Leaky Kitchen Faucet

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-262 -- More Projects »
PHOTO
Home repair expert Henry Harrison shows a guest how to track down a water leak around the base of a faucet, then repair the fixture by replacing the O-rings. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this fix a one.


Tools:


small screen strainer
pocketknife
towels
plumber's grease
replacement O-rings


Steps:


1. If your sink had a garbage disposal, place a screen over the opening so you don't accidentally drop any little parts down the drain.


2. Turn on hot water and look for leaks, but also listen. A high-pitched squeak or squeal could indicate a worn washer assembly. Turn on cold water and repeat process

PHOTO

Figure A
PHOTO

Figure B
PHOTO

Figure C
3. Loosen the bonnet (or collar) at the base of the faucet and slide it to the top of the spout. Now pull the spout out of its base (figure A).

4. Examine the O-rings for tightness and damage. A loose or split O-ring is probably the cause of the leaks (figure B).

5. Remove damaged O-rings and find matching replacements. Use a pocketknife to pry or cut off old O-rings.

6. Coat the new O-rings with a bit of plumber's grease before installing (figure C). If replacing more than one O-ring, grease the bottom one before fitting but do not grease the second ring until after you work it over the first and into its groove.

7. Seat spout back into place and tighten bonnet. Turn on the water and test for leaks.

Also in this Episode
Help Around the House : Episode ARH-262
•Lawn Sprinkler Repair
•Leaky Kitchen Faucet
•Granite Countertop for Kitchen Island
•Toolbox: Crisscross Drill Level