Repairing Guides

how to repair one handle kitchen faucet

by Santino Boehm PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Clear the sink, plug the drain, and turn off the water supply valves.
  • Check to see if the faucet’s handle is traditional or one with a big decorative head. ...
  • If the set screw is visible, hold the faucet in place and tighten the screw. ...
  • Tighten the screw while holding the handle in place. Once the screw is tight, the handle should stop shaking.
  • If your kitchen faucet has a decorative handle, locate the rubber cap at its top or sides. Remove the cap to find the hole hiding the setscrew. ...
  • Slide the wrench into the hole until you find the setscrew. You will have to work by feel since the screw is out of sight.
  • Once the Allen wrench engages with the screw, tighten it by twisting in a clockwise direction. Once you feel resistance, stop tightening. ...
  • Open the water supply valves to verify that no leakages exist and that the faucet is properly functioning.

Part of a video titled How to Repair a Leaky Single Handle Cartridge Faucet
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First 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 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 replace a faucet handle?

To replace an outdoor faucet washer:

  • Turn the water off to the faucet.
  • Unscrew the packing nut by turning it counterclockwise.
  • Pull the handle and stem out of the faucet housing.
  • Remove the screw on the end of the stem that holds the rubber washer.
  • Replace the rubber washer on the stem with one of the same size.

How do you fix a loose faucet handle?

Tightening a Faucet Handle

  1. Before you begin, ensure that you rid the sink cabinet of all objects that could hinder the access to the supply valves at the back of the sink cabinet.
  2. Next, turn off the water supply to the faucet.
  3. Inspect the handle of the faucet. ...
  4. Slide the end of the correct size of the hex head wrench into the set screw and turn clockwise until it is tight. ...

More items...

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

What is a single handle faucet?

What is a cartridge faucet?

Where is the water shut off valve?

What happens if you don't see a retaining nut?

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Why is my single handle kitchen faucet leaking?

Continuous leak when faucet is off: When the faucet is off, water leaks from under the handle area. With this issue, 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.

How do you put a single handle faucet back together?

2:386:15How do I replace the stem in my single handle faucet? Part 2 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's going to pull it. Down. Now these nuts you make them up hand tight and then you want to go backMoreIt's going to pull it. Down. Now these nuts you make them up hand tight and then you want to go back to your adjustable pliers or channel locks. Hold on to the faucet. And just snug this up.

How do you fix a Delta single handle kitchen faucet?

0:448:56Delta Kitchen Faucet Leak Repair (Single Handle) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith the water off turn the faucet to the on. Position. This is a double check to make sure thatMoreWith the water off turn the faucet to the on. Position. This is a double check to make sure that your water is off use a 1 8 inch hex head wrench to remove the set screw in the handle.

How do you remove a single handle faucet cartridge?

1:382:51How to Remove a Faucet Cartridge - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt using an allen wrench. Then lift it off twist the bonnet nut counterclockwise to remove it liftMoreIt using an allen wrench. Then lift it off twist the bonnet nut counterclockwise to remove it lift out the cam. Then the packing and ball valve remove the seats and springs using a small screwdriver.

How do you put a kitchen faucet back together?

1:071:38How to Clean a Faucet Aerator - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut the screen in. First. Then the aerator. And finally the gasket screw the assembly back onto theMorePut the screen in. First. Then the aerator. And finally the gasket screw the assembly back onto the faucet. And. Now that's the way a faucet should work.

How does a single hole faucet work?

In a single-hole design, hot and cold water are combined in a one-piece casting that also houses the valves. This type of body is available in one- or two-handle designs. With the bridge design, a pipe joining two separate valves blends the hot and cold water before it reaches the spout.

How do you change a Delta single handle cartridge?

0:2712:08Delta Single Handle Faucet Cartridge Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet. This particular one is from Delta. All the other manufacturers have this style as well it'sMoreSet. This particular one is from Delta. All the other manufacturers have this style as well it's called a single lever faucet. And sometimes they're on the side like this on across the deck.

How do I know what model Delta Faucet I have?

