Your Complete Guide To Fixing A Leaky Kitchen Faucet

While you might think that a leaky kitchen faucet isn't a big deal, it could quickly escalate into a more significant issue in the long-run. Furthermore, a leaky faucet can also hike up your water bill as it wastes at least three gallons of water every day.

Luckily, it's not difficult to repair a leaking faucet on your own. You'll just need a few basic tools, follow some simple steps, and you're good to go.

What causes a faucet to leak?

Before fixing your leaky faucet, it's crucial to have a better idea of why your faucet's leaking in the first place. Some of the more common issues include:

O-ring problems: The o-ring is a small disc that helps seal the faucet. If your faucet's leaking, it's possible that your o-ring is worn or loose.

Valve seat corrosion: If you've got a compression faucet, it has a valve seat that connects the spout to the water mechanism. Mineral deposits and sediments can cause corrosion and result in leaks.

Worn down washer: When you're using your faucet, the internal washers rub against the valve seat. This friction could cause the rubber to wear down and lose its effectiveness.

Wrong installation: If your seals and washers aren't in the right place during installation, it could result in leaking.

What are the different faucet designs?

Knowing your faucet's design can also help you figure out why it's leaking before you remove it. The different faucet designs are:

1. Cartridge valve

This is the most common valve design in the majority of faucets. It houses a cartridge along with o-rings that surround the cartridge.

2. Compression valve

These are one of the oldest in design and contain a valve stem. The valve stem usually consists of a washer that's made of rubber.

3. Ceramic disk faucet valve

This type of faucet may be a little more complicated to repair as you've got to work your way through several screws to remove the valve. If you've got this valve design, however, it's not prone to leaks.

4. A ball-style faucet valve

This particular design has a rubber gasket with a spring along with a ball. If you've got a leaky faucet, it's more than likely that the ball is cracked, or there's an issue with the rubber gasket and spring.

How to fix your faucet?

1. Turn off the water supply.

You can do this by turning the valves beneath the sink. You'll then want to turn on the water faucets to relieve any water pressure before you begin.

2. Remove the handle.

Take off the cap on the handle of the faucet before removing the screw. Once the screw's off, the handle can be removed.

3. Remove the faucet valve insert.

After you've removed the handle, remove the pin, collar, or nut and then lift the valve insert. This could be a cartridge, ceramic disk, or ball insert depending on the type of faucet that you have.

4. Replace the components.

Depending on our faucet, you'll want to replace the corresponding parts. To be sure you're purchasing the right ones, bring the components with you to a local hardware store.

As a rule of thumb, if your faucet has a cartridge, you'll want to replace the o-rings. If you've got a compression type valve, you should get a washer replacement. You should also check the cartridge and inspect it for any cracks.

5. Reassemble and test the faucet.

After you've replaced the components, it's time to reassemble the faucet. Once that's done, turn on your faucet to check and see if it's still leaking. If it's not, you've successfully fixed your faucet.

If the drip continues

If your faucet continues to leak, it could be due to other potential issues. In a worst-case scenario, you may have broken plumbing in your home. While it's tempting to troubleshoot the problem on your own, it's best to seek the help of a professional plumber or professional plumbing service. They'd have the expertise to diagnose the problem and will be able to help rectify the issue swiftly.