- Clean and dry the area around the handle and all the parts with a cloth.
- Inspect the O-rings around the housing. Replace any that look damaged or worn.
- Insert the new cartridge or stem, making sure it is aligned correctly.
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 to repair a loose kitchen sink faucet?
What you need to do:
- Clear under the sink to create maximum space to work.
- Plug the sink’s drain to prevent nuts, screws, or other small components from falling in.
- Switch off the water supply valves from below the sink. ...
- Open the faucet to verify that the water supply lines are off and release any pressure in the water lines. ...
Why there is a leak underneath your bathroom sink?
Replace the Faucet’s Inner Cartridge
- Turn Off the Water Supply. This is typically done underneath the sink. ...
- Remove the Faucet Handle. Most handles have screws that you can find pretty easily either on their sides or rears. ...
- Find the Retaining Nut and Remove it. ...
- Remove the Old Cartridge. ...
- Install the New Cartridge. ...
- Put it All Back Together and Test the Faucet. ...
How to fix a dripping or leaky double handle faucet?
- If the handle has a cap, remove it with a flat head screwdriver. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the handle.
- Remove the faceplate behind the handle from the shower wall. ...
- Find the metal sleeve over the shower valve. ...
- If the shower valve has a locking clip, pry it off with needle nose pliers or a screwdriver.
How do I stop my kitchen faucet from dripping?
0:223:00How to Fix A Dripping or Leaky Single Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's stuck soak a towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the aerator for about an hour. AfterMoreIf it's stuck soak a towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the aerator for about an hour. After an hour gently remove the aerator with a towel and pliers.
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.
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 faucet that won't stop leaking?
If you have a leak from a cartridge faucet, a faulty O-ring is most likely to blame. Simply replacing the O-ring will solve the problem. The washer is another component that can cause a faucet leak. The washer is pressed against the valve seat every time you use the faucet.
Why does my faucet drip after I turn it off?
If you notice your bathroom sink drips or leaks out of the faucet head when turned off, there is likely an issue with the seal inside the faucet head, allowing the water to run through or drip. Before calling a professional plumber, consider whether you're able to repair the leak in your bathroom sink yourself.
Why does my faucet leak from the handle?
Answer: The most common reason for a faucet to leak under the handle or knob is because of a worn rubber o-ring or seat washer. Replacing the rubber o-ring or seat washer will fix the leak.
Where is cartridge on kitchen faucet?
0:352:55How to Clean a Kitchen Faucet Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUnder your sink.MoreUnder your sink.
Where is the O-ring on a faucet?
0:251:34Leaky Faucet Base – O-Ring Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe o-rings should be easy to see and locate there are at least one or two o-rings that there couldMoreThe o-rings should be easy to see and locate there are at least one or two o-rings that there could be even three or four remove. Each oring using a flathead screwdriver or needle nose pliers.
What tools do I need to fix a leaky faucet?
You'll probably need an Allen wrench to remove the handle. Buy a set of small Allen wrenches and you'll be prepared for all kinds of leaking faucets. Most repairs also require screwdrivers and a pair of large slip-joint pliers.
How do you change the cartridge on a double handle faucet?
1:293:02How to Replace Leaky Cartridges in a Bathroom Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst align the tab on the new cartridge to the slot on the faucet. Now screw on the bonnet nut andMoreFirst align the tab on the new cartridge to the slot on the faucet. Now screw on the bonnet nut and tighten with the crescent wrench reinstall the handle and pop the caps back.
How do you remove a double handle faucet?
2:1312:07How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet with Two Handles | The Home DepotYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause the mounting nuts securing the faucet are installed first you'll need to unscrew the supplyMoreBecause the mounting nuts securing the faucet are installed first you'll need to unscrew the supply line connections before you can remove them.
How do you fix a 2 handle Moen kitchen faucet?
0:034:50Kitchen Plumbing : Double Handle Kitchen Faucet Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd this is how you repair a double handled kitchen sink.MoreAnd this is how you repair a double handled kitchen sink.
How do you fix a Delta faucet with two handles?
1:323:15How To Fix A Leaky Delta Two Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a wrench or channel lock pliers to loosen the bonnet nut make sure to note where the quarterMoreUse a wrench or channel lock pliers to loosen the bonnet nut make sure to note where the quarter term stop is set on top of the cartridge. And use a pair of pliers to grab the top of the cartridge.
