Pro Handyman Blog

If you have a kitchen faucet that leaks around the base of the spout, you should be able to repair it with some new o-rings. We see this most commonly with single handle faucets that control both the hot and cold temperature.

You will need to remove the handle for this. After turning off the water to the faucet, pry up the cap on the top of the handle and remove the screw that holds the handle to the faucet. Lift the handle off of the faucet. Place one hand on the spout and the other hand where the spout mounts to the faucet and gently move the spout from side-to-side while lifting up. The spout should lift off rather easily. You will be looking at the body of the faucet.

There are two o-rings that you need to replace on the faucet body. One is down low on the body, and the other is closer to the top. You will probably have to pry these out of their grooves with a small screwdriver or the corner of a credit card. Don’t scratch the body while doing this. Use dishwashing soap and lubricate the o-rings. Push them into place without twisting them. If they twist the spout will leak. Once the o-rings are in place, push the spout back on and reconnect the handle.