Kitchen Sink Faucet Leaking Water: How to Fix it?

Kitchen sink faucet leaking water can be a frustrating experience. It not only wastes water but also increases your water bill. If you are facing this problem, you need to fix it as soon as possible. In this article, we will discuss how to fix a kitchen sink faucet that is leaking water.

Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply

The first step in fixing a leaking kitchen sink faucet is to turn off the water supply. Look for the shutoff valve below the sink and turn it off. If you can’t find the shutoff valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home.

Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle

After turning off the water supply, you need to remove the faucet handle. Look for the screw on the handle and remove it using a screwdriver. Once you have removed the screw, you can easily remove the handle.

Step 3: Check the Washer

The most common reason for a kitchen sink faucet to leak water is a worn-out washer. Check the washer for any signs of wear and tear. If the washer is damaged, you need to replace it.

Step 4: Replace the Washer

If the washer is damaged, you need to replace it. You can easily buy a new washer from any hardware store. Remove the old washer and replace it with the new one. Make sure to tighten the screw properly.

Step 5: Check the O-Ring

If the washer is not the problem, you need to check the O-ring. The O-ring is a rubber ring that seals the faucet. Check the O-ring for any signs of wear and tear. If the O-ring is damaged, you need to replace it.

Step 6: Replace the O-Ring

If the O-ring is damaged, you need to replace it. You can easily buy a new O-ring from any hardware store. Remove the old O-ring and replace it with the new one. Make sure to tighten the screw properly.

Step 7: Check the Cartridge

If the washer and O-ring are not the problem, you need to check the cartridge. The cartridge is a valve that controls the flow of water. Check the cartridge for any signs of wear and tear. If the cartridge is damaged, you need to replace it.

Step 8: Replace the Cartridge

If the cartridge is damaged, you need to replace it. You can easily buy a new cartridge from any hardware store. Remove the old cartridge and replace it with the new one. Make sure to tighten the screw properly.

Step 9: Check the Valve Seat

If the faucet is still leaking water, you need to check the valve seat. The valve seat is the surface that the washer presses against to stop the water flow. Check the valve seat for any signs of wear and tear. If the valve seat is damaged, you need to replace it.

Step 10: Replace the Valve Seat

If the valve seat is damaged, you need to replace it. You can easily buy a new valve seat from any hardware store. Remove the old valve seat and replace it with the new one. Make sure to tighten the screw properly.

Step 11: Reassemble the Faucet

After replacing the damaged parts, you need to reassemble the faucet. Put the handle back on and tighten the screw. Turn on the water supply and test the faucet for any leaks.

Step 12: Call a Professional

If you are not comfortable fixing the kitchen sink faucet yourself, you can call a professional plumber. A plumber can fix the faucet and ensure that it is working properly.

Preventing Kitchen Sink Faucet Leaks

The best way to prevent kitchen sink faucet leaks is to maintain your faucet regularly. Here are some tips to prevent kitchen sink faucet leaks:

Tip 1: Tighten Loose Parts

Regularly check for loose parts and tighten them. Loose parts can cause leaks in the faucet.

Tip 2: Clean the Faucet

Regularly clean the faucet to remove dirt and grime. Dirt and grime can cause the faucet to leak.

Tip 3: Replace old parts

Replace old parts before they cause leaks in the faucet. Replace parts such as the washer, O-ring, cartridge, and valve seat when they are worn out.

Conclusion

Kitchen sink faucet leaking water is a common problem that can be easily fixed. Follow the steps mentioned in this article to fix a leaking kitchen sink faucet. Regular maintenance can prevent kitchen sink faucet leaks. Contact a professional plumber if you are not comfortable fixing the faucet yourself.