How to Troubleshoot a Leaky Kitchen Faucet

The kitchen faucet is the most frequently used faucet in the home. For this same reason, it’s also the faucet that will give homeowners the most problems. With this in mind, we will address some of the most common leaky kitchen faucet issues that naturally come with its use.

The most common causes are either a clogged aerator or a defective cartridge, but before assuming either scenario, check the other faucets in the home to rule out the possibility of low water pressure.

1. How to check for low water pressure

One at a time, fully open the hot and cold faucet valves. Service technicians and plumbers sometimes make the mistake of forgetting to reopen these valves after finishing a job.

2. How to clean your aerator

• Lay a towel over the drain to prevent small parts from falling in.
• Remove the aerator from your spout or spray head (side sprays do not have aerators).
• Check the water flow. If it improves, the aerator was clogged.
• If pressure does not improve, proceed to cartridge inspection.
• Disassemble the aerator, rinse all parts, reassemble, and test water flow.

3. How to identify what kind of faucet cartridge you have

If the aerator is not the issue, check and replace the cartridge or washer. There are three cartridge types: compression, washerless, and ceramic.

If the handle requires more than one full turn to shut off, you have a compression cartridge.

If the cartridge is held by a retention nut, refer to the washerless cartridge.

If no retention nut is present, refer to the ceramic disk cartridge.

4. How to fix a compression cartridge

Remove the washer by loosening the retaining screw. Remove the seat using a seat wrench. Apply Teflon tape, reinstall the seat, attach the washer, and reinsert the valve stem.

5. How to fix a washerless cartridge

Replace worn springs and washers. Insert them carefully, align the cam cap, and reassemble the faucet.

Remove the aerator and run water for 30 seconds to flush debris before reinstalling.

6. How to replace a ceramic cartridge

Ceramic cartridges must be fully replaced if cracked. Flush water lines before installing the new cartridge to prevent debris damage.

7. How to stop faucet sputtering

Sputtering or pipe vibration may indicate trapped air. Open all faucets starting nearest the main valve, flush toilets, run appliances, then close faucets in reverse order.

8. How to fix a side sprayer

If water flows from the hose, soak the spray head in a vinegar solution. If flow is weak or absent, inspect and replace the diverter.