How to Fix a Dripping Kitchen Faucet

Understanding the Common Causes of Kitchen Faucet Drips

A dripping kitchen faucet is one of the most common household plumbing issues, affecting millions of homeowners each year. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a single faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water annually. Understanding what causes these drips is the first step toward fixing the problem yourself.

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The most frequent culprit behind a dripping faucet is a worn-out washer. Inside your faucet, small rubber or plastic washers create a watertight seal when you turn the handle. Over time, these washers break down from repeated friction and exposure to water minerals, causing them to no longer fit snugly against the valve seat. When this happens, water leaks through the gap, creating that irritating drip you hear.

Another common cause is corrosion or mineral buildup on the valve seat itself. Hard water deposits and rust can accumulate on this internal component, preventing the seal from forming properly. If you live in an area with hard water (water with high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium), you may experience this problem more frequently. In fact, approximately 85% of Americans have hard water in their homes.

Worn O-rings represent another significant source of faucet leaks. These small rubber rings sit around the faucet stem and help maintain water pressure seals. When they deteriorate, water may drip from the base of the faucet or leak around the handle. The O-rings can degrade from constant use and exposure to water chemicals over several years.

Less commonly, a dripping faucet might result from a damaged or bent faucet stem, loose parts, or problems with the cartridge in cartridge-style faucets. Cartridge faucets, which became popular in the 1970s, use a single handle and contain an internal cartridge that controls both water temperature and flow.

Takeaway: Before attempting repairs, identify whether your faucet is the two-handle compression type, single-handle cartridge type, or ball-type faucet, as repair methods differ. Look under your sink to find the faucet model name or take a photo to research the specific type online.

Tools and Materials You'll Need to Gather

Having the right tools on hand before you start work prevents frustration and multiple trips to the hardware store. Most faucet repairs can be completed with basic tools that many homeowners already have in their homes. The total cost for materials typically ranges from $5 to $25, depending on which parts need replacement.

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Essential tools include an adjustable wrench (an 8-inch or 10-inch wrench works well), a flathead screwdriver, and a Phillips head screwdriver. A hex key set (Allen wrenches) is also useful, as some faucet handles are secured with hex screws rather than slotted or Phillips screws. A flashlight or headlamp helps you see clearly under the sink where lighting is often limited.

You should also gather some basic supplies: clean towels or rags to catch dripping water, a container to hold small parts so they don't get lost, and possibly a bowl to place under the faucet to catch any remaining water in the lines. Some people find that a putty knife or small pry bar helps remove faucet handles and trim rings.

For the actual repair materials, you'll likely need replacement washers and O-rings. These come in assorted kits containing various sizes, typically costing $3 to $8. You can purchase these at any home improvement store or hardware store. It's helpful to bring your faucet model information when shopping so you can get the correct sizes, though assorted kits usually contain common sizes that fit most standard faucets.

Depending on your specific situation, you might also want to have silicone grease or plumber's grease available. This lubricant helps reassemble faucet components smoothly and prevents O-rings from drying out. For corrosion issues, white vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits, so having this household item on hand is worth considering.

Finally, keep a bucket or old towel beneath your work area to catch water from the faucet and supply lines. Even after turning off the water supply, some water will remain in the pipes above your work area and will drain down when you disconnect components.

Takeaway: Create a small workspace kit with all tools and materials before beginning. Take a photo of your faucet type and model number to bring to the store, ensuring you purchase exactly what you need.

Turning Off Your Water Supply and Preparing the Work Area

Safety and preparation are critical before touching any part of your faucet. Your first step should always be locating and shutting off the water supply to your kitchen faucet. Under most kitchen sinks, you'll find two small shutoff valves—one for hot water and one for cold water. These look like small knobs or oval-shaped handles attached to copper or PVC pipes.

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Turn both shutoff valves clockwise until they stop. You should turn them gently but firmly—don't force them, as they can break. After closing the valves, turn your faucet handle on to release any remaining water pressure in the lines. You should see the water flow stop or reduce to a trickle. If no water comes out at all, the valves are working correctly. If water continues flowing normally, the shutoff valves may not be functioning properly, and you should locate your home's main water shutoff valve instead, which is typically in your basement, crawl space, or outside near the water meter.

Once the water is off, open your under-sink cabinet and place towels on the ground to catch any water that may drip when you begin disconnecting parts. Position your bucket or container directly under the faucet's water supply connections. Even though the main water is shut off, there may still be water in the pipes above your work area that will drain down.

Clear your work area of other items to create space for the faucet parts you'll be removing. You'll need room to lay out washers, O-rings, and other small components. A shallow tray or muffin tin can be helpful for organizing these tiny pieces so you don't lose them.

Turn on the faucet and all the hot water taps in your kitchen for a few seconds. This relieves any residual pressure in the water lines and drains remaining water, preventing surprises when you open connections. If your faucet has a sprayer attachment, hold down the button to ensure it's also drained.

Before you start disassembling anything, take clear photos or video of the current setup. This visual record helps if you forget how a part was oriented or connected. Many people find this single step prevents assembly mistakes later.

Takeaway: Always shut off the water supply and relieve pressure before beginning work. Never skip this step, as water damage or injury can result from pressurized water or unexpected flow.

Step-by-Step Repair for Compression Faucets

Compression faucets, also called two-handle faucets, have been the standard in American kitchens for decades. These faucets have separate handles for hot and cold water, each controlling a rubber washer that moves up and down inside the faucet body. They're generally straightforward to repair, making them ideal for beginning do-it-yourselfers.

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Start by looking at the handle that controls the water that's dripping. You'll notice there's a small decorative cap or button on top of the handle—this is called the index button or cap. Using a flathead screwdriver, gently pry this cap off. Underneath, you'll find a screw. Remove this screw and set it aside in your container of small parts.

Pull the handle straight up and off the faucet. If it doesn't come easily, don't force it—try gently wiggling it back and forth while pulling. Some handles are held in place with a small brass collar under the handle called the packing nut. If you see this, use your adjustable wrench to turn it counterclockwise until it's loose, then you can remove the handle.

Now you can see the stem, which is the part that moves up and down when you turn the handle. Look for a nut at