Why Does My Kitchen Faucet Leak When Turned On? Causes and Solutions
It's frustrating when you turn on your kitchen faucet and water starts dripping and leaking all over the place. A leaky faucet not only makes a mess but also wastes water and money over time. So what causes a kitchen faucet to leak when turned on, and how can you fix it?
We'll also provide solutions to diagnose and repair the problem, so you can stop the dripping for good.
What Causes a Kitchen Faucet to Leak When Turned On?
There are a few common culprits behind a kitchen faucet that leaks from the spout or around the base when turned on:
Leak Around Faucet Base
A leak coming from around the base of the faucet, where it meets the sink, is often caused by an issue with the faucet's inner seals and connections:
- A worn or cracked O-ring - This rubber gasket seals the faucet body against water. If it's damaged, water can seep through.
- Damaged cartridge seal - The cartridge inside the faucet controls water flow. A cracked seal allows leaks.
- Loose connections - If the supply lines or mounting nuts under the sink are loose, water will escape from the faucet connections.
Leak from Faucet Spout
On the other hand, a leak directly from the faucet spout when turned on is typically caused by worn washers or cartridges inside the faucet assembly:
- Worn washer or cartridge - Faucet washers and cartridges seal the valve seats to stop water leaks. When worn, they allow drips.
- Mineral buildup - Hard water deposits restrict proper valve closing and cause drips from the spout.
Other Potential Causes
Less common sources of kitchen faucet leaks when turned on include:
- Old, damaged supply lines allowing water to escape at connections.
- Loose mounting nuts under the sink.
- Rust erosion creating small holes in the faucet body.
Diagnosing the Exact Location and Cause of a Kitchen Faucet Leak
To fix a leaky kitchen faucet, you first need to determine the exact location and cause of the leak. Here are tips for diagnosing a drippy faucet:
Check for Water Around Base of Faucet When On
Run the water and check below the faucet base for any puddling or dripping water. This signals a leak around the base.
Note if Dripping from Spout or Around Base
Pay attention to pinpoint if the leak originates from the faucet spout or the base connections.
Take Faucet Apart to Inspect Washers, O-Rings, Cartridge
Once you locate the leak area, disassemble the faucet and closely examine the internal rubber washers, O-rings, and cartridge for cracks, wear, or corrosion damage.
Assess Condition of Supply Lines
Inspect where the supply lines connect to shut off valves and the faucet for crimps, cracks, or loose connections that could cause leaks.
Test Mounting Nut Tightness
Try tightening the mounting nuts under the sink with a wrench to stop any water escaping from loose joints.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet Around the Base
If diagnosed with a leak around the faucet base, here are tips for completing repairs:
Shut Off Water and Relieve Pressure
Before disassembling the faucet, turn off hot and cold shut off valves and open the faucet to release any built-up pressure.
Disassemble and Replace O-ring
Once the water is off, take apart the faucet handle and body to access the O-ring. Replace it with an exact match O-ring.
Examine Cartridge Seal for Cracks
While disassembled, inspect the plastic cartridge seal for any cracks that may be causing leaks. Replace the cartridge if damaged.
Tighten Base Connections
Use an adjustable wrench to tighten any loose nuts and connections around the faucet base.
Repairing Leaks from the Faucet Spout
For drips coming directly from the faucet spout, try these repairs:
Shut Off Water and Release Pressure
As before, start by turning off water shut offs and opening the faucet to let built-up pressure drain.
Take Apart Faucet to Access Washers/Cartridge
Disassemble the faucet handle and body to get to the internal washers, cartridge, and valve seats.
Replace Worn Washers or Damaged Cartridge
Examine washers and cartridge closely. Replace any washers that are worn out or the entire cartridge if damaged.
Reassemble Faucet
Put the faucet back together with the new replacement parts installed.
Removing Mineral Buildup Causing Drips
If the leak is due to mineral deposits inside the faucet, here's how to remove them:
Take Faucet Apart and Soak Pieces in Vinegar
Disassemble the faucet and soak any calcium or limescale buildup in undiluted white vinegar overnight.
Gently Scrub with Non-Abrasive Pad
After soaking, gently scrub the faucet pieces with a soft cloth or sponge to remove mineral deposits.
Rinse Thoroughly Before Reassembling
Rinse all the faucet components with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar before reassembling.
Preventing Future Leaky Faucet Issues
To help prevent your kitchen faucet from leaking again in the future:
- Periodically clean faucet aerators and internal parts with vinegar to prevent mineral buildup.
- Replace rubber washers and O-rings regularly before they wear out.
- Use high-quality faucet models that are durable and drip-free.
- Check for leaks and drips regularly to address any problems early.
A leaky, dripping kitchen faucet can be caused by a number of issues like worn washers and O-rings, mineral deposits, or loose connections. The key is properly diagnosing the cause before attempting repairs.
Fixing a leaky kitchen faucet is usually a straightforward DIY project. In most cases, it involves replacing a few internal gaskets, washers, and O-rings, or cleaning built-up mineral deposits. With the proper diagnosis and repair, you can stop the dripping and return your faucet to drip-free operation.
Be proactive with periodic maintenance and component replacement, and choose high-quality faucets to minimize leaks over the long run. Catching any drips early and fixing them promptly will keep your kitchen faucet in good working order.