How to Troubleshoot a Leaky Kitchen Faucet

Your kitchen faucet is one of the most used fixtures in your home so it’s no surprise that it can start to leak or lose pressure over time. The good news? Most faucet problems are easy to fix yourself with a few simple steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of a leaky kitchen faucet and how to fix them with no plumbing experience required.

Step 1: Check for Low Water Pressure

Before taking anything apart, make sure the issue isn’t your home’s water pressure.

• Turn on both hot and cold water fully.
• Check other faucets in your home.
• If all faucets have low pressure, the problem may be with your water supply not the faucet.
• If only your kitchen faucet is affected, continue to the next step.

Step 2: Clean the Aerator

The aerator is the small screen at the tip of your faucet. It can get clogged with debris and reduce water flow.

• Place a towel over the drain (to avoid losing small parts).
• Unscrew the aerator from the faucet.
• Turn on the water briefly if flow improves, the aerator was clogged.
• Rinse all parts, remove debris, and reassemble.

Step 3: Identify Your Faucet Cartridge Type

If cleaning the aerator doesn’t solve the problem, the issue is likely inside the faucet, usually the cartridge or washer.

There are three common types:

• Compression cartridge: Requires multiple turns to shut off.
• Washerless cartridge: Held in place with a retention nut.
• Ceramic cartridge: No retention nut and typically more modern.

Step 4: Fix a Compression Cartridge

This type uses a rubber washer that can wear out over time.

• Remove the handle and loosen the retaining screw.
• Replace the worn washer.
• Remove and reseal the valve seat using Teflon tape.
• Reassemble and test the faucet.

Step 5: Fix a Washerless Cartridge

Leaks in washerless faucets are often caused by worn internal parts.

• Remove the cartridge.
• Replace worn springs and seals.
• Reassemble carefully, making sure everything is aligned.
• Run water for 30 seconds (without the aerator) to flush debris.

Step 6: Replace a Ceramic Cartridge

Ceramic cartridges are durable, but if they crack, they must be replaced.

• Remove the old cartridge.
• Flush the water lines to clear debris.
• Install a new cartridge and reassemble the faucet.

Step 7: Fix Faucet Sputtering

If your faucet spits or makes noise, air may be trapped in the pipes.

• Turn on all faucets in your home, starting from the lowest level.
• Flush toilets and run appliances briefly.
• Turn everything off in reverse order.

Step 8: Troubleshoot the Side Sprayer

If your side sprayer isn’t working properly:

• Soak the spray head in vinegar to remove mineral buildup.
• If water flow is still weak, check or replace the diverter valve.

Final Tip

Most faucet leaks are caused by small, worn-out parts, not the entire faucet. With a little time and the right steps, you can fix the problem yourself and avoid a costly repair.

Frequently Asked Questions