How to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet

Before You Start

A leaky kitchen faucet wastes about 3,000 gallons of water per year. That's real money on your NYC water bill. The good news is that most kitchen faucet leaks are straightforward to fix yourself.

Important for NYC apartments: Before you start, know where your shut-off valves are. They're under the sink in most apartments. If you don't have individual shut-offs (common in older pre-war buildings), you may need to shut off water to the whole apartment from the riser valve in your utility closet.

Step 1: Identify Your Faucet Type

Look at your faucet and figure out which type you have:

Single-handle (most common in modern NYC apartments): One lever controls both hot and cold. Uses a cartridge mechanism.

Dual-handle: Separate handles for hot and cold. Usually uses compression valves or ceramic disc cartridges.

Pull-down/pull-out sprayer: These are single-handle with a detachable spray head. Same repair process as single-handle.

The brand matters. Flip the faucet over or check the base for a logo. Moen, Delta, and Kohler are the most common in NYC apartments. Each uses a different cartridge system.

Step 2: Shut Off the Water

Turn off both hot and cold shut-off valves under the sink. Turn them clockwise until they stop. Then turn on the faucet to release any remaining pressure and confirm the water is off.

NYC tip: If your shut-offs are old gate valves (round handles) and they're stuck, don't force them. You risk breaking the valve. Call a plumber or shut off at the riser.

Step 3: Remove the Handle

For single-handle faucets:

Look for a set screw on the back or underside of the handle

Use an Allen key (usually 3/32" or 7/64") to remove it

Lift the handle straight up and off

For dual-handle faucets:

Pop off the decorative cap on top of the handle

Remove the Phillips screw underneath

Pull the handle off

Step 4: Replace the Cartridge or O-Rings

Single-handle (Moen): Pull out the retaining clip with pliers, then pull the cartridge straight out. Take it to your local hardware store to match the replacement. In NYC, your closest bet is probably a Lowe's or a local plumbing supply house.

Single-handle (Delta): Remove the ball assembly. Replace the springs and rubber seats underneath. These are the most common failure point.

Dual-handle: Unscrew the packing nut, pull out the stem, and replace the O-rings and seat washer at the bottom.

Apply plumber's grease to all O-rings before reinstalling.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Put everything back in reverse order. Turn the water back on slowly - open the shut-offs a quarter turn at a time. Check for leaks at every connection point.

Run the faucet for a minute and check under the sink. If it's dry, you're done.

When to Call a Plumber

If the leak persists after replacing the cartridge, the problem might be in the valve seat (the brass piece the cartridge sits in). This requires a seat wrench and more experience. If you're in a NYC co-op or condo, check with your building's management before doing extensive faucet work - some buildings require licensed plumbers for any plumbing modifications.