How to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet

Shut Off the Water

Before you touch anything inside your faucet, turn off the water supply. Look under the sink for two shut-off valves—one for hot water and one for cold. They're usually oval or ball-shaped knobs at the end of the copper or plastic lines connected to your faucet. Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. If they won't turn or don't exist, you'll need to shut off the main water valve for your house, typically found near your water meter or in a basement or utility closet.

After closing the valves, turn on the faucet and let any remaining water drain out. This prevents spills and keeps water from flowing while you work. If water still comes out, the shut-off valves are faulty and aren't sealing completely—in this case, you must shut off water at the main before continuing.

Identify Your Faucet Type

Kitchen faucets come in four main types: compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic disk. The repair method depends on which type you have. Compression faucets have two separate handles, one for hot and one for cold, and they're usually older. Ball faucets have a single handle that pivots over a rounded cap. Cartridge faucets also have one handle but it moves up and down or side to side. Ceramic disk faucets are newer and have a wide cylindrical body under a single lever handle.

Look under your sink to see the faucet body. If you're unsure, take a photo and search online with your faucet's brand and the words "identify faucet type" or "faucet parts list." Most manufacturers have diagrams online. Knowing your type now saves time and frustration later because the internal parts are completely different. You can also remove the handle to see what's inside, which often makes the type obvious once you open it up.

Gather Your Tools and Parts

You don't need many tools for most faucet repairs. Grab an adjustable wrench, a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. An Allen wrench set is useful because some handles are secured with a small hex bolt. A basin wrench—a specialized wrench that fits tight spaces under a sink—makes your job easier if you need to remove the faucet body, though it's not required.

Before buying replacement parts, know your faucet brand and model. You'll find this information on the faucet body or in your home's paperwork. Different brands use different cartridges and washers, so buying the wrong part means an extra trip to the store. Most hardware stores sell universal repair kits that include common washers, O-rings, and springs, which work for many compression faucets. For ball, cartridge, or disk faucets, you'll usually need brand-specific parts. Call ahead or bring the model number so you get exactly what fits.

Fix a Compression Faucet

Compression faucets are the most common type in older homes and are usually the easiest to repair yourself. A leak almost always means the rubber washers inside are worn or hardened. To replace them, start by removing the handle. Look for a decorative cap or collar on top of the handle—pry it off gently with a screwdriver to expose the screw underneath. Unscrew this screw and lift off the handle, which exposes the packing nut, a hexagonal nut below the handle.

Use an adjustable wrench to turn the packing nut counterclockwise until it's loose enough to unscrew by hand. Underneath the packing nut sits the valve stem, which you'll turn counterclockwise with a wrench until it comes out completely. Inside the stem you'll find a small rubber washer held in place by a brass screw. Remove this screw and pull out the old washer. Replace it with a new one of the same size, then reassemble everything in reverse order—screw the stem back in, tighten the packing nut, and replace the handle and cap. Turn the water back on and test.

When the O-Ring Also Needs Replacing

If your faucet still leaks after you replace the washer, the problem is likely the O-ring, a rubber ring wrapped around the valve stem. Remove the handle and packing nut again to expose the stem. Look for a small groove or ridge near the bottom of the stem where a rubber ring sits. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry out the old O-ring. It should come free without much resistance. Slide a new O-ring of the same size onto the stem, making sure it sits in the same groove, then reassemble. This fix takes only a few extra minutes and often solves leaks that persist after a washer replacement.

Repair a Ball or Single-Handle Faucet

Ball faucets have a rounded cap on top and are popular in modern kitchens because they look sleek and allow smooth mixing of hot and cold water. When they leak, the problem is usually a worn cartridge or seal inside. To access the cartridge, you'll need to remove the handle. Look for a small set screw on the back or side of the handle, usually hidden under a cap or collar. Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to remove this screw, then lift off the handle.

Once the handle is off, you'll see an adjustment collar, a dome cap, or a collar wrench tool depending on the brand. Use a wrench to loosen and remove this collar carefully. Underneath you'll find a rotating ball and a cartridge with a metal cam and lobe. Remove the cam and loiter, then pull out the cartridge. Take this cartridge with you to the hardware store to get an exact replacement—different manufacturers' cartridges are not interchangeable. Install the new cartridge in reverse order, reassemble the handle, and test by turning the water back on. The repair is straightforward once you understand the part order.

Replace a Cartridge Faucet Seal

Cartridge faucets are common in modern kitchens and handle replacement is usually simple because the cartridge is easy to access. First, remove the handle by finding the set screw holding it in place. This screw is often hidden under a cap or label on the handle that you can pry off with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the screw, lift off the handle, and you'll see a dome cap or collar. Loosen this piece by turning it counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench.

Pull straight up on the cartridge stem to remove the cartridge—it should come out without force. If it's stuck, gently rock it back and forth instead of yanking. Take the old cartridge to the hardware store or use the model number and brand to order a replacement online. When you get the new cartridge, insert it straight down into the faucet body with the notch aligned to the slot inside the body. Replace the dome cap, hand-tighten it first, then use a wrench to firm it up without over-tightening. Screw the handle back on and test. This repair typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Fix a Ceramic Disk Faucet

Ceramic disk faucets are the newest type and are usually very reliable, but when they do leak, the problem is almost always a dirty or damaged ceramic disk. These faucets have a wide cylindrical body and a single lever that moves to control flow and temperature. To access the disk, remove the set screw holding the lever handle in place, usually hidden under a cap. Lift off the lever and you'll see a dome cap on top. Turn this cap counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench until it's loose, then unscrew it by hand.

Underneath the cap you'll see the ceramic disk cylinder. Before replacing it, try cleaning the seals around it first. Mineral deposits and debris often block the water seals on these faucets. Remove the cylinder by turning it counterclockwise, then take a damp cloth and wipe the rubber seals and the bottom of the cylinder chamber. Look for sand, sediment, or lime buildup and rinse it thoroughly. If cleaning doesn't solve the leak, you'll need a replacement cylinder for your specific brand and model. Reassemble by reversing these steps. This repair is quick and inexpensive because you often just need a cleaning.

When to Call a Handyman

If you've replaced the washers or cartridge and your faucet still leaks, or if you encounter stripped threads, a corroded valve body, or parts that simply won't come apart, it's time to call someone with more experience. A leaky faucet might also signal a larger plumbing issue, and a handyman can spot problems you'd miss. If your faucet is very old and parts are hard to find, or if you're uncomfortable working under the sink, replacing the faucet entirely is often faster and more reliable than chasing repair after repair. Ken Independent Home Solutions handles plumbing work and can get your kitchen faucet fixed or replaced quickly, whether you want to tackle it yourself first or start fresh.