Beyond Bending Tell You How
Kitchen sinks are essential in our daily lives. They help us in cleaning dishes, washing vegetables, and several other chores. However, when the sink starts leaking from the handle, it can be a frustrating experience. The water can damage the cabinets and countertops, leading to costly repairs. In this article, we will discuss the causes and solutions for a kitchen sink leaking from the handle.
Causes of Kitchen Sink Leaking from Handle
Before we discuss the solutions, let’s understand the causes of a kitchen sink leaking from the handle. There can be several reasons why your sink is leaking. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Worn out O-rings
The O-ring is a small disc-shaped rubber seal that sits inside the faucet handle. Over time, the O-ring can wear out or become loose, causing water to leak from the handle.
2. Loose or Worn Out Packing Nut
The packing nut is a small hexagonal-shaped nut that screws into the faucet body. It is responsible for keeping the water from leaking around the base of the faucet handle. If the packing nut becomes loose or worn out, water can leak from the handle.
3. Corroded Valve Seat
The valve seat is a small metal piece that connects the faucet body to the spout. Over time, the valve seat can become corroded, causing water to leak from the handle.
4. Loose or Worn Out Cartridge
The cartridge is a small plastic or metal piece that controls the flow of water. If the cartridge becomes loose or worn out, it can cause water to leak from the handle.
Solutions for Kitchen Sink Leaking from Handle
Now that we understand the causes let’s move on to the solutions. Here are some steps you can take to fix a kitchen sink leaking from the handle:
1. Turn off the Water Supply
The first step is to turn off the water supply to the sink. You can do this by turning off the shut-off valve under the sink. This will prevent water from flowing to the faucet while you work on it.
2. Remove the Handle
The next step is to remove the handle from the faucet. You can do this by unscrewing the set screw on the underside of the handle with an Allen wrench. Once the set screw is removed, you can pull the handle off the faucet.
3. Replace the O-rings
If the O-rings are worn out or loose, you will need to replace them. You can do this by removing the spout from the faucet body and replacing the O-rings that sit inside the handle. Make sure to apply plumber’s grease to the O-rings before reinstalling them.
4. Tighten or Replace the Packing Nut
If the packing nut is loose or worn out, you will need to tighten or replace it. You can do this by using a wrench to tighten the nut or by replacing it with a new one.
5. Replace the Valve Seat
If the valve seat is corroded, you will need to replace it. You can do this by removing the spout from the faucet body and replacing the valve seat that sits inside the faucet body.
6. Replace the Cartridge
If the cartridge is loose or worn out, you will need to replace it. You can do this by removing the spout from the faucet body and replacing the cartridge that sits inside the faucet body.
Conclusion
A leaking kitchen sink from the handle can be a frustrating experience. However, by understanding the causes and solutions, you can easily fix the problem yourself. Remember to turn off the water supply before working on the faucet and to apply plumber’s grease to the O-rings before reinstalling them. With these simple steps, you can save money on costly repairs and keep your kitchen sink functioning properly.
