How To Fix A Leaky Kitchen Faucet Single Handle (Tricky Guide)

November 17, 2023 by Carolina Arey

If your kitchen faucet is leaked, you need to repair it as soon as possible.

Table of Contents show

There are various types of kitchen faucets available but if you have a single-handle faucet with a disc cartridge then you can easily fix your leaky faucet by following the steps of the article on how to fix a leaky kitchen faucet single handle.

Usually, a disc faucet mixes both hot and cold water inside a mixing chamber. The chamber is known as a pressure balance cartridge.

The two ceramic discs at the bottom of the chamber control the temperature and raise or lower the volume.

5 Easy Steps To Know How To Fix A Leaky Kitchen Faucet Single Handle

So if your faucet gets a leak in that position then it will not be able to control the temperature. Therefore, we are here For to let you know how to fix a leaky kitchen faucet single handle.

Let’s learn the process step by step!

Turn Off Water Supply Line At Sink

To fix a leaky single-handle kitchen faucet, the first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply line. Turn off both hot and cold water supply lines running to the faucet
The line is usually found directly under the sink
Turn the handle of the shutoff valve clockwise to tighten and turn it off
If the valve has a lever handle, you need to turn perpendicular to the water line to shut it off
If you do not have local shut off valves, then you will have to turn off the line from the main water supply line
Once the supply line is off, open the faucet and letting the water drain out

Removing Handle Lever

Generally, the handle of the faucet attached discreetly to the faucet cartridge and connected with a plastic cover plate. If it does not have a plastic cap, then an Allen-head set screw on the side, front, or rear of the handle will attach the handle.
To remove the handle, use a Phillips head screwdriver or an Allen wrench. Remove the fastening screw using the screwdriver

Removing Ceramic Disc Cartridge

After removing the handle the disc cartridge is exposed
To hold the disc cartridge in place it has screws. If you have this style of disc cartridge, remove them from the disc cartridge
Once the screws are removed or if it does not consist any screws, lift the cartridge out of the faucet body
Use pliers if the cartridge is stuck a bit and gently grab it with the groove joint points and pull it out
Now you have the cartridge removed, check the cartridge for damage. If you see it is damaged already, you need to replace it with another one

Cleaning The Materials Of The Faucet

Once you remove the cartridge, you will see the rubber seals. Gently remove the rubber seals using a screwdriver. You need to be careful so that the seals do not get damage
Now you have to clean the seal seats in the bottom of the cartridge body. Use a soft nylon brush, for instance, an old toothbrush to clean the seal’s seats
If the rubber seals are damaged or you cannot clean them, then you have to replace the rubber seals with the new ones.
To purchase the perfect size rubber seals, take the cartridge with you to the hardware store
If you find the leak from the spout body neck, remove the O-ring from the faucet body neck

Reassembling Disc Cartridge And Faucet

Now it is time to reassemble the cartridge
Replace the cleaned or new rubber seals in the right place
Place the disc cartridge into the faucet body
If you used any decorative cover place, replace it into your faucet
Replace the handle of the faucet and tighten the attaching body

Restoring Water Supply

Restore the water supply to the faucet
After restoring it, check for leaks
Set the faucet carefully
Turn on the water supply line to check if the setting is perfect or not. If there is no leak or no problem is found then the fixing is completed perfectly

See Also:

Conclusion

Follow all the steps one by one to fix your leaky kitchen faucet. If you are able to follow the steps from how to fix a leaky kitchen faucet single handle, then you could fix your kitchen faucet by yourself. You do not need anyone’s help to replace your kitchen faucet.