
Kitchen Faucet Leaking at the Base: Fix Your Leak in 5 Steps
- Shut off the water to the faucet. The first thing you want to do is turn off the water supply. That means checking the...
- Unscrew and remove the handle. Next, you want to unscrew and remove the handle. The screwdriver you use should match the...
- Disconnect the faucet body from the sink. Next, disconnect the...
How to fix a leaky kitchen faucet base?
Rotary Ball Faucet
- Shut off the water supply beneath the sink. Turn the supply valve handles clockwise until tight.
- Loosen the set screw from the bottom of the faucet handle to release it using a hex key. Lift the handle off the faucet to expose the cap.
- Wrap the jaws of a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers in an old rag or masking tape to protect the faucet finish. ...
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 leaking kitchen faucet?
Things You'll Need
- A Phillips-head (+) and flat-head screwdriver (-); even if your faucet uses Phillips-head screws, a flat-head screwdriver can be useful for prying
- Plumber’s grease (heat-resistant and non-toxic so it can be used with hot, potable water)
- Pliers
- Wrench
How do you repair a kitchen faucet?
Reassemble the Faucet
- Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order.
- Pull the stem up before inserting the cartridge. ...
- Use the plastic spanner cap or the tips of needle-nose pliers to rotate the cartridge.
- Slide the brass clip into the slots in the valve body to hold the cartridge in place.

Why is my kitchen faucet leaking from the base?
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.
How do I fix my kitchen faucet from leaking underneath?
0:534:23How to Repair a Leak Under the Sink : Home Sweet Home RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can try tightening. The retention nut on a supply valve. Another thing is that these are noMoreSo you can try tightening. The retention nut on a supply valve. Another thing is that these are no burst pipes. But you can have ferrule. And nut applications that's a solid pipe a rigid pipe.
How do you reseal a kitchen faucet base?
Roll a piece of plumber's putty between your hands until it forms a soft rope about 3/ inches thick. Apply a ring of putty to the bottom of the faucet base along the edges, using as much putty as needed to cover the entire edge of the base.
How do you fix a leak at the base of a Moen kitchen faucet?
Moen Faucet Leaking At Base: How to Repair ItShut the Water Supply Off. The water supply can be found beneath the sink. ... Observe the Moen Faucet Structure. ... Take Out the Spout Retainer. ... Remove the O-Ring. ... Replace the O-Ring. ... Reattach the Spout Retainer. ... Turn Water Supply Back On.
Why is water leaking from under faucet?
The most common sources of a leaking faucet – a worn out washer or gasket, a loose O ring, corrosion in the valve seat – can be detected and fixed easily with most faucet repair kits.
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.
Can I use plumbers putty instead of silicone sealant?
Silicone and plumber's putty are pretty equally matched in terms of bathroom fittings and drain pipes. But you can typically expect putty to outperform and outlast silicone used in these areas. The elasticity of plumber's putty makes it stand up better against long-term exposure to water.
How do you put silicone on a faucet base?
0:343:09How to Apply Silicone Behind a Faucet (Back of a Sink) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst we ran a little bead of silicone across the top of the backsplash. Always use a hundredMoreFirst we ran a little bead of silicone across the top of the backsplash. Always use a hundred percent silicon. This is gonna make it mold resistant. And waterproof.
Do I use plumbers putty on kitchen faucet?
Plumber's putty is commonly used to seal along the base of faucets and other sink fixtures before setting them onto the sink. It's also applied to the undersides of sink strainers and pop-up drainfittings for sinks and tubs.
Why is my Moen kitchen faucet leaking under the sink?
Water Leaking Due to Worn O- Ring There are generally two causes of water leaking from your Moen faucet. Because pull-out spray faucets have a single handle, the most common cause of the water leaking is the O-ring. To replace the O-ring, turn off the water to the faucet from below the counter.
How do you replace the O-rings on a kitchen 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 you replace the O-rings on a Moen kitchen faucet?
On single-handle faucets, you'll need to remove the retaining nut, twist the spout back and forth, then pull it up to remove it. Replace the O-ring, then set the cartridge back into the faucet body and replace the retaining nut. Reinstall the handle and screw in the handle screw. Snap the screw cap back into place.
