A leaky kitchen faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems that San Francisco area homeowners come across. Even if the leak is a slow drip, the amount of water that’s wasted on a leaky faucet can really add up. Whether you follow the instructions below for how to fix a leaky kitchen faucet or you decide to give Cabrillo a call to take care of it for you, it’s important to take care of your leak as soon as possible.
How to fix a leaky kitchen faucet with aerator problems
If water is leaking from the tip of your faucet’s spout, it’s possible that there is a problem with the aerator (the small piece attached to the end of your faucet’s spout). You can remove the aerator by simply using a pair of pliers to turn the piece counter-clockwise. After removing the aerator, check the O-ring for any wear-and-tear and replace the O-ring if it looks damaged. While your aerator is removed, it’s also a good time to brush off any mineral buildup from the piece’s screen.
How to fix a leaky kitchen faucet with O-ring or cartridge problems
If the aerator is not the problem, or if you’ve noticed that the leak is coming from around the base of your faucet, you might have to take your faucet apart to fix the leak. To do that:
- 1. Shut off the water supply either under the sink or at your home’s main line.
- 2. Cover the drain hole with a screen or rag to ensure that no pieces fall down the drain.
- 3. Pop off the decorative cap from your faucet’s handle with a screwdriver or pocket knife.
- 4. Unscrew the screw that’s pointing vertically down the base of your faucet.
- 5. Remove your faucet’s handle.
- 6. Loosen and remove the bonnet nut (collar) with a wrench.
- 7. Remove the “U” shaped clip that’s holding the cartridge in place.
- 8. Pull the cartridge straight out.
At this point, you’re looking for two things: any O-rings that have worn out and any damage to your cartridge. If the O-rings are worn out, you’ll want to find matching pieces at a hardware store and replace them. If the cartridge is damaged, you’ll need to replace it as well. After you’ve made the necessary repairs, you can put your faucet back together by repeating the above steps in reverse.
If this still doesn’t fix your leaky kitchen faucet, or if you’d prefer to have the work performed by a certified professional, contact Cabrillo at any time.
If you have any questions about how to fix a leaky kitchen faucet, or if you’d like a plumbing system serviced or installed in your home, contact Cabrillo, your Bay Area plumbing, heating and cooling company.