How to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Sink Faucet

Repair your kitchen faucet in about a half hour.

Leaky kitchen faucets are more than simply annoying. The leaks lead to excess water in your sink, which in turn creates hard-water stains and possible water damage. There is a simple fix that stops leaks in kitchen faucets, and if you have a little know-how it takes only about a half hour to perform. The fix solves most kitchen leaks and is a common repair.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench
• Cloth
• Channel pliers
• Kitchen faucet repair kit

Instructions

1. Close the water valves under the sink by turning them to the "Off" position.

2. Remove the faucet handle. First, find the screw in the side of the handle and loosen it with an Allen wrench. Pull the kitchen faucet handle up and off of the stem.

3. Place a towel around the bonnet cap (the dome-shaped piece under the handle) and grasp it with a pair of channel pliers. Twist to the left to loosen this part and remove it from the faucet.

4. Remove the cartridge and seals inside the faucet by pulling them out by hand. Or use the tip of the Allen wrench to pry them out if necessary.

5. Replace the O rings and seals with new ones designed just for your faucet. These are usually included in the repair kits. Then install the new cartridge inside the head of the faucet.

6. Replace the bonnet cap and twist it to tighten it and secure the cartridge to the faucet. Place the handle back on the stem and thread and tighten the screw.

7. Turn on your water again and test the faucet for leakage. If leaks occur, remove the handle again and tighten the dome cap or replace the O ring.

References

• Family Handyman: How to Repair a Kitchen Faucet

Resources

• Jammersix: How to fix leaky delta Faucet