Can I fix a double handle faucet dripping myself? Yes, you absolutely can fix a leaky double handle kitchen faucet yourself with basic tools and a little patience. This guide will walk you through every step of DIY double handle faucet repair.
Why Do Kitchen Faucets Leak?
Faucets leak for a few simple reasons. Over time, the small parts inside wear out. Heat and constant water pressure cause damage. This wear leads to drips from the spout or leaks around the handles. Knowing the source helps in troubleshooting double handle faucet issues.
The most common culprits in a two-handle setup are:
- Worn Out Washers: Small rubber pieces get hard or cracked.
- Damaged Cartridges or Stems: These control the water flow.
- Loose Connections: Parts not tight enough allow water to seep out.
Tools You Will Need for Your Repair
Before starting any repair leaky kitchen faucet handles job, gather your supplies. Having everything ready makes the job much smoother.
| Tool Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Adjustable Wrench | For loosening packing nuts or supply lines. |
| Flathead Screwdriver | For prying off decorative caps. |
| Phillips Head Screwdriver | For removing handle screws. |
| Pliers (Needle-nose helpful) | For pulling out small parts. |
| Replacement Parts | New washers, O-rings, or full cartridges. |
| Penetrating Oil (Optional) | To loosen stuck screws or nuts. |
| Utility Knife or Scraper | To clean off old plumber’s putty or mineral buildup. |
| Safety Glasses | To protect your eyes. |
Step 1: Turning Off the Water Supply
This is the most important first step for fixing two handle faucet leak. You must stop the water before you start taking things apart.
Locating the Shutoff Valves
Look directly under the sink. You should see two small valves coming out of the wall or floor—one for hot water and one for cold water.
- Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. Do not force them too hard if they feel stuck.
- Once closed, turn the faucet handles on fully (both hot and cold). This releases any trapped water and pressure in the lines. Let the remaining water drain out.
If you cannot find these valves, you must turn off the main water supply to your entire house.
Step 2: Removing the Faucet Handles
Now we access the internal parts. How you remove the handles depends on your faucet style. This step is key to repairing the leak.
Accessing the Screws
Most double handle faucets hide the screws under a small cap.
- Pry Off the Cap: Use a small, flat tool like a thin flathead screwdriver or a utility knife tip. Gently pry off the decorative cap (it might say ‘H’ or ‘C’). Be very careful not to scratch the finish.
- Remove the Handle Screw: Once the cap is off, you will see a screw holding the handle onto the valve stem. Use the correct screwdriver (usually Phillips) to remove this screw. Keep the screw safe!
- Remove the Handle: Pull the handle straight up. If it is stuck due to mineral buildup, you might need to gently wiggle it or use a handle puller if you have one.
Step 3: Inspecting and Replacing Faucet Components
With the handle off, you can see the valve mechanism. This is where leaks start. The procedure for faucet washer replacement kitchen style faucets or cartridge faucets is slightly different.
Cartridge Faucets vs. Compression Faucets
Older faucets often use compression stems with washers. Newer models use faucet cartridges.
A. Fixing Cartridge Faucets (Common in newer homes)
Many modern double handle faucets use cartridges. These units control the water flow completely.
- Remove the Retaining Nut or Clip: Look for a brass nut holding the cartridge in place, often called a packing nut, or a small retaining clip (a U-shaped piece of metal).
- If it’s a nut, use your adjustable wrench to turn it counter-clockwise and remove it.
- If it’s a clip, use needle-nose pliers to carefully pull the clip straight up.
- Pull Out the Cartridge: The cartridge should now lift straight out. You might need pliers to grip the top stem.
- Inspect O-Rings: Look closely at the rubber O-rings around the base of the cartridge. If they look flattened, cracked, or brittle, they are the likely cause of a double handle faucet dripping.
- Replacement: It is often best practice to replace worn faucet cartridges entirely rather than trying to replace individual O-rings inside the cartridge body. Take the old cartridge to a hardware store to ensure you get an exact match.
