How to Repair a Leaking Kitchen Faucet

Faucet drips are more than just an annoying sound in the middle of the night; they are a constant drain on your utility bill and a slow-motion enemy to your sink finish. A leaking kitchen faucet is rarely a catastrophic plumbing failure, but rather a simple matter of a worn gasket or a mineral-clogged cartridge that has finally reached the end of its lifespan. Repairing a faucet is the quintessential rite of passage for every homeowner. By taking this on yourself, you move past the cycle of calling a professional for minor annoyances and gain a working understanding of the valves and seals that manage water flow throughout your house. Done well, your repair will be invisible, silent, and entirely leak-free.

1. Kill the water supply first. Locate the shut-off valves under the kitchen sink and turn them clockwise until tight. Open the faucet handles to drain any remaining water pressure in the lines.
2. Expose the hidden cartridge nut. Use an Allen key to loosen the set screw hidden under the handle's decorative cap or on the side of the handle base. Pull the handle firmly upward or outward to expose the cartridge nut.
3. Free the stuck bonnet nut. Use an adjustable wrench to carefully loosen the packing nut or bonnet nut securing the cartridge in place. Apply steady, even pressure to avoid stripping the metal.
4. Pull the worn cartridge out. Pull the old cartridge straight out of the faucet body. Note the orientation of the cartridge before pulling, as the new one must be inserted in the exact same position.
5. Seat the new cartridge flush. Clean any mineral deposits from the inside of the faucet body using a vinegar-soaked cloth. Insert the new cartridge, ensuring it seats firmly into the alignment grooves.
6. Test for a clean, silent seal. Tighten the bonnet nut, replace the handle, and secure the set screw. Slowly turn on the shut-off valves and check for leaks while running the faucet for one minute.