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Fix a kitchen faucet that leaks

We'll identify the leak location, shut off the water, replace the cartridge, O-rings, or sprayer hose—then verify the fix or tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
20–45 min
What you'll need
  • Hex key or screwdriver (to remove the handle)
  • Replacement cartridge, O-rings, or sprayer hose (match the model)
  • Bucket and towels
  • Channel-lock pliers (if the cartridge is stuck)
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

Quick triage — pick your path

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Identify the leak location, shut off the water, and replace the cartridge, O-rings, or sprayer hose.

  • Wipe the faucet dry. Run the faucet and close it. Watch for moisture at the spout, base, or sprayer.
  • Good: You know where the leak is. Proceed to Spout leak or Base and sprayer based on the location.
  • Bad: Unclear—run the faucet and observe again.

Spout leak

Goal: Fix a drip from the spout by replacing the cartridge or O-rings.

  • Shut off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink. Open the faucet to drain the lines.
  • Remove the handle and extract the cartridge. Inspect every O-ring and the cartridge body for wear. Replace with exact matches.
  • If the valve seat inside the body is pitted, smooth it with a seat-grinding tool. Reassemble and turn the water back on slowly.
  • Good: No drip when the faucet is closed.
  • Bad: Still drips—call a plumber.

Base and sprayer

Goal: Fix leaks at the base or from the sprayer hose.

  • For base leaks: remove the base collar and replace the O-rings. For sprayer leaks: check the hose for cracks and the connection fittings. Replace the sprayer hose or O-rings at the connection.
  • Tighten loose fittings. Run the faucet and check for moisture.
  • Good: No moisture at the base or sprayer.
  • Bad: Still leaks—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The valve seat is badly corroded.
  • The faucet body is cracked.
  • You have replaced the cartridge and O-rings and it still leaks.

Verification

  • No drip from the spout when the faucet is closed.
  • No moisture at the base or sprayer when the faucet runs.
  • Supply connections under the sink stay dry.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Identify leak location Confirm whether the leak is from the spout, base, or sprayer.
  2. Shut off water Turn off supply valves and drain the lines.
  3. Replace cartridge or O-rings Extract the cartridge, inspect seals, replace worn parts.
  4. Fix base or sprayer Replace O-rings at the base or the sprayer hose.
  5. Call a plumber Corroded valve seat, cracked body, or repairs do not fix the leak.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Leak location (spout, base, sprayer)
  • Faucet model (for parts)
  • Steps already tried

Where is the leak?

Check whether the leak is from the spout, base, or sprayer. Wipe dry and run the faucet to observe.

Wipe the faucet dry. Run the faucet and close it. Watch for moisture. Spout: drip when closed. Base: water under the faucet. Sprayer: leak when using the sprayer or at the hose connection.

Spout drip Base or sprayer

You can change your answer later.

Shut off water and replace the cartridge

Spout drips are usually caused by a worn cartridge or O-rings.

Shut off the hot and cold supply valves. Remove the handle and extract the cartridge. Inspect O-rings and the cartridge for wear. Replace with exact matches. Reassemble and turn the water back on slowly. Good: no drip. Bad: still drips—check the valve seat or call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Leak fixed

The spout no longer drips. Confirm by running the faucet for five minutes and closing it—no drip should appear.

Done

Is the leak at the base or the sprayer hose?

Base leaks: O-rings at the base. Sprayer leaks: hose or connection fittings.

For base: remove the base collar and replace the O-rings. For sprayer: check the hose for cracks and the connection fittings. Replace the sprayer hose or O-rings at the connection. Tighten loose fittings. Good: no moisture. Bad: still leaks—call a plumber.
Question

Base or sprayer?

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if the valve seat is badly corroded, the faucet body is cracked, or you have replaced the cartridge and O-rings and it still leaks. A plumber can advise on repair vs. replacement.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why is my kitchen faucet dripping from the spout?
Usually a worn cartridge or O-rings. Shut off the supply valves, remove the handle, and inspect the cartridge and seals. Replace any cracked or flattened parts with exact matches.
Why is my kitchen faucet leaking at the base?
Often O-rings at the base or a loose sprayer hose connection. Shut off the water, remove the base collar, and replace the O-rings. Check the sprayer hose for cracks or loose fittings.
When should I call a plumber for a leaking kitchen faucet?
Call a plumber if the valve seat is badly corroded, the faucet body is cracked, or you have replaced the cartridge and O-rings and it still leaks. A plumber can advise on repair vs. replacement.

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