- Installation: Insert the new cartridge, making sure it lines up correctly (there is usually a notch or keyway). Secure it with the retaining clip or nut.
B. Fixing Compression Faucets (Older Style)
If you have older fixtures, you likely have stems that require faucet washer replacement kitchen style parts.
- Remove the Stem Assembly: After removing the retaining nut (packing nut), the entire stem assembly unscrews from the faucet body. You may need a wrench for this. This addresses a fixing faucet valve stem leak.
- Locate the Washer: Look at the very bottom of the stem. There will be a small screw holding the rubber washer in place.
- Replace the Washer: Use a screwdriver to remove the screw. Take the old washer out. Replace it with a new one of the exact same size. This is crucial for a good seal and for stopping the leak.
- Inspect the O-Rings: There are usually one or two O-rings higher up on the stem body. These prevent leaks around the handle when the faucet is running. If they are worn, replace them too. This helps with repair leaky kitchen faucet handles.
- Reassemble the Stem: Put the washer back on, secure the screw, and place the O-rings if needed.
Step 4: Addressing Leaks Around the Handle Base
If the leak is not coming from the spout but is dripping down the side of the handle when the water is on, the problem is often related to the stem packing or O-rings. This is sometimes called a fixing faucet valve stem leak.
Tightening the Packing Nut
If the leak is minor, sometimes simply tightening leaky faucet handles components is enough.
- Locate the packing nut. This is the large nut sitting right below where the handle attaches to the faucet body.
- Use your adjustable wrench to turn this nut just a tiny bit—about an eighth of a turn clockwise. Do not overtighten, as this can make the handle stiff and damage the internal parts.
- Test the faucet. If the leak stops, you fixed it!
If tightening doesn’t work, you must follow Step 3 (replacing the cartridge or the stem O-rings).
Step 5: Checking the Spout O-Rings (If Leaking from the Base of the Spout)
If your leak is not from the handle but from the base where the spout swivels, the issue is with the spout O-rings. This is necessary for stop kitchen faucet spout leak when the drip comes from the base instead of the nozzle.
- Remove the Spout: After removing the handles and valve stems (or cartridges), the spout assembly usually pulls straight up and off. Sometimes there is a locknut or set screw at the back or base of the spout that must be removed first. Check your faucet model diagram if you are unsure.
- Locate Spout O-Rings: Once the spout is off, you will see one or two thick rubber O-rings seated on the faucet body where the spout sits.
- Replace O-Rings: Use a small pick or flathead screwdriver to gently roll the old O-rings off. Lubricate the new O-rings thoroughly with plumber’s silicone grease. This lubrication is key to smooth movement and a good seal.
- Reinstall the Spout: Slide the spout back onto the faucet body, making sure the O-rings seat properly.
Step 6: Reassembly and Testing
Putting everything back together is the reverse of taking it apart. Take your time to ensure all parts align correctly for a successful DIY double handle faucet repair.
- Insert Valve Stems/Cartridges: Place the newly serviced or replaced stems/cartridges back into the faucet body. Ensure they sit flat and correctly aligned. Tighten the retaining nuts or clips.
- Reattach Handles: Put the handles back onto the stems. Tighten the handle screws securely. Snap the decorative caps back into place.
- Turn Water Back On Slowly: Go back under the sink. Slowly turn the hot and cold shutoff valves counter-clockwise to restore the water supply.
- Test for Leaks: Turn the faucet on and off several times. Check for leaks around the handles, at the spout base, and underneath the sink where you connected everything.
If water still drips from the spout, the replacement washer or cartridge might not be seated perfectly, or the valve seat itself might be damaged.
Dealing with a Damaged Valve Seat
The valve seat is the metal surface inside the faucet body where the washer or cartridge presses against to stop the water flow. If this surface is pitted, corroded, or scratched, even a brand-new washer will leak. This is a common issue when fixing two handle faucet leak in older units.
