Stop the Drip: How to Fix a Kitchen Faucet That Leaks at the Bottom
A dripping kitchen faucet isn’t just annoying. It can leave water stains, damage your countertop, and waste gallons of water over time. When the leak appears at the base of the faucet, many people assume the entire faucet needs to be replaced. In most cases, that’s not true.
The good news is this is usually a simple fix you can handle yourself with basic tools. Let’s walk through what causes a faucet to drip at the base and how to stop it for good.
Why Your Faucet Is Leaking at the Base
When water pools around the bottom of the faucet, it usually means something inside has worn out or come loose. The most common causes are:
- Worn-out O-rings
- A loose faucet body
- Cracked seals or gaskets
- Mineral buildup from hard water
The leak often shows up only when the faucet is running, which is a key clue that the problem is internal.
Tools You’ll Need Before You Start
You don’t need anything fancy. Most homeowners already have these on hand:
- Adjustable wrench
- Allen wrench (hex key)
- Screwdriver
- Replacement O-rings or seals
- Plumber’s grease
- Towel or rag
Tip: Put a towel in the sink drain so small parts don’t disappear.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before touching the faucet, shut off the hot and cold water valves under the sink. Turn the faucet on to release any leftover pressure.
Skipping this step is the fastest way to soak yourself and the cabinet.
Step 2: Remove the Faucet Handle
Most faucet handles are held in place by a small screw. You’ll usually find it under a decorative cap or behind the handle.
- Remove the cap if there is one
- Loosen the screw with a screwdriver or Allen wrench
- Lift the handle straight off
Set the parts aside in order so reassembly is easier later.
Step 3: Check the O-Rings and Seals
Once the handle is off, you’ll see the faucet stem or cartridge. Around this area are rubber O-rings that help keep water where it belongs.
Look for signs of trouble:
- Cracks
- Flattened rubber
- Brittle or stretched rings
If the O-rings look worn, replace them with matching sizes. Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease before reinstalling them. This helps create a tight seal and extends their life.
Step 4: Tighten the Faucet Body
Sometimes the faucet itself has loosened over time.
- Check the mounting nut under the sink
- Tighten it gently with a wrench
Don’t overdo it. Too much force can crack fittings or damage the sink.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Put the faucet back together in reverse order. Once everything is in place:
- Turn the water supply back on
- Run the faucet
- Check for leaks around the base
If it stays dry, you’re done.
What If the Leak Doesn’t Stop?
If the faucet still drips at the base, the internal cartridge may be damaged. At that point, replacing the cartridge or the entire faucet might make more sense, especially if it’s older.
When leaks continue after basic repairs, it may be time to call a plumber to avoid hidden water damage.
Final Thoughts
A kitchen faucet that drips at the base looks like a big problem, but it rarely is. In most cases, a worn O-ring or a loose fitting is the real culprit. With a few tools and a little patience, you can fix it in under an hour.
Stopping that leak now saves water, protects your kitchen, and spares you from a bigger repair later. And that’s always worth it.