The model number is on all packaging, some faucets, and all installation instructions provided with your faucet. On the packaging, look near the UPC code or the top of the box. On the faucet, a model identification tag has been attached to most models manufactured since 2012.

How do you take apart a Delta Faucet head?

0:462:21How To Clean a Delta® Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLikely just that mineral build-up you'll need to remove your spray wand don't worry this is superMoreLikely just that mineral build-up you'll need to remove your spray wand don't worry this is super easy on some faucets you can just remove your spray wand by simply unscrewing it.

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.

How do I identify my faucet cartridge?

0:063:20Quick Ways to Identify the Brand and Manufacturer for Faucet RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother quick tip is to look underneath the sink because sometimes you might be able to find a labelMoreAnother quick tip is to look underneath the sink because sometimes you might be able to find a label that's attached to a supply line that will tell you the manufacturer.

Can a faucet cartridge be repaired?

Worn cartridges or rubber O rings often lead to leaks. By swapping in replacement parts, your faucet won't leak at the base or around the handles anymore. Replacing a faucet cartridge is a plumbing fix you can do in less than an hour. All you need is a few simple tools.

How do I fix a single handle bathroom faucet?

1:192:32How to Repair a Leaky Lavatory Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have a one-piece cam you will not have an adjusting ring. Next pull out the ball beneath. TheMoreIf you have a one-piece cam you will not have an adjusting ring. Next pull out the ball beneath. The ball are the seats and springs to help remove and replace the seats.

How do you tighten a single handle bathroom faucet?

How to Adjust a Single Lever FaucetRemove the plate that covers the screw holding the lever in place. On most single lever faucets, you can pop out this small plate with a thin-bladed knife. ... Tighten the screw holding the lever. ... Wrap the valve stem with plumber's tape.

How do I fix a single handle shower faucet?

0:412:25How to Fix a Leaky Tub/Shower Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd pull the cartridge out of the valve. Once that is done use silicone grease to lubricate theMoreAnd pull the cartridge out of the valve. Once that is done use silicone grease to lubricate the inside of the valve body about one inch as well as the exterior rubber components on the new cartridge.

How do you fix a broken faucet handle?

0:050:48Bathroom Repair : How to Repair a Sink Handle - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's an allen wrench right inside of here that you're going to loosen. And this handle will pullMoreThere's an allen wrench right inside of here that you're going to loosen. And this handle will pull right off.

What is a single handle faucet?

In a single-handle faucet, the handle causes the internal cartridge to rise or lower within the faucet body to start and stop the flow of water. Both hot and cold water flow into the same cartridge, and a turn of the handle controls the mixture and temperature. Two-handle cartridge faucets operate in a similar fashion, ...

What is a cartridge faucet?

The cartridge faucet is a special type of washerless fixture commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, and it's designed so that the cartridge insert is easy to replace when the faucet begins to drip and leak. Cartridge faucets come in both single-lever and two-handle versions, and various models use different types of plastic or brass-body ...

Where is the water shut off valve?

The water shutoff is usually found directly under the sink and consists of a small valve and a small handle—one for the cold water pipe and one for the hot water. If the valve is similar to the style shown here, turn the handle clockwise to tighten and shut it off. Make sure the valves are turned snugly tight.

What happens if you don't see a retaining nut?

​If you do not readily see a retaining nut once the handle is removed, you have a newer, more complicated cartridge faucet. Set all following parts aside in the order they were removed.

Before You Repair

Before you can repair any issues with your single lever faucet, familiarize yourself with the parts inside so that when you disassemble and reassemble the faucet such that each part goes back into its proper place. Check out our article on How to remove kitchen faucet for an in depth guide.

Step by step guide on how to repair a single handle kitchen faucet with a spray hose

First, make sure the water lever is turned off of the faucet. Then, take the adjustable wrench to open the aerator of your faucet head. When you open the aerator, you may find debris and minerals are built up to cover the water flow. Sometimes, simple washing with water can remove the debris.

FAQs on how to repair a single handle kitchen faucet with a spray hose

Not every time. If the issue is with the self-closing handle, spray hose leak, or low pressure issue then you will not need to disassemble the faucet.