Resurfacing the Seat
Some hardware stores sell a specific tool called a faucet seat dresser or seat grinder.
- Access the Seat: You must remove the stem/cartridge completely to expose the seat inside the faucet body.
- Grinding (Use Caution): Insert the seat dresser tool. Turn it carefully, following the tool’s directions. This process shaves off the damaged metal, creating a smooth surface for the washer. You only need to grind enough to make the surface smooth.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly rinse out any metal shavings before proceeding.
- Reinstall: Put the stem/cartridge back in. If the seat was the only issue, the leak should now be gone.
If the valve seat is severely corroded or cracked, the entire faucet or the faucet base unit may need replacement, as the seat is often integrated into the faucet body.
Troubleshooting Common Double Handle Faucet Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go back together smoothly, or the leak persists. Here are quick fixes for common snags encountered during troubleshooting double handle faucet issues.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Handle is too stiff to turn. | Packing nut or retaining nut is too tight. | Slightly loosen the packing nut or bonnet nut until the handle moves smoothly. |
| Water flow is weak after repair. | Aerator is clogged, or water supply valves are not fully open. | Unscrew the aerator at the spout tip, clean out debris, and ensure the shutoff valves are fully open. |
| Water sprays out when turning on. | O-rings on the stem/cartridge are damaged or missing lubrication. | Disassemble, apply plumber’s grease to all O-rings, and reassemble carefully. |
| Handle screw keeps stripping. | Using the wrong size screwdriver or forcing the screw. | Switch to a new, properly sized screw and turn gently. |
Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Leaks
Regular, light maintenance can prevent needing to repair leaky kitchen faucet handles often.
- Annual Check-up: Once a year, check the visible connections under the sink for tightness.
- Handle Check: Every six months, slightly check the tightness of the packing nuts to ensure a good seal. This is part of proactive fixing faucet valve stem leak prevention.
- Hard Water Deposits: If you have hard water, clean the aerator monthly to maintain good flow and prevent stress on internal components.
- Use Quality Parts: When you must replace worn faucet cartridges or washers, invest in higher quality parts made from durable materials.
Conclusion
Fixing a leaky double handle kitchen faucet is a manageable project. By systematically turning off the water, carefully disassembling the handle assembly, identifying whether you have a cartridge or compression system, and replacing the worn components (washers, O-rings, or the whole cartridge), you can successfully stop kitchen faucet spout leak issues. Remember that precision when removing and reinstalling parts is key to a long-lasting repair. With these steps, your next DIY double handle faucet repair will be a success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I know if I need to replace the cartridge or just the O-rings?
A: If water is dripping slowly from the spout, it is usually the washer or the seal at the bottom of the cartridge/stem pressing against the valve seat. If water leaks heavily from around the handle base when the water is running, the O-rings on the stem body need replacement or tightening of the packing nut. If the cartridge itself feels loose, stiff, or cracked, replace the entire unit.
Q: Do I need plumber’s putty when fixing a leaky faucet?
A: Plumber’s putty is mainly used to create a seal between a fixture (like a drain flange or a new base plate) and the sink basin. For internal faucet washer replacement kitchen or cartridge work, you primarily need silicone plumber’s grease, which lubricates the O-rings and rubber parts without hardening like putty.
Q: Can I use hot water parts in the cold side, or vice versa?
A: For most standard faucets, the internal valve stems or cartridges are often identical for both hot and cold sides, provided they are the same brand and model. However, if you notice the handle turns further on one side than the other, the internal stopping mechanism might be different, so it is always safest to match the part number exactly when replacing worn faucet cartridges.
Q: My handle screw is stuck fast. What can I do without stripping it?
A: Apply a drop of penetrating oil (like WD-40) to the screw threads and let it sit for 15 minutes. Use the correct size screwdriver and apply firm, downward pressure while turning slowly. If it still won’t budge, you might need a specialized screw extractor designed for stripped screws. Forcing it can break the screw head off, making the troubleshooting double handle faucet issues much harder.