How do I stop leaky faucet in the kitchen sink?

Question

My kitchen faucet leaks unless I tighten the cold water real tight then it stops leaking. I replaced the rubber ring at the end of the faucet but that did not work.

Answer 1

you have replaced the washers- It sounds like you have-and it Still leaks
The whole fixture might have to be replaced.

The newer ones are made in whole replaceable units. The older ones have handles that are individually replaced.

You can always call a plumber if these options don't work.

Answer 2

This is long but. . .
Your problem is not at the end of the faucet.
It sounds like it at the cold water valve.
This is a website showing the components of a valve.
http://www.acehardware.com/sm-repairing-faucets-and-valves--bg-1280424.html
Turn the water off below the sink and bleed the cold water side. You should only need to do this with the cold water.
Then turn the faucet back to the off position.
The handle is held on by a screw. Remove that screw.
Hopefuly it will come up and off easily but if it doesn't take small screwdriver and place it undet the edge of the handle. Gently rock it to loosen the handle.
I stress doing this gently.
You should then see the stemnut (you will see this on the diagram) loosen this nut.
It is likely that you need to replace the valve itself. If it were the seat washer the leak would likely be below the sink. Valves leak because they do not close all the way any more.
Check the faucet cavity ( this is the flow through area in the valve itself) it's quite small. This area often get blocked with minerals such as calcium.
This usually inhibits flow but I imagine that it could prevent the valve from closing completely as well.
Clean this area out by flushing it and/or using a toothpick or icepick and check to see if the valve seat washer worn or compressed.
After the faucet cavity is clean and the valve seat washer has been inspected put everything back together.
Turn the water back on and test the faucet.
If it works without leaking problem solved if it does not then you likely need to replace the valve.
If this is the case turn the water off again and bleed again.
Remove the valve and take it to the hardware store.
Hopefully the will have the valve you need instock if they don't they might be able to order it.
Replace the valve and then surely the problem will be solved.
If not save yourself any more grief and replace the whole faucet assembly.
Chances are good that they have an identical one at the hardware store unless it is more decorative.
You do this by accessing the area under the sink.
Turn off both water valves under the sink and bleed both lines.
Remove the hoses from both sides.
There is a bolt, often rather thin, that holds the faucet afixed to the counter or sink.
Remove these bolts and the faucet should be able to be lifted from the sink or counter.
There may be caulk sealing the fauset or a faucet seat on the counter or sink on which the faucer sits.
If there is caulk use an exacto to cut it free. You likely won't be able to get to the caulk at the rear of the faucet but freeing the front and sides should be adequate.
If the is just a plastic or rubber-like seat just gently but firmly wiggle the faucet by holding it on both sides and rocking it until it seperates.
Lift out the faucet and take the whole damn thing to the hardware store.
The most important thing about replaceing the whole faucet is to buy one with stems that are of an identical diameter (which is genrally pretty standardized) and the same distance apart.
Also take note of the dimentions of the outer body of the old faucet.
There is a sort of foot print from the original faucet around which there can be some discoloration or mineral build up.
If the new faucet's out body is smaller than the original the old footprint can be visible and it looks rather shabby.
But if the new faucet is bigger it may not fit nicely into position which also looks shabby and can be problematic.
There you have it.
Be sure to turn off the water to avoid a deluge. Been there, done that, most inconvenient.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Unfortunately there are many types of faucets and depending on the type there are different failure mechanisms.

Some can even leak in multiple ways.

If you have the will to save money you can how to do it.

1) Shutting off the cold water going to the faucet is the first step.

2) Taking off any decorative cap is the second step. If there is no visible screw, the screw must be under a decorative piece. Use something very thin like a knife blade to get under the decorative piece and very carefully pry the piece off (Use care so you don't break the knife as that could be dangerous. also, don't pry with the tip of the knife. You are almost certain to break or bend it.) If you can get the cap slightly off you can then switch to a screwdriver. You will have to work your way around the parameter of the piece as you pry when you do this.

3) Once off, remove the screw that you will see and then wiggle the decorative valve handle off.

4) once the handle is off you will see a piece that will require a wrench to remove. Screw it counter clockwise until it is off.

5) Pull out the inerds of the valve and inspect all surfaces closely. You may need to do some disassembly of what you have pulled.

Try to determine exactly how the valve seals when it closes, and what surface it seals on. Inspect those surfaces closely.

I have some valve plugs for older Kohler faucets where once they start leaking, the flowing water cuts a groove in the sealing surface.

If you find metal that has been eaten by water flow the best thing to do is replace the part. Homestores carry some parts, but others you may have to order off of the internet, or find a vendor of that valve in your area that sells parts for your specific valve.

Good Luck!

Answer 4

You either got the wrong size of washer or may have some dirt trapped inside the faucet. OR
There are usually two washers in a faucet. One is either a flat, or bevelled washer at the base of the faucet cartridge, & the other is the "O" ring that is usually somewhere in the shank of the cartridge. The washer at the base is the one that stops the water leaking out when the tap is shut off. The "O" ring is to keep water from gushing out from under the tap handle when you have the tap open. So you said you replaced the "rubber ring" & if that's the "O" ring then you replaced the wrong washer, you need to look at the one on the base of the cartridge.

One other thing you can try is to replace the entire cartridge. It costs a little more, but is still cheaper than a plumber. Home Depot has a collection of cartridges, take in your present cartridge, & they can match it up.
If there is no Home Depot near you, then any plumbing supplier should be able to do the same.

Cheers!

Answer 5

there are a few more parts than just a washer and the washer must be the right size to work right. if it is and still leaks, it might be the seat. that takes a special type of wrench,(kinda looks like a wird screwdriver with a square end on it)before you take off the new washer, try opening the valve to open then tighten the whole valve down tight but not over tight, just snug. if it still leaks, replace the seat or even the valve. you can take it in to your hardware store and show them what you have and let them give you a replacement verses a new faucet. good luck.

Answer 6

If you remove the cold side knob, there should be a shaft that needs removed to access the rubber o ring inside. Take the o ring seal and shaft to lowes or a hardware store and match it up with available models. Also purchase a container of plumbers silicone grease. When you put it back together apply a lot of grease to the seal and surrounding area. With out the grease it will continue to leak do to friction.

Answer 7

depending if your faucet is a washer-less model or cartridge model you'll have to buy a replacement part. No amount of tightening will fix it, just make it worse. Try disassembling the faucet at the knob (after turning off the water of coarse) to determine which part you need.

Answer 8

You need to replace the rubber whasher that is under/inside the knob. It's the one that closes off the water hole when you turn it. Depending on the type of faucet, it could get pretty involved. If you are not "handy" with such things, you had better get a hold of someone who is.

Answer 9

Turn off the valve that supplies your sink's cold water (probably located under the sink). Take apart the cold water valve on your sink. Replace the rubber washer inside that valve. That should do it.

Answer 10

you have to get the name of the faucet and go to the building supply and get a repair kit for the faucet then go home and put the kit in the faucet