Kitchen Faucet Repair: Fix Leaks, Sprayers and Low Flow
A kitchen faucet is used all day, so it wears out fast. Most repairs involve a worn cartridge, a bad O-ring, a clogged aerator or a failing sprayer hose. Call (888) 554-0426 and we connect you with a local pro.
What is wrong with my kitchen faucet?
Most kitchen faucet problems are leaks at the spout or base, weak flow, a sprayer that sticks or leaks, or a loose or wobbly spout. They come from worn seals, mineral buildup, a clogged aerator, or a loose mounting nut under the sink.
| Problem | Common cause |
|---|---|
| Drip from the spout | Worn cartridge, washer or seat |
| Water at the base of the spout | Worn spout O-rings |
| Weak flow from the spout | Clogged aerator or debris in the line |
| Pull-down sprayer sticks or leaks | Worn hose, weight or sprayer head seal |
| Faucet wobbles or turns loose | Loose mounting nut under the sink |
| Water under the sink | Supply line, connection or shut-off valve leak |
Kitchen faucets handle hot water, grease, hard water and daily use. That is why they often need repair sooner than other faucets in the home.
What are the signs your kitchen faucet needs repair?
Watch for drips after you turn it off, a spray that goes the wrong way, weak or uneven flow, a handle that is stiff or loose, and a wet cabinet under the sink. Any of these means a part is wearing out, and a repair is usually easier early on.
- The faucet drips or runs after you turn it off.
- Water sprays sideways or splits in two streams.
- Flow is weak even though other taps are fine.
- The sprayer does not retract or leaks at the hose.
- The spout swings too far or wobbles.
- The cabinet floor under the sink is damp or warped.
Check under the sink too. A slow leak from a supply line can stay hidden for weeks and ruin the cabinet.
What does kitchen faucet repair involve?
A pro shuts off the water, finds the cause, and replaces the failed part. That may be a cartridge, O-ring, aerator, sprayer hose or supply line. They test for leaks at the spout, handle and under the sink before they finish the job.
- Shut off the water at the valves under the sink.
- Find the leak or fault by checking the spout, handle, base and supply lines.
- Remove and inspect the parts: cartridge, O-rings, aerator and sprayer.
- Replace what is worn and clean out buildup.
- Test the faucet and sprayer, then check connections under the sink.
A pull-down or pull-out faucet has extra parts, such as a hose and a weight. A pro will check those too. If the faucet has a built-in filter line, tell the contractor when you call.
Can I fix a kitchen faucet myself?
You can often clean a clogged aerator yourself. Other fixes, like replacing a cartridge or sprayer hose, take more care. Call a pro if you cannot find the right part, the valves are stuck, or the faucet has a leak under the sink.
Easy checks you can try
- Unscrew the aerator and rinse out the debris.
- Tighten a loose handle screw.
- Wipe off mineral buildup with vinegar.
- Look under the sink for wet spots.
Call a pro for
- Leaks at the base or under the sink.
- A cartridge or sprayer hose that needs to be replaced.
- Stuck or leaking shut-off valves.
- A faucet that is old and hard to find parts for.
Safety note: Shut off the water before you take anything apart. Keep the drain covered. If water is near outlets or cords, stay away and call for help.
How much does kitchen faucet repair cost?
Many kitchen faucet repairs typically cost about $150 to $350, depending on the part and the faucet. That is a typical range, and it varies by area and job. Ask for the total price before work starts, including any service call fee.
- Faucet type: pull-down and touch faucets have more parts.
- Brand and age: some brands need special parts.
- The fix: an aerator is simple. A cartridge or hose costs more.
- Hidden problems: a leak under the sink can add work.
- Timing: after-hours calls can cost more.
If a repair costs close to the price of a new faucet, ask your pro about replacement.
Should I repair or replace a kitchen faucet?
Repair a kitchen faucet if it is a few years old and has one clear problem. Replace it if it is old, the finish is pitted, parts are hard to find, or it has failed more than once. A new faucet can also add features you want.
Kitchen faucets see more use than most. A faucet with a bad cartridge is an easy fix. A faucet with a cracked body or flaking finish is usually not worth repairing. Ask the contractor to price both choices.
How do I choose a kitchen faucet repair pro?
Choose a pro who explains the problem in plain words and gives a written price. Ask for a license number and proof of insurance and check them. Ask if they work on your brand and what the warranty covers. The homeowner must confirm license and insurance.
- Tell them your faucet type: pull-down, pull-out, single or two handle.
- Ask if they have worked on your brand before.
- Get the price in writing, with parts and labor.
- Ask what the warranty covers.
- Check the license and insurance yourself.
What other faucet repair services can we connect you with?
Faucet problems often come in pairs. These pages cover related repairs.
Kitchen Faucet Repair questions, answered
Why is my kitchen faucet leaking at the base?
Water at the base usually means the O-rings around the spout are worn, or a part is loose. It can also come from a crack in the faucet body. A pro can replace the O-rings or tell you if the faucet needs replacing.
Why is the water pressure low at my kitchen faucet only?
If only the kitchen faucet is weak, the aerator is often clogged with mineral buildup or debris. A bad cartridge or a kinked supply line can also cause it. If every tap is weak, the cause is likely in the house supply.
How do I fix a pull-down sprayer that will not go back?
The hose weight may be stuck, the hose may be twisted, or a part may have come loose under the sink. Check for kinks first. If it still sticks, a pro can replace the weight or the hose.
Can a kitchen faucet be repaired if it is old?
Sometimes. If parts are still made, an old faucet can be repaired. If the faucet is corroded, the finish is worn, or parts are not sold, replacement is often the better choice. A pro can check and tell you.
How long does kitchen faucet repair take?
Many kitchen faucet repairs take about an hour or two. Jobs with a hard-to-reach cartridge, stuck valves, or a part that must be ordered can take longer. Ask the contractor for a time window.
What should I do if water is leaking under the kitchen sink?
Shut off the valves under the sink, dry the area, and put a bucket or towel down. Do not use the faucet. Then call a pro. A leak under the sink can damage the cabinet and floor fast.
Ready to get this fixed?
Call now and get connected with a local faucet repair pro. Free for homeowners.