How to Repair a Leaking Kitchen Faucet

Dripping faucets are more than just a rhythmic nuisance; they are a silent drain on your water bill and a slow invitation to cabinet water damage. Most kitchen faucets fail because of a simple internal component—usually a cartridge, ball, or ceramic disk—that has succumbed to mineral buildup or rubber degradation over time. Repairing a faucet is a rite of passage for every homeowner. By mastering the internal anatomy of your fixture, you avoid the cost of a plumber and the environmental waste of replacing an entire unit. Done well, the repair is invisible, the handle action is smooth, and the drip stops completely on the first turn.

1. Kill the Water Supply Fast. Locate the hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise until tight. Open the faucet handles to drain any remaining water pressure in the lines.
2. Expose the Cartridge Core. Pry off the decorative cap on the handle to reveal the screw. Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to remove the screw and pull the handle straight off the faucet body.
3. Pull the Worn Cartridge. Unscrew the decorative bonnet nut using an adjustable wrench. Carefully pull the internal cartridge or valve assembly straight up and out of the faucet body.
4. Scrub the Seating Surface. Check the interior of the faucet body for debris or scale. Use a soft brush and white vinegar to clean the seating area where the new cartridge will rest.
5. Seat the New Cartridge. Insert the new cartridge, ensuring the alignment tabs match the slots in the faucet body. Tighten the bonnet nut by hand first, then give it a final quarter-turn with the wrench.
6. Verify the Fix Works. Turn the water supply valves back on slowly. Check for leaks around the base of the handle before snapping the decorative cover back into place.