Conclusion

The dripping and leaking issues and the water pressure are the most common problems of any faucet. Whether it be a budget faucet or the expensive and smart faucet, none of them are immune to the leaks or the pressure issue. You have to be smart and quick thinking to understand how you can overcome the problems.

Why Is A Faucet Handle Hard To Turn?

There are a couple of causes that can result in hard-to-turn faucet handles. One of the main culprits is mineral deposits that build up and begin to cause issues. Another possible reason lies in the faucet’s cartridge, which can eventually develop problems that make the faucet handle hard to turn.

Can You Use WD-40 On A Faucet?

Yes, you can try WD40 on a faucet. In this case, where the faucet handle is not wanting to turn, try using a little squirt of WD-40 to see if it fixes the problem. WD-40 will help lubricate the faucet handle, hopefully encouraging movement. This may help loosen the handle to the point where it is more fluid and easy to turn.

How Do You Loosen A Stiff Faucet Handle?

Loosening the stiff faucet handle will take a bit of time, but it is not hard to do. First, you need to examine the interior of the faucet to confirm the problem. From there, you can determine the best course of action.

Putting It All Together

Once you have cleaned the cartridge or purchased a new one if necessary, you need to reinstall each of the parts. Replace the cartridge according to the original orientation. Tighten the nut, and then replace the faucet handle.

Which Ways Should Faucet Knobs Turn?

The type of model will determine the faucet’s on/off directions to regulate flow. Generally speaking, cross handles typically turn in the same direction. This means counter-clockwise to turn on the flow and clockwise to turn off the flow. Think of it as tightening or loosening a nut on a bolt.

Why Do I Need To Fix Faucets That Do Not Turn The Right Way?

If a faucet’s turning orientation is incorrect, it is best to fix it. For example, Moen faucet handles have a temperature limiter. When it reaches below its bottom limit, the faucet handle might have issues with its stopping point, which can cause the handle to move in the wrong direction.

How To Fix Faucet Handles That Turn The Wrong Direction

Fixing wayward handles is a relatively simple task that will take a small chunk of time to complete.

How many handles does a Moen kitchen faucet have?

If you're involved with a Moen kitchen faucet repair, and the faucet has only one handle, the job will entail taking the faucet apart. If you're involved with a Moen kitchen faucet repair, and the faucet has only one handle, the job will entail taking the faucet apart.

Why is my Moen pull out faucet leaking?

If you have a Moen pull out kitchen faucet leaking from the base, however, the problem could be that the quick connector between the spout hose and the faucet base is leaking. That isn't supposed to happen, and when it does, it's usually because the connecter wasn't put together properly. Moen's instructions for fixing this problem begin ...

How to access O rings on a faucet?

To access the O-rings, you need to remove the spout. You can do this without removing the valve, although you do have to remove the handle. Once the handle is off, grasp the spout and lift it right off the faucet base, tapping with a mallet if necessary to loosen it.

Do Delta faucets have cartridge valves?

If you take apart a faucet from another manufacturer, such as Delta, you're as likely to find a ball valve as you are to find a cartridge valve, but that's not true if the faucet is a Moen. All Moen faucets, even the two-handled models, have cartridge valves.

What is a single handle faucet?

In a single-handle faucet, the handle causes the internal cartridge to rise or lower within the faucet body to start and stop the flow of water. Both hot and cold water flow into the same cartridge, and a turn of the handle controls the mixture and temperature. Two-handle cartridge faucets operate in a similar fashion, ...

What is a cartridge faucet?

The cartridge faucet is a special type of washerless fixture commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, and it's designed so that the cartridge insert is easy to replace when the faucet begins to drip and leak. Cartridge faucets come in both single-lever and two-handle versions, and various models use different types of plastic or brass-body ...

Where is the water shut off valve?

The water shutoff is usually found directly under the sink and consists of a small valve and a small handle—one for the cold water pipe and one for the hot water. If the valve is similar to the style shown here, turn the handle clockwise to tighten and shut it off. Make sure the valves are turned snugly tight.

What happens if you don't see a retaining nut?

​If you do not readily see a retaining nut once the handle is removed, you have a newer, more complicated cartridge faucet. Set all following parts aside in the order they were removed.

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