Kitchen Faucet Repair – What You Need to Know

When it comes to kitchen faucet repair, a DIY homeowner can easily perform most repairs. However, it is always important to understand what needs to be done – prior knowledge of how and why problems arise can help you save time and money.

Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet is one of the most common kitchen faucet problems. Causes are often due to old faucet components, worn cartridges, or a broken parts. To fix a leaky faucet, you must:

• Turn off the water at the shutoff valves under the sink.

• Remove the handle and unscrew the escutcheon. This may require the use of a screwdriver.

• Unscrew the old cartridge and replace it with a new one.

• Reassemble the faucet components.

• Turn on the water and check for any leaks.

Dripping Faucet

If your faucet is dripping, then it might be due to a damaged or worn out washer. To fix a dripping faucet, you must:

• Turn off the water at the shutoff valves.

• Remove the handle and unscrew the escutcheon.

• Unscrew the stem of the faucet and extract the washers.

• Replace the worn out washers with new ones.

• Reassemble the faucet components.

• Turn on the water and check for any leaks.

No Water Flow

If your faucet does not give you any water, then it could be due to clogged aerator or broken supply lines or valves. To diagnose the problem, you must:

• Check the supply lines and make sure that the shutoff valves are open.

• Dismantle the faucet and remove the aerator.

• Clean the aerator with a brush or vinegar.

• Check and replace any broken or worn out parts.

• Reassemble the faucet components.

• Turn on the water and check for any leaks.

When it comes to kitchen faucet repair, understanding the cause of the problem is essential. This will help you diagnose the issue and determine the type of repairs needed. With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily fix most kitchen faucet problems. From the moment you turn your kitchen faucet on, you trust that it will perform as designed. It is an essential part of any kitchen – used every day to fill glasses of water, wash vegetables, rinse soapsuds away and more. However, faucets can develop problems over time, leaving you without a functioning kitchen fixture. If you are facing a kitchen faucet repair, here’s what you need to know.

Repair or Replace Kitchen Faucets?

Before attempting to repair your kitchen faucet – or deciding to replace it – you need to determine the reason behind the problem. If the issue is caused by a worn out part, you can easily replace that particular piece. It’s also important to your repair decision to consider the age of the faucet and its original cost. If it’s an older faucet, then you may want to buy a new one. However, if the faucet is fairly new and you paid a lot for it, you may want to consider repairing it instead of replacing.

Identifying the Problem

There are a wide variety of kitchen faucet problems that may require repair. A few common issues include:

• Leaky faucets — If your faucet is leaking, there may be a few causes including worn O-rings, or washers, or a loose valve seat.

• Poor faucet pressure — This could be due to a clogged aerator or low water pressure.

• No hot water — Typically this is caused by a stalled water heater or a worn out valve cartridge.

• Loose or dripping faucet handles — This is most often caused by a worn out washer, though there may be other causes depending on the type of faucet you have.

DIY or Professional Repair

Once you’ve determined the cause of the problem, the next step is to determine if you will be able to handle the repair yourself or whether you need the services of a professional. DIY repairs are typically quite a bit more affordable, though you should make sure you have the right repair tools and a comprehensive understanding of how to complete the job. If a professional is necessary, consider who will be best suited to the repair. A plumber may be able to help out with basic kitchen faucet repairs, however a kitchen fixture specialist may be a better idea if you have a more complex repair.

To Repair or Not to Repair?

Kitchen faucet repair should be addressed quickly for the sake of convenience and cost effectiveness. That being said, it is ultimately up to you to determine the best course of action. Make an assessment of the situation based on the cost of the repair, age and value of the faucet and availability of a repair expert or specialist. With that information in hand, you will be able to make the best repair decision for your particular needs!