How long does water run in a faucet?
The water needs to run for one minute. For kitchen & bathroom faucets, be sure to put a bucket upside down over top of the faucet in order to direct the water down to the sink, or water will spray everywhere. Turn the water off at the supply lines again before re-assembling. 8.
Do you need an adjusting ring for a faucet?
Depending on the age of your faucet, you may not have an adjusting ring. For those with newer faucets that don’t contain adjusting rings, please skip this step. If you have an older faucet with an adjusting ring, it will not be needed after the repair if the cam/packing is replaced.
How do I fix a leaky faucet?
To fix a leaky faucet, first turn off the water to your faucet by twisting the valve under the sink. If there’s no valve, turn off the water supply for your whole house. Turn the faucet on to empty any water in the pipes, and plug the drain so nothing falls down it while you’re working.
How to replace O-ring on a sink?
Pull the handle cartridge up and out of the sink. Use a cloth to wipe down all of the loose parts and the area around the handle. If the O-ring looks old or damaged, replace it. Get a matching replacement for the old cartridge, then insert the new cartridge back into the sink.
How do I know what type of faucet I have?
Determine what type of faucet you have. 1 A ball faucet contains a ball bearing. 2 A cartridge faucet contains a cartridge. The materials of the cartridge will vary, but handle often has a decorative cap. 3 A ceramic-disk faucet contains a ceramic cylinder.
What is the difference between a ball and a cartridge faucet?
You may have to take your faucet apart before you know which is which, because the internal mechanisms at the base of their arms are all different: A ball faucet contains a ball bearing. A cartridge faucet contains a cartridge. The materials of the cartridge will vary, but handle often has a decorative cap.
How many handles does a compression faucet have?
A compression faucet has two screw handles, one for hot and one for cold, and is the easiest to recognize by sight. The other three types of faucet all have one central, swiveling arm that you can swing from hot to cold as desired.
What is the stem on a faucet?
Underneath, you will find the stem, which sits on top of the O-ring, which sits on top of a seat washer. The seat washer is usually made of rubber, which can get worn out after a while. If your faucet is dripping, this is mostly likely the culprit.
Can a leaky faucet cause high water bills?
The annoying drip of a leaky faucet can cause higher water bills and irritation. Fortunately, it's easy to fix yourself if you can identify the type of faucet and get the necessary tools for the job.
How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Double-Handle Faucet
Learn how to repair three types of double-handle faucets: ceramic disc, compression/reverse-compression and cartridge.
Repairing Different Types of Faucets
Keep in mind that some cartridge bodies and ceramic disc bodies/cylinders can look similar. In most cases, the cartridge body doesn't have moving parts. The ceramic disc body/cylinder does have moving parts that pivot to open the ports on the bottom.
Locate the Leak
Determine which side of your faucet is leaking by shutting off the water supply valves one at a time. If the leak doesn’t stop after the first valve is turned off, it’s the other line that’s leaking.
Ceramic Disc Faucets
This type of faucet uses a cylinder with tiny discs on the bottom that control water flow. The most successful repair typically replaces the entire cylinder.
Compression & Reverse-Compression Faucets
In this repair, you’ll replace the washer and O-ring or gasket on the valve stem, as well as the valve seat in the faucet.
Aerator
After reassembling your faucet, run the water for a few minutes to clear debris from the new parts. Replace the aerator.
How to Fix a Dripping or Leaky Single-Handle Faucet
Learn to repair three types of single-handle faucets: ball, cartridge and ceramic disc.
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.
Shut Off the Water
The type of faucet in your kitchen or bathroom may be a single or double handle, has a modern pull-down wand design or is a twisting ball faucet on your shower or tub. Before you begin to fix a dripping faucet, your first step is to shut off the water supply.
Remove the Cartridge or Stem
The faucet cartridge or faucet stem is found in most two-handled kitchen and bathroom faucet styles. This is the part that regulates the flow of hot and cold water.
Install New Cartridge
Now that you’ve inspected the cartridge or stem and identified it as the source of your dripping kitchen faucet or bathroom faucet leak, you’ll have to replace it.
Reattach Faucet Handle
Once you’ve installed the new cartridge or stem, return to the previous steps and reattach the faucet handle. Turn your water line back on and remove any debris or towels from your sink.
