Replacing the worn out parts in the faucet will create a better seal and help prevent water leaks. Inspect the O-rings around the housing. Look for the small notch on top of the stem and rotate the stem until the notch faces you. Grab the cartridge stem with pliers and pull it straight up and out. Complete DIY projects like a pro! Then, use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screw underneath the cover. Unscrew the metal handle adapter and lift it off. Faucet Symptom -The kitchen faucet is leaking water around the base of the faucet. Unscrew the handle screw by turning it counterclockwise with an Allen wrench. Turn on the faucet and leave open, allowing the remaining water in the line to empty into the sink. Remove the screws that hold the disc cartridge to the faucet body and lift out the cartridge. How you remove the handle depends on your faucet type: Tip: The aerator is the piece that screws onto the end of the faucet spout. My Kitchen Single-Handle faucet leaks. Spout O-ring kits are available for many faucets, or you can take the old O-rings to the hardware store or plumbing supply store and match them up with new ones. If the water flow through the faucet is slow, the aerator may be plugged. Manufacturers have improved the strength of ceramic discs on newer faucets to withstand air blasts, as well as abrasive debris that may get dislodged from the inside of pipes. Fix a Leaky Faucet-Shut Off the Water Regardless of the type of faucet — whether it’s a single handle cartridge faucet … After you turn off the water, open the faucet in the center position to relieve water pressure and make sure the water is shut off. Leaks from aerator: Replace seats and springs (#3 in diagram — Repair part RP4993). ", Step 5: If … Remove the Handle Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. In this article, we’ll tell you how to find replacement parts and show you how to stop spout drips on the three main types of single-lever faucets: rotary ball, cartridge and ceramic disc. Finally, cover the sink drain holes with strainer baskets or rags to avoid losing small parts down the drain. Otherwise, take the cartridge with you to the store so you can match it to a photo in the parts catalog. Constant leak: If the water continues to leak even when the faucet is turned off, it means dirt and debris have collected in the valve/cartridge which prevents the valve from shutting off the flow of water. Faucet is leaking or dripping from the handle. Be persistent. If the sound of a dripping faucet, and the thought of how much water you’re wasting, keeps you up at night, you’re in luck. We recommend our users to update the browser. For easier reassembly, set the parts aside in the order they were removed. If you’re not sure, take the old cartridge you’re replacing to the store so you can use a reference guide to match it to the exact cartridge you need. Pry off the decorative screw cover with your fingernail or the tip of a knife. And this information will help when it comes time to find repair parts. In fact, the hardest step to fix a leaky faucet is usually finding the right replacement parts. Fixing leaky faucets is quick and inexpensive; even the most amateur DIYer can tackle this task. Ceramic disc valves are simply another type of cartridge. Most repairs also require screwdrivers and a pair of large slip-joint pliers. Slow water flow can be caused by plugged holes in the faucet body. The kitchen faucet is the most frequently used faucet in the home. Clean your aerator by removing it and soaking it overnight in white vinegar. In fact, many manufacturers offer a lifetime guarantee on the cartridge. Using a crescent wrench, loosen the packing nut in the handle assembly, then remove and set aside. How to Repair a Leaking Kitchen Faucet Base. Lift the handle and pry off the decorative cover to expose the Allen screw. Inspect the holes in the faucet body and clean them out if they're clogged. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Drop the new springs in the recesses and press the new rubber seats over the top with your fingertip. We’re showing kitchen faucets and kitchen faucet repair for a dripping faucet, but you can fix most single-lever bathroom faucets using the same procedures. For this same reason, it’s also the faucet that will give homeowners the most problems. Cartridges and repair kits for Moen “cartridge type” faucets are also readily available. Once you lift off the handle, you’ll see a cap and adjusting ring. After the faucet is reassembled, open the faucet to the middle position and gradually open the shutoff valves to turn on the water. Use a small screwdriver or penknife to clean them out. Remove the retainer nut by turning it counterclockwise with large slip-joint pliers. If you're having trouble finding parts, call the manufacturer of your faucet for help. remove spring with pliers and clean out sediment. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order. Turn the Allen screw counterclockwise to remove it and lift off the handle. But in most cases, the safest bet is to take the worn parts to the store with you. On some models of faucet you may have to remove the cartridge with a specialized tool, which will be indicated on manufacturer’s instructions. We’ll also show you how to stop leaks around the base of the spout and fix leaking faucets. Don't be surprised if the cartridge seems stuck. Unscrew and remove the adjusting ring. Gently pull the cartridge straight up and out of the assembly. To remove the handle, flip open the little red/blue plastic nib on the side of the handle (see video). A handle leak can puddle onto the base plate (escutcheon) making it appear to be a leak at the base of the faucet. Unscrew the aerator and clean it out. Remove the Cartridge The annoying drip of a leaky faucet handle can cause higher water bills and make an irritating dripping noise. If you have a Delta or other rotary ball faucet, you're in luck because you'll find repair kits in most hardware stores and home centers. Use a cloth or fine nylon abrasive pad to clean the surface. Turn it clockwise with the spanner tool included in the repair kit. Pry out the brass retainer clip with the tip of a screwdriver. Lift out the plastic disc (on some faucets) and replace the O-rings under it. If everything is intact at this point, inspect the O-ring and washer inside the valve seat—they could … Loosen mineral deposits by soaking them in vinegar. A leaky faucet wastes a surprisingly large amount of water—as much as 3 gallons a day. To check for this kind of leak, start by drying up all the standing water on top of the sink. Luckily, it's quite an easy problem to fix yourself. Remove the escutcheon cap, unscrew the disk cylinder mounting screws, and lift out the cylinder. Really stubborn cartridges may require the use of a special cartridge-pulling tool. ", Step 3: Note: When you know the type of faucet parts make up your sink hardware, you know how to classify your faucet. Bad O-Ring. Gently pry off the handle cap with a knife. If leak persists: Replace Ball Assembly (#1 in diagram — Repair part RP70 as shown for lever handles or RP212 for knob handles) Leaks from base of the spout: Leaking at the underbody Make sure the connections are tight and secure to the countertop For pull outs and pull down faucets, pull down on the spray hose connection to the faucet (or tighten this connection if yours is threaded on) and make sure it will not disconnet and is secured/tight. Then if the faucet still leaks, remove the disc cartridge and take it to the store to order a replacement. Home House & Components Fixtures Faucets. Then, find the solutions to that area below. Plumbing supply specialists are also a good source of repair parts. A cartridge is a valve that controls the flow of water into … Then turn off the water supply to the dripping faucet. With this in mind, we will address some of the most common leaky kitchen faucet issues that naturally come with its use. Align the groove in the ball with the pin in the socket and drop the ball in. It can be easily removed and cleaned if buildup is hindering continuous water flow. Along those pipes somewhere will be handles that you can turn to shut off the water to your sink. Description of the leak: With this leak, water will leak from the area where the faucet base touches the escutcheon plate or countertop. If your product is covered by our Lifetime Warranty, please contact our customer service team for your product parts: 1-800-PFAUCET (1-800-732-8238).To purchase replacement parts for your out of warranty faucet, visit our Where to Buy page and select the online retailer section. Faucet valves have come a long way from the days of a simply replacing a rubber washer in a compression faucet to stop a leak. As the base of the faucet cannot sit tightly on the countertop, it sits on thus sealing is very necessary to stop seeping of moisture underneath the … To repair the leak, simply remove the handle, pull out the ceramic cartridge and replace it … You will access a hole to get your Allen key (hex tool) and be able to unscrew the … There are generally two causes of water leaking from your Moen faucet. Pay close attention to the order and orientation of parts as you remove them. Note: If water is leaking out around the base of the faucet handle, you may be able to fix the leak by removing the handle and simply tightening the adjusting ring slightly. Remember to pick up a small toothpaste-type tube of plumber's grease while you're there. If there aren’t individual shutoff valves under the sink, shut off the water supply for the house. Remove the Springs. Remove the screw and lift off the handle. It helps to know the faucet's model name or number when searching for a replacement cartridge. Turn your water line back on, remove any debris or towels from your sink, and test out your faucet. Install the new O-rings and lubricate them with plumber's grease. If the leak doesn’t stop after the first valve is turned off, it’s the other line that’s leaking. When all the parts are out, inspect the interior of the valve for bits of deteriorated gaskets or mineral deposits. Take the cartridge to the home center or hardware store to find a replacement. Even if you've gotten used to the drip-drip-drip from your kitchen faucet, and it no longer keeps you awake at night, you should still fix it. Reattach the handle with the set screw. The diagram below shows the parts and assembly of a rotary ball faucet. If that doesn’t stop the […] All that's usually required to access these O-rings for replacement is to wiggle and pull up on the spout to remove it. 4. Cartridge-style faucet parts and assembly. To stop drips at the spout or correct problems with hot and cold mixing, remove the cartridge and either replace the O-rings on the cartridge if they're worn or replace the entire cartridge. Then, turn the water on (both handles if it's a double-handle sink), and look carefully for water seeping around the base of the faucet. Speak to an associate at your local Home Depot or call your local plumber. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Unscrew the dome assembly under the handle. REMOVE THE CAP. Determine which side of your faucet is leaking by shutting off the water supply valves one at a time. Description of the leak: With this leak, water will leak from the area where the handle attaches to the faucet body after the water has been turned off or while the faucet is still on. This troubleshooting document relates to standard, pull-out, and pull-down kitchen faucets. Align the lug on the plastic cam with the notch in the valve body and set it over the ball. The DANCO 11-Piece Repair Kit for Delta helps The DANCO 11-Piece Repair Kit for Delta helps restore a leaky faucet. Leaks around the base of the spout are caused by worn O-rings located under the spout. Sealing around faucets are crucial to make the installation complete. The valve/cartridge is located under the handle. When the handle is turned on the water puddles around the faucet base. Reattach the packing nut and tighten with a crescent wrench; be careful not to overtighten. Insert a new cartridge, making sure it is aligned correctly. Turn off the water to your faucet. If there is a set screw behind the handle, insert a hex key or Allen wrench into the screw and turn it to remove. Doing your own faucet repair may seem daunting, but once you learn the basics, modern faucets are fairly easy to repair. Turn the screw counterclockwise until it's loose enough to lift the handle up from the stem. How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Handle. Grab the clip with pliers and pull it the rest of the way out to avoid losing it. Leaks around the base of the spout require a different repair than a drip from the end of the spout. Need Help? Buy a set of small Allen wrenches and you’ll be prepared for all kinds of leaking faucets. If the handle has a top screw cover, pry it off with a flat screwdriver and set aside. Aerosol Fly, Gnat and Fruit Fly Flying Insect Killer-01470, Giani Giani Granite Slate Countertop Paint Kit-FG-GI SLATE, Brother 60-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine CS6000I. Here we show how to replace a Moen cartridge, but the process is similar for other brands. Thread on the cap with the adjusting ring and tighten it with the slip-joint pliers. This kit is Ideal for single-handle faucets and contains the parts needed to repair Delta old-style and new-style faucets. Slip the tip of a screwdriver under the O-rings to slide them out of the groove. A digital camera or video camera is handy for recording each step in case you forget. Then replace the rubber seals on the underside. If the faucet seems to be leaking from there, try tightening the adjusting ring with needle-nose pliers. How To Fix a Leaky Ceramic Disk Faucet: Push the handle back to access the set screw. You'll often find the brand name stamped on the faucet. If there aren’t individual shutoff valves under the sink, shut off the water supply for the house. Knowing how to fix a leaky faucet will save money, and it’s easy. To fix a leaky rotary ball faucet (or rotating ball faucet) you usually just tighten the cap or cap-adjusting ring. Replace any that look damaged or worn. Causes of the Leak Leave the faucet open until water flows freely and all the air is out of the pipes. Since it's difficult to spot a cracked disc, and disc cartridge replacements are very expensive, it's best to start by replacing the seals and reassembling the faucet. When faucets start to leak it can be very frustrating if you don't know what type of parts to buy to repair the leak. Unscrew the cap by turning it counterclockwise with a slip-joint pliers. Replace the ball if it's scratched, cracked or visibly worn. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: All Rights Reserved. Doesn’t sit snugly in the cradle. If you need a new aerator, measure the spout diameter and get … Check out homedepot.com for more guides on plumbing repair, including faucet replacement. Slide the brass clip into the slots in the valve body to hold the cartridge in place. When the water runs smoothly, it's safe to turn the faucet off. Replace the screw cover, if required. The tools you’ll need for this how to fix a leaky faucet project vary a little depending on the faucet you’re repairing. If those valves don't work or if you don't have any, you'll have to close the main water valve to your entire home. With daily use and wear and tear, eventually, you may find that the … Parts and assembly of ceramic disc faucets. Then turn off the water supply to the dripping faucet. Install New Cartridge That's why it's important to leave the faucet open as you turn the water back on. For faucets purchased prior to 2007, please order RP1050 cap and RP61 cam and packing. Run both hot and cold water through your faucet few for a few minutes to ensure your aerator isn’t clogged. If you find that your faucet is still leaking, it may be time to call an expert. Early versions of ceramic disc faucets may be more fragile and can crack if subjected to a blast of pressurized air. This allows air trapped in the lines to escape. But if you have another brand or a disc-type faucet, you may have to order parts, since there are too many variations for most stores to keep in stock. Grower Pot-6MARG, ZEVO Instant Action 10 oz. The spout may be a little stubborn. Loosen the cartridge by slipping the plastic spanner cap (included with the new cartridge) over the cartridge and twisting it back and forth. Turn on the faucet and leave open, allowing the remaining water in the line to empty into the sink. Tightening the cap works because most leaks in rotary ball faucets occur around the handle or spout. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. If the faucet drips from the … Fix a Leaky Faucet-Shut Off the Water Twist the valve under your sink to turn off the water supply valve or valves. If that doesn’t stop the leak, you’ll need to replace the faucet’s seats and springs. Got a leaky cartridge faucet? We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 9 Ways to Keep Your Dog Active Inside During the Winter, Expert Tips for an Easy Faucet Installation, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Depending on the dripping faucet, you'll also have to remove the handle and other parts to access the spout. The aerator is an add-on that screws onto the spout of a kitchen or bathroom faucet. Reattach Faucet Handle Pull the stem up before inserting the cartridge. Leaks can result from faulty rubber seals or a cracked disc inside the cartridge. Drain the Faucet. It has a screen that can get clogged with sediment and scale. You’ll probably need an Allen wrench to remove the handle. You can’t grab the flattened edges with the handle in place. Note: The diagram below is a general representation of this faucet type showing common replacement parts. Inspect the cartridge for mineral buildup and carefully clean it out. Use the plastic spanner cap or the tips of needle-nose pliers to rotate the cartridge. Clean and dry the area around the handle and all the parts with a cloth. Before you start, examine the dripping faucet closely to determine where the water is coming from. Water is a precious resource, and you're paying for what you waste. Because pull-out spray faucets have a single handle, the most common cause of the water leaking is the O-ring. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Discs inside the cartridge control the water flow. Twist and pull up on the spout to remove it and expose the O-ring seals. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Replace the leaking faucet handle and you're done. Lift out the two rubber seats and springs with a screwdriver. In some faucets, … Before you replace worn parts and reassemble the faucet, hold a rag over the dripping faucet and open the water shutoff valve slightly to flush out debris that may have been loosened during the cleaning and inspection. A kitchen faucet gets a lot of use. This type of valve is sturdy and reliable and rarely needs fixing. If you do not find the answer you need here, please use the Technical Document search to find maintenance instructions for your specific model. Once you determine which side is leaking, turn off both supply valves. Sign up for our newsletter! It may take considerable force to pull it out. You'll probably find shutoff valves under the sink. ", Step 4: If your faucet doesn't have a stainless-steel ball, it's likely a ceramic-cartridge faucet. Faucet is leaking or dripping at the base, near the countertop. Look underneath your sink for the pipes that run up. If yours is damaged, check with the manufacturer to see if it's covered by a warranty. In these situations, the leaking occurs only when the faucet is turned on. Many faucet brands use a cartridge of some type. ", Step 2: After removing the handle, you can proceed to remove the cap. Kitchen Faucet Repair: Loosen a stuck screw on a single-handle faucet A single-handle ball-type faucet If the Allen screw is stuck, or if you strip it so it won’t come out, remove the cap with the handle still in place. Replacement cartridges for Moen faucets include a plastic spanner cap that allows you to twist and loosen the cartridge to make it easier to pull out. Kitchen Faucet Sealant: Easiest Ways to Do. Cartridges come in many shapes and sizes, and the easiest way to find the right replacement part is to know the name of the faucet’s manufacturer and the faucet’s model number. Identify the area that is leaking. Once you have identified the source of your problem, you may need to obtain replacement parts.