Why is my sink leaking from the bottom?
Leaks in a bathroom sink are frequently caused by clogged water supply lines, faulty p-traps, or poor sink drain pipe connections. Other reasons for bathroom sink leaks include blocked water supply pipes, incorrect p-traps, and poor sink drain connections; so double-check these areas.
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.
How do you replace a O-ring on a kitchen faucet?
0:251:34Leaky Faucet Base – O-Ring Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLoosen the coupling nut from the base of the spout by using a crescent wrench tip. Cover theMoreLoosen the coupling nut from the base of the spout by using a crescent wrench tip. Cover the crescent wrench with a rag to prevent scratching the finish or a strap wrench to turn the nut.
Why is My Kitchen Faucet Leaking at Base?
In this type of leaking, the dirt and dust gather in the faucet’s bearings that make the water of the faucet tight. The debris creates a hurdle in water, so the Kitchen Faucet starts Leaking at the base.
How to Fix Leaky Kitchen Faucet with Two Handles?
You can fix two handle leaky kitchen faucets. You can fix the issue without replacing the whole faucet. You can do it as follows.
How to Repair a Single Handle Kitchen Faucet with a Spray Hose?
You can repair the single-handle kitchen faucet with a spray hose in the following manner.
What does it mean when a kitchen faucet has only one handle?
If you have a single-handle Kitchen Faucet at your home, it means that it contains only one handle to control the pressure and temperature of the water.
What does it mean when hot water is leaking when cold water is on?
If the hot water is a leak when the cold water is on, then the issue is in the hot water handle. You will need to fix it. You can apply the method mentioned in the above section to replace the hot water leak handle.
What happens if water is fixed?
If it is fixed, then the wastage of water will be resolved. The people can do it by their selves as well as they hire professionals for this purpose.
Can a kitchen faucet leak with two handles?
With two handle kitchen faucets, you will need more efforts to locate the leak as now you have to determine which part of the faucet caused the leak.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is ceramic valve?
Ceramic disc valves are simply another type of cartridge. Discs inside the cartridge control the water flow. This type of valve is sturdy and reliable and rarely needs fixing. In fact, many manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee on the cartridge.
How to get a frozen faucet to move?
If you can’t get the faucet to move or if it’s frozen, spray lubricant around and on the stem of the faucet (the piece between the handle and faucet body), turn it with a pair of pliers until it loosens up. If all else fails, you can try a pair of needle-nose pliers to ensure that you at least remove the handle.
Why do you need to turn off the water line?
In many cases, it’s an outside faucet on a hose bib attached to your house’s water service line that you need to turn off. This will help prevent the flooding that can sometimes occur if you don’t turn off the water at your main water supply and have a leak on the inside.
Is it easy to fix a leak?
The good news is that most leaks are pretty easy to fix if they’re caught early enough. But here’s how not to get caught by surprise (again).
Can you use vegetable oil on a faucet?
It’s possible to use vegetable oil or mineral oil (both of which will eventually evaporate) as a preventative measure for pipes, so if there is any place on your faucet that may cause leaks in the future, try using it now.
How to test for a leak in a kitchen faucet?
You can test for a handle leak by wrapping a paper towel around the handle and turning on the faucet. If the faucet is leaking from the handle, See article Kitchen Faucet: Leaking Around The Handle.
What does it mean when a faucet handle puddles?
When the handle is turned on the water puddles around the faucet base. Recommended Solution -Water can leak from various areas. A handle leak can puddle onto the base plate (escutcheon) making it appear to be a leak at the base of the faucet.
Do I need to replace the O rings on a kitchen faucet?
If you have a single handle faucets without a side spray, you will need to replace the faucets O-rings. I f you have a two handle kitchen faucet , you will need to replace the faucets O-rings. If you have a faucet with a pullout wand, confirm that the spray wand and pullout hose connection is tight. If it is still leaking, contact us at Moen.com ...
How to fix a temporary leak in a faucet?
Temporary leak solution: Replace the seals/o-rings/bearing to return to water-tight faucet operation. The part number for the replacement seals will vary depending on the faucet model number.
