Repairing Guides

how to repair a kitchen sink faucet

by Lesly Nienow Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Locate the leak. Before you begin, inspect the faucet to figure out where the leak is. Leaks almost always emanate from either the faucet’s base or the spout.
  2. Turn the faucet’s water supply off. Look under your sink first. ...
  3. Turn the faucet on to relieve the water pressure. Before taking apart the faucet, check to see that the water supply has been turned off.
  4. Cover the sink hole with a strainer to catch small parts. It’s no fun to drop a small but important piece down the sink.
  5. Label and take pictures of the faucet as you remove parts. After fixing the faucet, you will have to return the parts in the proper order.
  6. Pour some vinegar into a container to clean faucet parts. You will most likely notice mineral buildup on some of the parts.

Part of a video titled Kitchen Sink Faucets : How Do I Fix a Kitchen Faucet?
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If you're getting a leak out of the end of your spout. Itself then you're going to need to removeMoreIf you're getting a leak out of the end of your spout. Itself then you're going to need to remove the cartridge or stem to do so remove your handle.

Full Answer

How to stop a leaky faucet in the kitchen?

How to Fix Water Leaks at the Base of the Spout

  • Step #1: Identify Your Faucet’s Brand. Before restoring your dripping faucet, identify your sink’s brand and model. ...
  • Step #2: Gather Tools and Shut Down Water Supply. ...
  • Step #3: Deconstruct the Faucet. ...
  • Step #4: Inspect and Replace Damaged Parts. ...
  • Step #5: Reassemble the Faucet. ...
  • Step #6: Call for Backup if the Problem Continues. ...

How do you fix a kitchen faucet?

Method 1 Method 1 of 5: Setting up for Repair Work Download Article

  1. Locate the leak. Before you begin, inspect the faucet to figure out where the leak is. ...
  2. Turn the faucet’s water supply off. Look under your sink first. ...
  3. Turn the faucet on to relieve the water pressure. ...
  4. Cover the sink hole with a strainer to catch small parts. ...
  5. Label and take pictures of the faucet as you remove parts. ...

More items...

Do it yourself faucet repair?

  • First turn off the water to the faucet. ...
  • Open taps and let any water in the pipe drain out.
  • Put the drain stopper or a towel in the sink (in case you drop anything you don't want it going down the drain).
  • To make sure you get the right replacement parts, take any parts you remove from the faucet with you to the plumbing supply store. ...

How do you repair a leaking faucet?

  • The first step is to remove the faucet spout. ...
  • Use a utility knife to score the sealant where the spout and bathtub wall meet for easier removal.
  • Remove the length of pipe, called a pipe nipple, with a wrench.
  • Wrap the threads of both ends of the nipple with plumber’s tape or Teflon tape.
  • Install the nipple into the 90-degree elbow pipe within the wall. ...

More items...

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How do I fix a single handle kitchen faucet?

0:423:11How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Ball Kitchen Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next. You willMoreFirst you will need to turn off the hot and cold water supply valve under the sink. Next. You will need to remove the single lever handle. This may require using an allen wrench to loosen the hammer.

How do you fix a dripping kitchen faucet handle?

0:402:02Stop Faucet Handle Leaking - How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet ValveYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the new valve in place reinstall the mounting nut until it is hand tight. Then give it anotherMoreWith the new valve in place reinstall the mounting nut until it is hand tight. Then give it another quarter to half turn with the lock jaw pliers. Next replace the bonnet. Fit on the handle.

How do you fix a dripping base faucet?

0:251:34Leaky Faucet Base – O-Ring Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply silicone grease to the faucet spout base where the o-rings will be reinstalled slips. And u o-MoreApply silicone grease to the faucet spout base where the o-rings will be reinstalled slips. And u o-rings onto the faucet body within their group slots making sure the o-rings are not twisted.

How do I know if my faucet cartridge is bad?

Signs that a cartridge faucet needs repair are water dripping from the spout, difficulty in adjusting the water temperature, hot water entering cold water outlets like toilet supply lines and inadequately heated water at some faucets.

Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?

If your faucet is dripping water after it is shut off, this may be indicative of a loose or damaged seat washer. Issues with washers is common in sink faucets leaking. The seat washer screw can become loose from repeated use, causing the faucet to drip water or chatter.

Why is the base of my kitchen faucet leaking?

Leaks around the base of the spout are caused by worn O-rings located under the spout. All that's usually required to access these O-rings for replacement is to wiggle and pull up on the spout to remove it. Depending on the dripping faucet, you'll also have to remove the handle and other parts to access the spout.

Why is kitchen faucet leaking around base?

When it becomes worn or cracked, water can seep down along the faucet body and out the bottom when the valve is turned on. Less commonly, leaks in this area can be caused by an inner cartridge that has become worn. If fixing the O-ring doesn't help, you may need to replace the valve cartridge, as well.

Why is my kitchen faucet dripping?

