Got a Leaky Kitchen Faucet? Here's How To Fix It Without Calling a Plumber

Is your kitchen faucet dripping nonstop? That constant plink, plink, plink of water droplets can drive anyone crazy. But before you despair and call an expensive plumber, know that many common faucet leaks can be fixed with some basic tools and DIY determination.

From worn-out washers and gaskets to broken interior cartridges, most leaks originate from small replaceable parts inside the faucet. With a little investigation, you can likely repair the leak yourself without replacing the whole faucet. This saves money while giving you valuable plumbing skills.

Pinpointing the Exact Source of the Leak

First, determine the exact location the water is dripping from. Carefully inspect the faucet and run the water to locate the leak's origin point. It may be coming from the spout, the base where the faucet attaches to the sink, or where the handle connects.

Also check below the sink, since water can drip down along the faucet neck and pool at lower joints. Look for any moisture or wet spots on the supply lines, hoses, and shutoff valves under the counter.

Pay attention to whether the drip is constant or intermittent. An always-present leak likely means a bigger underlying issue like a cracked valve seat or defective cartridge. But if it only drips when the faucet is turned on, worn washers or loose fittings could be the cause.

Shutting Off the Water Supply Lines

Before taking anything apart, you need to turn off the water supply feeding the leaky faucet. Locate the two shutoff valves below the sink or behind the refrigerator. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to turn the valves clockwise until tight.

After shutting off both hot and cold water lines, turn the faucet on briefly to relieve any pressure and drain out residual water still in the pipes. This prevents splashing when you disassemble the faucet.

Tips for Turning Off Supply Valves

• Wrap valves in a cloth to protect the finish from tool scratches.
• Spray penetrating oil on stuck valves before attempting to turn.
• Make sure valves are completely off and do not seep water.
• Label each valve hot and cold for easier reinstallation.

Taking Apart the Faucet Assembly

With the water off, now you can take the faucet apart to access the interior components. Start by prying off any decorative caps or covers with a small flat screwdriver.

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the screws holding on the handle. Pull the handle straight out once detached. For two-handle faucets, take apart both hot and cold handles.

The spout will likely unscrew also. Wrapping it in a cloth can help grip it firmly. Take off any escutcheon plates around the base. Removing all exterior parts provides room to work.

Revealing Inner Valves and Cartridges

Getting the outer hardware off allows you to see the inner workings including valves, seals, springs and cartridges. These interfere parts often cause leaks and need replacement.

Use needle-nose pliers and screwdrivers to carefully disconnect any small interior pieces blocking your access to the leaky spots. Lay out parts in order for easier reassembly later.

Identifying and Replacing Failed Components

Thoroughly inspect the now-exposed gaskets, washers and O-rings. Look for cracking, wear, tear or other damage allowing water to seep through. Valve seats within the faucet body must be corrosion-free and smooth.

Rubber gaskets around the cartridge or valve stems typically need periodic replacement due to hard water mineral buildup. Metal washers can become pitted, rusty or improperly seated. Plastic sprayer hoses also crack over time.

Carefully test springs and cartridges by hand. A faulty cartridge will often be obvious when you wiggle it and find loose or broken internal parts. Any components clearly past their lifespan should be replaced.

Common Leaky Faucet Fixes

• Replace cracked or damaged O-rings/gaskets
• Switch out degraded rubber valve seats
• Repair or replace broken interior cartridges
• Fix malfunctioning compression valves

Obtaining Replacement Faucet Parts

Bring any damaged pieces to the hardware store or plumbing supply shop to find replacement matches. Many faucet manufacturers also list replacement part numbers on their websites.

Purchase new washers, cartridges, O-rings, gaskets, valve seats or whatever internal components need fixing. Also grab any specialized tools like basin wrenches or groove joint pliers to access hard-to-reach spots.

Helpful Leaky Faucet Repair Supplies

• Faucet washers
• Cartridges
• O-rings
• Gaskets
• Valve seats
• Pipe wrenches
• Channel locks
• Flashlight

Reassembling and Reinstalling Your Faucet

With your new replacement parts, it’s time to put your faucet back together. Consult manufacturer instructions for the proper rebuild sequence. Make sure all gaskets are seated properly and components are aligned.

Tighten fittings securely but be careful not to overtighten, which can damage parts. Spray with penetrating oil if any mineral deposits are hindering tightening.

Once the interior is rebuilt, reattach the exterior handle(s), spout and any other outerpieces you detached earlier. Give them a good hand tightening along with final half-turn with pliers or a wrench.

Finishing Touches for Reassembly

• Follow manufacturer instructions
• Double check gaskets/washers are seated right
• Snug up fittings finger tight then give final turns with wrench
• Reconnect all detached exterior parts

Turning the Water Back on and Testing for Leaks

The moment of truth has arrived. Make sure no tools or spare parts are under the sink before slowly turning the hot and cold water valves back counterclockwise. Check for any drips or moisture as supply lines refill.

Turn the faucet handles on and off, both hot and cold, while observing closely for any new leaks. Let the water run for several minutes to flush out any debris dislodged during disassembly.

If the drip returns, you may need to fine tune your repairs or replace additional components. But if all is dry, congratulate yourself on successfully fixing the leak!

Post-Repair Leak Checks

• Turn water supply back on slowly
• Inspect under sink for drips as water begins flowing
• Toggle faucet handles on/off while looking for leaks
• Let water run several minutes to flush interior
• Make any final adjustments to stop dripping

While a leaky faucet can be frustrating, armed with the right information and tools, many homeowners can tackle minor leaks themselves without calling a plumber.

The repair process involves properly shutting off water, methodically disassembling the faucet, identifying failed parts, replacing components, and reinstalling correctly. Patience and care is needed, but the savings are worth it.

For more complex faucet issues like installing a completely new one, hiring a professional plumber is recommended. But you might be surprised what leaks you can fix with your own hands. And stopping that maddening drip yourself brings pride along with fatter wallet.