Sometimes, your single-handle kitchen faucets may develop leaks at the base of the faucet spout. The O-rings, which are located on a diverter, stretches and develops cracks that will eventually cause leaks. You will need to remove the spout to access the O-rings and replace the rings. Here are the steps on how to repair the leaking kitchen faucet base.
Things You Need
- Sink
- Valves
- Allen Wrench
- Slip Joint Pliers
- Flat-Head Screwdriver
- Clean Cloth
- Faucet
Steps
- Open the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink and search for the two water shut-off valves to the faucet.
- To stop the water flow to the faucet, turn each valve handle clockwise. Go back to the sink and then turn on the faucet handles to prevent any water that may still be in the line.
- When there is no water coming out from the spout, turn off the handles.
- Use an Allen wrench to remove the set screw securing the faucet handle to the top of the spout. Pull the handle off and remove the cartridge retaining nut using a pair of slip joint pliers. Remove the spout from the faucet.
- Place a small flat-head screwdriver between the rubber O-rings and the diverter valve. This diverter is the collar that the spouts fits over and rotates around. Use the screwdriver to pry off the O-rings.
- Take a clean cloth and use it to clean the grooves that fit the O-rings around. Dab a small film of plumber’s grease over the new O-rings with your fingertip.
- Roll the new O-rings over the diverter valve and into their grooves. Make sure that there are no twists in the rings once they are located in their grooves.
- Place the spout back over the diverter and thread the cartridge retaining nut back onto the spout and cartridge.
- Use the slip joint pliers to tighten the nut. Secure it with a set screw after placing the handle back on top of the spout. Test any leakage by turning on the water supply to the faucet.
Image Credit:
Flickr CC
Additional Reading:
Miller’s Guide to Home Plumbing