Where is the leaky faucet leaking?
Kitchen Faucet: Leaking at Base of Faucet Spout. Faucet is leaking or dripping at the base, near the countertop. This troubleshooting document relates to standard, pull-out, and pull-down kitchen faucets.
What is a continuous leak in a faucet?
Continuous leak: This is characterized by a constant leak that occurs after the faucet is turned off. Dirt and debris have collected in the valve/cartridge which prevents the valve from properly controlling the flow of water. The valve/cartridge is located under the handle. In some faucets, the check valve/spacer has also worn out. The check valve is located under the valve in the faucet body.
What is a faucet part catalog?
The Faucet Parts Catalog is another resource that can help identify your product.
What is temporary leak?
Temporary leak: This leak lasts while the faucet is running. Dirt or debris have collected on the seals/o-rings/bearings which prevents the seals from making the faucet water-tight. The seals/o-rings/bearings are located in the faucet body.
Why is My Kitchen Faucet Leaking at the Base?
A kitchen faucet (or any other faucet for that matter) is designed to be watertight unless when it is turned on. This is made possible by seals (O- rings) which ensure that water is contained inside the pipes and only flows out through the spout and not from the base of the faucet.
How long does it take to fix a faucet?
After collecting all the materials, it will only take you less than 10 minutes to fix the faucet. You should buy the O-rings well in advance. If you take a picture of the faucet to any home improvement store, their specialists will easily identify the faucet and give you the correct O-ring sizes.
How many O rings are in a double handle kitchen faucet?
Just like with single-handle kitchen faucets, double-handle kitchen faucets have 1 or 2 O-rings, only that in this case they are found on the spout. These types of faucets are also known as goose-neck faucets due to the long and curved shape of their spouts.
How to make O rings watertight?
To help you have a watertight seal. Clean the O-ring grooves with a rag and remove all dirt and mineral deposits. Apply grease inside the grooves and around the O-rings.
How to identify a kitchen faucet?
The easiest way to identify your kitchen faucet is my looking for its manufacturer’s logo or brand name around it . Look for the model number as well if possible. If there is no such thing on the faucet, take a good picture of it and seek help from your nearest home improvement store.
Where is the spout on a faucet?
The faucet spout is connected to the bottom part of the faucet using a collar. You will need a pair of pliers to loosen the collar.
How to get water out of a sprout?
Pull the spout straight up. Again, there will be some water that will flow out once the sprout is pulled out. Wipe it off with the towel.
How to tell if a faucet is leaking?
When diagnosing a leak, it’s helpful to be able to identify where the water is actually coming from. For example, maybe you’ve identified that your bathroom faucet is leaking at its base. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Shut off the faucet water supply and pull out the faucet handle cap. Loosen the faucet valve with a pair ...
Why does my sink leak at the base?
That being said, there are really only two culprits that could be causing your sink to leak at its base. The first is the faucet’s O-ring. These can dry up or crack after extended use. The second potential cause of your problem is a worn-out inner cartridge.
What Causes Bathroom Sinks to Leak at the Base?
Base leaks can sometimes be difficult to spot because they typically only leak when the faucet is on. Additionally, they occur in a spot that we commonly splash water on while using our sink.
What to do if you can't find the shut off valve under your sink?
If you aren’t able to find shutoff valves under your sink, you’re going to need to turn off your home’s main water valve while you work. This will make sure that water won’t interfere with you while you work.
How to install a new cartridge?
Install the New Cartridge. Start by placing the new cartridge into the slot just like the old one. Then, replace the screw you took out earlier on top of the cartridge to secure it into place. You may need to apply a bit of plumber’s grease to the cartridge’s O-ring with your finger.
Do sinks have inner cartridges?
Before starting, it’s important to note that sinks with two handles often have inner cartridges in each handle. If your leak is coming from only one of those handles, then don’t worry about replacing the other handle’s inner cartridge unless you want to be proactive.
Can you caulk around a faucet?
You can use caulk around a faucet base but it’s not necessary to do so. Caulking is another way to seal your sink. It’s often used on kitchen faucets that don’t have a rubber gasket to prevent leaks.
