A dripping kitchen faucet is both irritating and wasteful. Ultimately, dripping kitchen faucets will lead to higher water bills and potential damage to your sink and surrounding areas. So, fixing the leaky kitchen faucet ASAP is a must. But how to fix a dripping kitchen faucet? Also, why do kitchen sink faucets get leaky?
The kitchen faucet starts dripping due to damaged O-ring, washer, cartridge, and residual developments. Fortunately, fixing a dripping faucet is a relatively simple task that you can completewith an adjustable wrench, replacement O-ring, and faucet parts.
If you still wonder what to do with a leaky kitchen faucet, continue reading. You will know the reasons for a leaky faucet and ways to fix it safely. Read more
Reasons for a Dripping Kitchen Faucet:
Is your kitchen sink faucet dripping and wasting too much water? Before you fix it, you must understand the possible reasons behind a dripping kitchen faucet.
Worn-out O-Rings:
O-rings are small rubber gaskets. The gaskets will create a watertight seal within the faucet’s handle to stop water dripping from the connection. Over time, these rings will deteriorate due to constant use and cause leaks around the handle area.
Corroded Valve Seat:
The valve seat is a brass or metal component. It will connect the faucet’s spout to the base. With time, water sediments and minerals accumulate on the valve seat. As a result, the valve seatwill corrode. So, it will result in water leakage near the faucet’s spout.
Damaged Cartridge or Ceramic Disc:
Usually, a cartridge or ceramic disc will control the water flow in the single-handle faucet. Wear and tear over time can damage the faucet cartridge. So, it will start to malfunction, which will cause the constant drip of the kitchen faucet.
Loose Parts and Faulty Washers:
The kitchen sink faucet is one of the most used plumbing components in homes and apartments. Sadly, this regular use of the faucet can cause its nuts and screws to become loose. Thus, the loose nuts will cause water leakage around the handles and spout.
Also, the washer setup may be faulty. The rubber part of the O-ring may be too thin, or the plumber may have installed it inappropriately. Naturally, water will drip through the kitchen faucet.
How to Fix A Dripping Kitchen Faucet:
When you start repairing the leaky kitchen faucet, first turn off the water supply to the faucet. You can usually find the shut-off valves under the sink. Also, follow our steps below to repair the dripping kitchen sink faucet. Read more
Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools and Supplies
First, you must gather all the supplies to fix the dripping faucet. It will make the fixing job much easier for you.
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head)
- Replacement O-rings, washers, or cartridges
- Faucet grease
- Clean cloth or rag
- Penetrating oil
Step 2: Disassemble the Faucet
First, carefully cover the sink drain with a cloth. It is necessary to prevent small parts of the faucet from falling down the drain. Also, check the faucet top for decorative caps or handles covering the screws. Then, pry off the decorative cap with the appropriate screwdriver.
After that, you have to remove the screws securing the handle(s) and lift them off.
If you have cartridge faucets, gently pull them up to remove the cartridge. If you face resistance, use a cartridge puller tool to avoid damaging the faucet. Also, apply penetrating oil or lubricant for hard-to-remove screws of the faucet. It will ease out the screw removal process of the faucet.
Step 3: Inspect and Replace Faulty Parts
Once you have disassembled the kitchen faucet, examine the O-rings, washers, or cartridges. You should look for signs of wear, cracks, or damage.
When you find any damaged kitchen sink faucet parts, replace the components with appropriate replacements. Also, you may replace the rubber washers for the compression faucets. Lastly, consider replacing the entire faucet stem if there’s extensive damage.
Step 4: Clean and Lubricate
Sometimes, mineral development on the O-ring and faucet handle can cause leaks. So, you must clean and wipe down the debris to stop it from dripping.
- Use a clean cloth to remove debris or sediments from the faucet’s components.
- Apply a small amount of faucet grease to the O-rings and other moving parts. It will ensure the smooth functioning of the faucet components.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test the Faucet
Finally, you have to reinsert the cartridge or new components into the faucet body. Then, you should secure the handlewith the screws. Also, re-set up the decorative caps. Now, you can open and close the faucet multiple times to test it for leaks.
Conclusion:
You must act fast to stop water damage when you see a dripping kitchen faucet. Thankfully, fixing a dripping faucet is a more manageable task than you may think. It will also save you money and prevent unnecessary water wastage.
Nonetheless, you should regularly clean and maintain the water faucet to avoid dripping water. It will be easier than fixing the water faucet when it leaks.
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