The typical causes for a leaky faucet include corrosion, mineral deposit on the internal parts, or defective gaskets, o-rings, or washers. Luckily, most faucets that leak can be fixed by homeowners if they have the right tools and some basic knowledge of plumbing.

How do you fix a dripping kitchen faucet with two handles?

0:424:49How to Repair a Leaky Two-Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you determine the trouble stem you'll need to turn off the water. Next remove the handle with aMoreOnce you determine the trouble stem you'll need to turn off the water. Next remove the handle with a Philips head screwdriver. So that the stem is visible.

How do you fix a leaky faucet stem?

0:121:48How to Repair a Leaky Faucet Stem - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need aMoreMake sure you turn the water off take your handle. Off. Then you can remove the stem you'll need a crescent wrench or a pair of pliers. Once. You have the stem removed.

Techniques for solving a tough faucet problem

Repair a drippy ball-type faucet using these pro tricks to deal with stubborn screws. You may have to replace the handle, but not the entire faucet.

Kitchen Faucet Repair: Loosen a stuck screw on a single-handle faucet

If the Allen screw is stuck, or if you strip it so it won’t come out, remove the cap with the handle still in place. You can’t grab the flattened edges with the handle in place. Instead, for this kitchen faucet repair, cushion the jaws of pliers and grip the round edge below.

How to Remove Faucet Handle

If you can’t loosen the Allen screw on the handle of a ball-type faucet, don’t let that 15¢ screw force you into a $100 faucet replacement… just yet! Normally you have to remove the handle to get the worn rubber seats that cause the drip (Figure A). First try spraying the screw with penetrating oil every day for a week.

Required Tools for this kitchen faucet repair Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY kitchen faucet repair project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

Required Materials for this kitchen faucet repair Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

Why is my faucet loose?

Common Causes of Loose Faucets: Dripping faucets are the largest causes of water wastage in homes today. This means that you have to deal with a ballooning water bill that will require you to pay for water you have not even used. Your faucet might become loose and start dripping due to a number of factors. 1.

Why do faucets need maintenance?

Faucets are undoubtedly some of the most used fixtures in a home. For this reason, they require frequent maintenance since they wear out over time.

Why is my faucet base wobbly?

Wobbly faucet base. Since a faucet pivots on its center, repeated use might cause the faucet base nuts to become loose. This leads to a wobbly faucet base that can cause difficulties when turning the faucet off and on and cause leaks.

Can you tighten an undermount kitchen sink faucet?

Evidently, tightening a undermount kitchen sink faucet of your house does not have to be a daunting task, especially with the right kind of guidance and equipment. This is why we set up this guide to help you.

Who can repair a faucet?

Plumbing supply specialists are also a good source of repair parts. If you're having trouble finding parts, call the manufacturer of your faucet for help.

How long does it take to fix a drippy kitchen faucet?

You can fix almost any drippy single-lever kitchen faucet in about an hour. We'll show you how. The repair is a lot easier than you might think, even for a plumbing novice.

Why is my water faucet slow?

Slow water flow can be caused by plugged holes in the faucet body. Use a small screwdriver or penknife to clean them out. Before you replace worn parts and reassemble the faucet, hold a rag over the dripping faucet and open the water shutoff valve slightly to flush out debris that may have been loosened during the cleaning and inspection.

How to loosen a cartridge?

Loosen the cartridge by slipping the plastic spanner cap (included with the new cartridge) over the cartridge and twisting it back and forth.

How to unscrew a cap?

Unscrew the cap by turning it counterclockwise with a slip-joint pliers.

Why does my faucet leak?

Leaks can result from faulty rubber seals or a cracked disc inside the cartridge. Since it's difficult to spot a cracked disc, and disc cartridge replacements are very expensive, it's best to start by replacing the seals and reassembling the faucet.

How to hold a cartridge in a valve?

Slide the brass clip into the slots in the valve body to hold the cartridge in place.

How to remove faucet arm from upright shaft?

Gently remove the faucet arm from the upright shaft by pulling upward on it while rotating it.

How to check for leaks in water valves?

Turn on the water at the valves and check for leaks. Start out with the water on cold and on with about half the maximum pressure. If things look OK with the half pressure then turn the cold water on all the way. Again, check for leaks. Once you're sure things are OK, turn on the hot water. ...

How to fix Allen wrench that won't remove?

Spray it with PB Blaster and let set, then spray again. Make sure the Allen wrench is secure and turn outwards to the left. If you still can't remove it, then replace it.

How to remove a golf ball from a socket?

Gently remove the ball. Please note the orientation of the ball, cut into one side of the ball is a slot that rides on a stud inside the socket.

Where to store old parts?

Store the old parts in a Ziploc bag in case of failure.

Where to get replacement water cartridges?

You can get the replacement cartridge from any big box hardware store.

Can you force a ball into a socket?

Replace the ball into the socket keeping the alignment of the ball in mind. You shouldn't have to force the ball into the socket.

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