While it may not seem like a big deal, a kitchen faucet leaking at the base of the spout needs fixing. Not only is the continuous dripping annoying, but the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports leaky spouts waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year.
The good news is kitchen faucet repair is our specialty. If you have questions about water leaks in your kitchen sink, call us at (928) 377-5910 or complete our online form. One of our team members will get in touch and get started on our kitchen sink repair process.
You are watching: What Should You Do with a Kitchen Faucet Leaking from the Base of the Spout?
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Why Do Faucets Leak Water from the Spout?
Due to the hard water we have in Mohave County, particles often make their way into home plumbing systems. The minerals in hard water cause issues for plumbing fixtures like the kitchen sink. There are two common faucet spout leaks: temporary and constant.
Temporary leaks occur when the sink is in use. These leaks are most prevalent in fixtures with dirty or worn-down O-rings, the seal at the faucet base. According to Fluid Power World, O-rings are the most common fluid power seals for preventing leaks.
Constant leaks continue even when the sink is off. These persistent leaks develop from mineral or dirt accumulation in the sink valve or cartridge. The buildup wears down the piping and prevents the faucet from shutting off water flow.
Signs of Spout Leaks
A leak at the base of the spout can start small, making it difficult to recognize. Many people do not notice a water leak until the dripping becomes consistent.
If you have a water leak at the base of your sink’s spout, you may find yourself:
- Turning the faucet handles tighter to prevent dripping water
- Hearing dripping noises coming from your kitchen
- Noticing water puddles around the spout
- Paying higher water utility bills
If you suspect a leak, place a dry paper towel or cloth underneath the spout. Let it sit for an hour or longer. If the towel is wet when you check back, you may have a leaky kitchen faucet that needs repairing.
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How to Fix Water Leaks at the Base of the Spout
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As long as you follow the correct steps, identifying and fixing a water leak is simple. If you get confused or overwhelmed, feel free to give us a call. As the local plumbing experts in Kingman, Arizona, we are always happy to help.
Please note: most household kitchen sinks contain single-handle faucets. Therefore, our guide focuses on repairing leaky spouts for single-handle faucets.
Step #1: Identify Your Faucet’s Brand
Before restoring your dripping faucet, identify your sink’s brand and model.
We will cover the essential tips for repairing a sink leaking from the base of the spout. But specific brands may provide more detailed instructions that can be helpful. A brand’s website can also supply model numbers in case you need to order a new part.
Most brands also provide detailed diagrams of their sinks. The charts can help you identify specific parts, making it easier to deconstruct and reassemble the faucet.
Step #2: Gather Tools and Shut Down Water Supply
To successfully repair a water leak in your kitchen seak, you will need:
- Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
- Large slip-joint pliers
Once you have the correct tools, shut down the water supply. Turn both handles until they are completely off. Locate your sink’s water supply valve and turn it off. The valve should be in the cabinet below the sink.
Cover the sink’s drain holes to ensure no small parts accidentally go down the drain. Rags, plugs, or a kitchen strainer work fine.
Step #3: Deconstruct the Faucet
To fix a leaking faucet, you need to take it apart. Slowly and carefully use your tools to deconstruct the valves.
As you remove various parts and pieces, try to keep track of them. Lay them out in the order they were removed or take a video of the process. This will make reassembling your faucet much more manageable.
Step #4: Inspect and Replace Damaged Parts
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Lay the pieces out and inspect each one. Look for tears, cracks, dirt, and grime. Check for damages to the O-ring seal, as this is a typical reason why kitchen faucets leak at the spout.
Clean dirty parts with warm vinegar to remove stubborn mineral deposits. Place the parts in a sandwich bag and add white vinegar until they are completely submerged. Fasten the bag with a rubber band, let the pieces soak for one hour, then rinse with warm water.
Take defective parts to your local hardware store and get replacements. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance to ensure you receive the correct parts. If you know your sink brand and model, the easier it is to find the right replacement pieces.
Step #5: Reassemble the Faucet
Your faucet’s pieces are squeaky clean, and all damaged components have been replaced. Now it’s time to reassemble your fixture. This is where you should use your video or the sink model’s diagram to ensure everything is put back together correctly.
As you piece your fixture back together, use the Allen wrench to tighten everything. Loose pieces lead to leaking. Once everything is nice and tight, turn the water supply back on.
Step #6: Call for Backup if the Problem Continues
Perform the paper towel test again to ensure the base of the spout is no longer leaking. Leave a paper towel or cloth under the spout for an hour or longer. When you return, the towel should be dry.
If the paper towel is wet or other issues, like water spraying, start to occur, there may still be a plumbing problem somewhere in your pipes.
Water damage is no joke, so if this is the case, call for backup. Professional plumbers have specialized equipment to detect water leaks. Let the experts take over to ensure your kitchen sink gets fixed once-and-for-all.
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Is Your Kitchen Faucet Leaking at the Base? We Can Help
Plumbing By Jake is here to help with all of your Arizona leaky faucet repair and water dripping needs. Call us at (928) 377-5910 or enter your info into our online contact form. A qualified technician will reach out to discuss how to stop your kitchen faucet from leaking.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Kitchens