How to Repair Leaky Kitchen Faucets
Drip . . . drip . . . drip. The sounds of a leaky faucet can create insomnia in the soundest of sleepers. Leaky kitchen faucets can be caused by several different factors including a loose connection, a worn out ring or because someone forgot to turn the faucet all the way off. Whatever the reason, fixing a leaky faucet is as simple as turning a wrench.
- Check the handles to make sure the faucet is turned completely off. A slight movement in the handles can allow small amounts of water to drip.
- Determine if the leak is from the end, or base, of the spout or from the pipe under the sink. These are common leaks and can be easily fixed.
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet. The valves are usually found under the sink. Shut off the water to the entire house.
- Put a towel over the drain to prevent anything from falling down the sink when working.
- Remove the parts of the faucet. A wrench is needed to loosen the bolts. Remove the filter on the end of the spout. Try to keep the parts in order as they are removed. This will make it easier to reassemble when finished.
- Clean the inside of the spout, sink and filters. Remove any built up debris. This can clog the pipe, as well as slow down the water pressure.
- Evaluate the parts removed. If they are dirty, clean them. If they look worn out, cracked or broken, buy new parts. The easiest way to get the correct part is to take the old part to the store. An associate can help find the right part. Simply replacing the "O" rings may help create a tighter fit and fix the leak.
- Reassemble the faucet and turn on the water supply. See if the leak has been fixed. If it still leaks, contact a professional plumber to assess the leak. Reputable plumbers in the area can be found by searching the listings on MerchantCircle.