How to Fix a Leaking Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet?

Kitchen faucets with pull-out sprays are now standard in almost every modern kitchen. Most homeowners can afford a high-quality faucet, but like any plumbing fixture, even the best kitchen faucets may develop issues over time—especially leaks. Fortunately, many of these problems are easy to fix with a few simple tools and replacement parts.

If your pull-out kitchen faucet is leaking, here are some tips to help you identify the issue and resolve it yourself before calling a professional.

Common Causes of Leaking Kitchen Faucets

Pull-out kitchen faucets can leak from several locations, including the cartridge, seals, limescale build-up, retractable hose, and threaded spray connections. Here’s how to diagnose and fix each issue:

1. Replacing the Cartridge

If the faucet uses a lever and leaks from the base, the internal cartridge is likely damaged. While it may not be visually obvious, replacing the cartridge is often the only fix. Many faucet manufacturers provide compatible replacement parts.

2. Replacing the Seal

Gaskets inside the faucet joints can dry out and crack over time, causing leaks. Remove the faucet cap and replace the worn seal with a new one. Older faucets without cartridges usually depend on these seals for tightness.

3. Removing Limescale Buildup

Hard water leads to limescale, which may obstruct flow or cause leaks. Soak the affected faucet head in vinegar essence by placing a small balloon filled with vinegar over the spout. Let it sit, then flush with hot water to restore performance.

4. Leaking Pull-Out Hose

If the leak originates from the retractable hose, unscrew it and plug one end. Fill it with water to check for leaks. If it leaks, replace the hose with a new one. These flexible hoses are prone to wear and should be replaced periodically.

5. Threaded Connection Issues

If none of the above fixes the problem, the leak may come from the joint between the spray head and hose. Unscrew the connection, replace the rubber seal, and apply a bit of plumbing grease to ensure a tight fit before reassembling.

Why You Should Fix It Promptly

Even a small drip can lead to a large water bill or worse—hidden moisture can cause long-term damage to cabinets and countertops. Fortunately, most repairs only take 10 to 30 minutes. Considering the potential cost of water damage, early repair is both economical and wise.