aerator and evaluate it for damages. If it is stuck, you can soak a cloth in vinegar and wrap this cloth around an aerator to make mineral deposits lose. Wait for one hour and slowly twist an aerator with pliers and a towel.
• When disassembling the old kitchen faucet, you have to put all parts on a flat surface in order and snap its photo for reference. Carefully put those elements in one plastic bag and carry them with you when shopping. You may need only one part, but try to purchase a kit and replace each part, even aerator. It will save time and help you to avoid future problems.

Removal Process for Ceramic Disc Faucets

These faucets have a cylinder with small discs on the base and better water flow. It will be useful to replace the whole cylinder. You should make the screws loose to remove the handle of the faucet.

Unscrew a mounting screw or retainer nut and carefully pull out a cylinder. You have to set a new cylinder to its place and reassemble a faucet.

Keep the knobs of faucet to their position and turn on the water supply slowly. Extra pressure can damage new hardware; therefore, you have to be careful.

Remove Reverse-Compression Kitchen Faucets

To fix a leaky kitchen faucet, you have to replace the gasket or O-ring and washer on the stem of the valve. It will be located along with the valve seat in a faucet. Remove the knobs or handles by prying off a temperature indicator cap and remove the screw.

Pull off the handles from their base. Sometimes, you have to back out set screws to remove handles. Make retaining screw loose with the use of a wrench and take out a valve system.

Remove the washer, O-ring, and screw located on the stem. Add grease of the plumber to faucet stem and install a washer and O-ring followed by replacement of a screw. Use a hex or seat wrench to remove the valve seat and insert a new valve.

Reassemble a faucet and keep the knob in an “On” position. Slowly turn on the supply of water, and extra initial pressure may damage the hardware.

Cartridge Faucet

If you want to fix two-handle cartridge faucet, you can follow these steps. See these simple instructions:

Unscrew a set screw to remove its handle. Remove a retaining nut or clip. Pull out the cartridge gently and replace it with a new piece. Reassemble a faucet and keep the knob in an on position. Turn the water supply on slowly because extra water pressure can damage your new hardware.

Fix A Leaky or Dripping Faucet

A leaky faucet indicates damaged parts in the body. Remember, a leak at the base means damaged seals around its body. You have to turn off the water supply and disassemble a faucet. Here are some instructions to repair faucets.

• If you want to repair a ball faucet, make the set screw loose and take off its handle. Use one wrench for removal of the cap.
• For leaky spouts, remove ball, washer and cam. Moreover, a small screwdriver will help you to remove the springs and seats.
• If you want to repair leaks at the base, remove the spout and replace an O-ring. You have to add some plumber grease and replace a spout.
• Install new seats on springs. Carefully replace the ball and manage the lineup of holes. Replace a cam and washer. Reassemble a faucet and turn on the handle to an “On” position.
• If you want to remove the ceramic faucet, remove the trim ring and handle. Unscrew a retainer nut and pull out one cylinder.
• Remove an old cylinder, install a new one and reassemble a faucet. Turn a handle towards an “on” position.

Final Verdict

To fix a leaky kitchen faucet, you have to locate the source of the problem. Make sure to turn off the water supply before starting your job. After fixing the leak, slowly turn the water supply on. Extra pressure on the faucet may damage the parts of a faucet.

Remember, water must run freely for almost five minutes to flush debris of new components. If your aerator has build-up, you can remove build-up by soaking it in a vinegar solution. Rinse the aerator thoroughly and screw this part in the faucet. Feel free to replace a damaged aerator with a new one.