Kitchen Faucet Leaking from Handle: Tips for Fixing It

The design of the faucet found in the modern kitchen today is in such a way to give you and your family service for over a year. It is one of the most used equipment in the kitchen, with time, it is bound to develop problems, and it will start to leak. A leak on the kitchen faucet’s handle is a result of the rubber O-ring wearing out. Periodical replacement of the O-ring can extend the years that you use your kitchen faucet.

Under the spout of the faucet, you will find the rubber O-ring. When worn out it will cause the faucet to leak from the base of the handle. The steps below will guide you in the repair of the leak by replacing the O-ring of your kitchen faucet.

The very first thing should be to turn off the water supply to the faucet. Close the drain of the sink to prevent screws and other small parts from disappearing down the drain.

Option 1:

Remove the plastic cap from the top of the spout with a thin blade or a flat screwdriver. For a single head handle faucet type, the handle should come off before the spout. In many faucet designs, a screw either holds the handle in place on top or on the side; remove it. With an adjustable wrench, remove the nut from the spouts topside and by turning it in an anticlockwise direction.

Option 2:

Hold the spout firmly, wiggle it, and pull it out from the body of the faucet. It will now be easy to see and locate the O-rings. Using a pair of long nose pliers, remove the rubber O-rings from the body of the faucet.

Option 3:

Note the make, model of your kitchen faucet, and ensure they match with the new replacement O-rings. Be careful to fit the O-rings correctly into their designated grooves in the faucet body. Ensure that there is no twisting of the O-rings; apply faucet grease or plumber’s grease and fix the spout on the faucet body. Hold it in place with the retaining nut you removed earlier.

Option 4:

Put back the faucet handle in place and screw it in place in a clockwise direction. Place back the plastic cap starting with the one you removed last and open the sink’s drain.

For the big reveal, open the water supply and note if there is any leak before turning on the faucet. Turn the spout and the handle from left to the right and check for leaks. You have done a good job if no leaks are present.