Moen Kitchen Faucet Leaks Be Gone - Fix It Yourself Guide
Is your Moen kitchen faucet leaking? Those annoying drips can quickly turn into a real nuisance. But before you call the plumber, try fixing it yourself - you might be surprised how easy it is.
We'll also provide steps to diagnose and repair the issue on your own, using basic tools. With a bit of effort, you can stop those frustrating leaks and avoid the hassle and cost of a service call.
Prevent Leaks Before They Start
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to faucet leaks. Here are some tips to maintain your Moen kitchen faucet and avoid leaks:
- Inspect washers and o-rings regularly for cracking or damage. Replace them proactively.
- Clean the faucet spray heads and aerator, removing any mineral deposits that could cause drips.
- Follow Moen's care guidelines for cleaning products and techniques safe for finishes.
- Replace the cartridge every 5-7 years or at the first sign of dripping.
Identify Your Exact Faucet Model
Before making repairs, it's crucial to know which Moen faucet model you have. The model number can be found on the underside of the spout or handle. Identifying it correctly ensures ordering the right replacement parts.
Some Moen kitchen faucets have special features like pull-out sprayers or touchless activation. Diagnosing issues with these components takes specific knowledge of how they are designed to function.
Tools You'll Need for Repairs
Gather these basic tools before inspecting your faucet or attempting repairs:
- Basin wrench for accessing supply line nuts
- Channel lock pliers for grasping fittings
- Flashlight for visually inspecting internal parts
- Replacement o-rings, washers, cartridge
How to Diagnose the Leak Location
Finding the exact source of the drip is key. Carefully inspect these areas with the water on and off:
Check For Drips At The Base
Leaks near the base of the faucet likely indicate damaged o-rings or cracked valve seats. These prevent water from sealing properly around the faucet base holes.
Test The Cartridge and Handles
Turn handles all the way on and off, making sure water stops flowing completely. A leaky cartridge allows water to bypass shutoff.
Inspect Sprayer and Connections
Activate the sprayer and check everywhere water flows while in sprayer mode. The diverter or pullout hose may need replacing if leaking.
Examine Supply Line Fittings
Drips near supply line connections under the sink often mean loose fittings or cracked washers. Tighten by hand first before assuming replacement is needed.
Fixing O-Ring and Valve Seat Leaks
If water leaks near the base while the faucet is running, worn o-rings are likely the culprit:
- Turn off hot and cold water valves under sink
- Pry off faucet cap with a small screwdriver
- Replace cracked or torn o-rings with exact match
- Clean valve seats of mineral deposits if necessary
- Re-install o-rings and re-attach faucet cap
Confirm Leak Has Stopped
Slowly turn the water back on and check for continued dripping. If leaking persists, double check that the new o-rings are seated evenly with no twists or pinches.
When To Call A Plumber
While many Moen kitchen faucet leaks can be repaired by homeowners, there are times to seek professional assistance:
- Leaks originating inside sink cabinet walls
- Installation issues requiring sink or counter removal
- Persistent leaks not resolved after multiple repair attempts
- Faucet needs complete replacement due to age or style
For complex leaks or installs, a licensed plumber has the expertise to remedy issues you may not be able to tackle safely as a DIYer.
Stopping annoying drips can be satisfyingly easy in most cases with basic home repair skills. But don't let your Moen kitchen faucet maintenance end there.
Schedule annual inspections to replace worn washers, o-rings and cartridges preventatively. And consider upgrading older Moen models to new faucets with lifetime warranties. With some periodic TLC, you'll enjoy drip-free convenience for decades to come.