HOW TO REPAIR A LEAKING KITCHEN FAUCET?

Kitchen faucets are widely used and can only leak if they are worn out. Modern taps offer years of trouble-free operation. In a busy family, all family members use the sink faucet several times a day. Over time, the parts in the faucet can become brittle and wear out. Leaks at the base of a kitchen faucet are usually caused by worn o-rings located under the faucet outlet. Replacing these o-ring seals can extend the life of the faucet.

Step 1
Turn off the water supply on the hot and cold sides of the tap.

Step 2
Close all drain pipes to prevent the faucet parts from falling.

Step 3
Use a flat-bladed screwdriver to pry the plastic cap off the top of the nozzle. If the faucet is a single lever, you will need to remove the faucet handle in front of the water outlet. The handle is attached with the Phillips screw on the top of the hexagon screw on the side.

Step 4
Using water pump pliers or a wrench, turn the nut counterclockwise and remove the mounting nut from the top of the nozzle.

Step 5
Grasp the nozzle and pull it up and out of the faucet body as you twist it back and forth.

Step 6
Use needle-nose pliers to remove the O-ring from the faucet body. There are usually at least two O-rings, but there can be three or even four. The o-ring should be easy to see and locate.

Step 7
Slide the replacement o-ring onto the body of the faucet. Make sure the o-ring is seated in its grooved slot and make sure that the o-ring is not twisted.

Step 8
Apply faucet lubricant to the outside edge of the o-ring, then reinstall the nozzle and nozzle mounting nut.

Step 9
Reinstall the handle, screws, and decorative plastic cover in reverse order.

Step 10
Open the closed drain and turn on the water supply to the tap. Turn on the faucet and turn the faucet from side to side to see if the base is leaking.

Many faucet manufacturers provide you with wearing parts free of charge as part of a lifetime guarantee. Simply contact customer service to have the parts shipped to you. When purchasing parts, a kit packaged for a specific faucet is easier to use than general mass-produced parts.

What do you need?

key
Flathead screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver
Water pump pliers
Needle nose pliers
Allen key
Faucet lubricant