How do you repair a dripping kitchen sink faucet?

Question

I have never done any plumbing repairs before, but my kitchen sink faucet drips regularly unless I find the exact position for the Delta faucet handle. I hate to use the kitchen sink because it is such a hassle to turn it completely off. I don't want to hire a plumber for something that I might be able to easily repair myself. Any advice?

Answer 1

It's sometimes difficult to keep from laughing while reading some of the responses to questions such as yours, asking for help repairing something, which is something most of the people responding couldn't even identify, let alone give advice on. You said it's a Delta kitchen faucet, which tells me it's a single handle unit, with a moveable center spigot. There will be two SEALS, not washers, in this unit, the hot side is the most usual culprit, but as long as you've got it apart, (if you opt to take it apart), then you may as well replace both. The kit you get at the hardware store or Home Depot, should have two new round rubber seals, two new tapered coil springs, (to keep pressure on the seals against), a new center control ball. Always, always replace the ball as well as the seals, as the old ball will frequently have small scratches on the surface which can let little dribbles of water thru, to form drips.
You'll need an allen wrench, the exact size for which escapes me, but if you're planning on saving yourself much money doing home repairs, you may as well invest in a small set of them for future use. After loosening the set screw, which will be on the underside of the handle, (I'm assuming here you've already shut off the water supply to the faucet), you should be able to twist the handle on the straight shaft sticking up out of the center ball, till it loosens enough to be able to pull it up and off. The large center cover, with the hole in the center for the ball shaft, will have to be loosened with a pair of water pump pliers, or channel locks, whichever you call them. If it's a fairly new, mostly unscratched faucet, you may want to use a towel or cloth of some kind between the chrome and the pliers, to minimize any new scratches. It, of course, comes off counterclockwise, goes back on clockwise to tighten. Once that's removed, you will have access to the center control ball and the two top seals that set above it and keep the water from squirting out of the chrome cover. You can pull the whole thing out by the stem, then you'll be able to see the two round seals and springs, setting in their slots in the base below. If it's an older faucet, the seals may be somewhat stuck in the slots, (holes), down inside and you may need to loosen them with one of the allen wrenches to get them to pop out. From here it's pretty much just reassembly work, putting the new seals, springs and center control ball back in proper order. I always lube everything, including the threads of the top chrome cover, with standard petroleum jelly, (vaseline). It makes everything work much easier. Be sure to get the small tab on the top seal, over the control ball, back into the little slot on the side of the column, otherwise it won't seat properly when you push it down . Once you have it all reassembled, turn on the water pressure slowly, watching for leaks at the connections. Good luck.

Answer 2

If it is something that has only occured since you repaired the faucet then it has to be something you did. If you replaced a faucet washer and didn't tighten it enough it would vibrate like crazy when you turned the water on. That is most likely your problem.

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Answer 3

NO washers in a delta.
What you need is a delta rebuild kit, maybe $10.00. It contains the ball, seals and springs.
All you need is an allen wrench and water pump plyers to get the faucet apart.
A relitivly simple DIY project. That is if you turn off the water supply first. If not it's a bit more complex, but very exciting too.

Answer 4

it depends on what kind of faucet you have. Is it a one or two handle faucet.? Two handle very easy. Turn off water , remove center cap, remove screw holding handle on. Unscrew valve remove screw holding washer on. Now just put it back together the opposite way you took it apart. If it is a ond hanlde type Moen core. they are a little harder. You still remove the center cap but you usually need a core puller to remove the core. It contains o rings and a washer just like your standare handle. Replace them and reassemble.

Answer 5

it could be a bad washer ( the rubber " O " ring ) on the faucet or the seat which is the small metal piece on the bottom of the faucet but you need a seat remover tool to do that.
Go to Home Depo and they can show you how to fix it yourself.
Just remember to turn to water off ! :)
It's really easy !

Answer 6

it is quite easy and simple there are under water adhesives like m-seal if u r in india and araldite which can be applied around the dripping area if u can keep the area dry before applying this it is still better allow the adhesive to set as per manufactureres specification generally 8 hrs and then start using if u use under water sealant then there is no need to stop using even silicone gels are available they are room temprature valcunaisers R.T.V silicones in tubes they are available it can also be applied aroud the leaky area

Answer 7

Delta may have a life time warranty. Check their site online. The cartridge may need replacing. If they send you one for free, it comes with simple directions.

Answer 8

take the handle off and tighten the nut inside the handle( just snug)... if that doesn't work... replace the washer.

Be Blessed!

Answer 9

call the neighbour and ask him to replace the washer,

buy one or make one yourself from a piece of leather

Answer 10

sounds like you need to replace the washer.