Kitchen Faucet Leaking Issues When Water Is Turned On

It can be worrying when our kitchen faucet starts leaking every time we turn on the water. A small drip can quickly turn into a steady stream, causing water damage, mold, and higher utility bills. Identifying the reasons why your faucet leaks when turned on is key to fixing the problem.

Read on to diagnose and resolve faucet leaks to save hundreds of gallons of water and prevent expensive water damage.

Identifying the Exact Location of the Leak

Before attempting to fix a leaky kitchen faucet, it's important to pinpoint exactly where the water is coming from. This helps troubleshoot the root cause of the issue.

Check Where Water is Dripping From on the Faucet

Carefully inspect your faucet visually while the handle is in the "on" position. Check where the water leaks from - the spout, handle joints, base of the faucet, or somewhere along the water lines.

• If water leaks from the spout when turned on, the issue is likely worn washers or cartridge.
• Leaks around the faucet handle indicate loose screws or damaged O-rings.
• Water dripping from the base points to problems with the water lines or connections.

Determine if The Leak Happens When Turned On or Off

Also take note if the dripping only occurs when water is flowing or if continues even after you shut off the faucet. Leaks that persist after turning off the handle indicate worn washers or valve seats.

Troubleshooting Common Causes of Kitchen Faucet Leaks

Understanding what makes kitchen faucets leak when turned on guides us to the correct repairs. Here are some of the most common culrpits of water flowing from the faucet:

Worn Out Faucet Washers or Cartridge

The frequent turning of faucet handles wears down washers over time. Leaking starts when washers no longer create a tight seal inside the valve to stop water flow completely. Similarly, damaged cartridge valves fail to control water flow.

Damaged O-ring or Seats

O-rings provide leak-proof seals between faucet components. Corroded, stretched or cracked O-rings allow water to leak through faucet joints. mineral deposits also damage valve seats, preventing them from sealing off water flow.

Loose Faucet Handle

The constant twisting and turning of handles slowly loosens the securing screws. This causes gaps between the faucet handle and stem, leading to water leaks around the handle area.

Broken Valve Stem or Ball Assembly

In single-handle faucets, broken valve stems and balls prevent proper water flow control. This fails to stop water coming through the spout completely when the faucet is "closed".

Fixing a Leaky Faucet Washer

For faucets with separate hot and cold handles, worn washers are usually the culprits of drips and leaks. Here's how to fix this common issue:

Shut Off The Water Supply

Start by locating the shut-off valves below or behind the sink and turning them clockwise to stop water supply to the faucet.

Unscrew The Faucet Cap To Access Washers

Pry off the decorative cap on the handle by hand or with a small screwdriver. This exposes the handle screw, cam washer, packing washer and seat washer inside.

Replace Worn Washers

Check the condition of the rubber washers. If torn, cracked or flattened, pick up replacement washers at the hardware store. Replace worn washers with new ones of the correct size.

Clear Line Debris

Use a vinegar/water solution to dissolve lime and calcium deposits along the water lines. This debris can damage new washers installed.

Replacing a Damaged Faucet Cartridge or O-ring

For single-handle or cartridge faucets with internal cartridges, you'll need to replace damaged O-rings and cartridges as follows:

Remove The Handle and Cap

Take off the faucet handle by loosening the securing screw with a hex wrench. Then pry off the dome cap to access the internal cartridge.

Replace Worn O-ring

Look for cracked or flattened O-rings around the cartridge and replace them with new silicone greased O-rings to prevent future leaks.

Swap Out Damaged Cartridge

Pull out the worn cartridge with pliers and bring the make/model to the home improvement store to find an exact replacement.

Reattach The Handle

Put back the cleaned cartridge, tighten the handle, and turn on the water supply to test for leaks.

Tightening A Loose Faucet Handle

If you spot water droplets around the base of handles, chances are handle fixing screws have come loose over time. Here's how to fix this:

Remove The Cap and Screw

Pry off the metal or plastic cap covering the handle screw using a small flathead screwdriver. Remove any debris inside.

Tighten The Loose Screw

Use a Phillips or hex head screwdriver to tighten the loose screw gradually until snug.

Check For Leaks

Turn on the water to check if tightening the screw has stopped the leaking around the handle.

Replacing A Broken Valve Stem or Ball

Damaged internal valve components also cause water to flow from the spout uncontrollably. To fix this:

Remove The Faucet Handle

Take out the handle screw, trim cap, cam washer and rotating ball cap to access the inner valve parts.

Replace Broken Valve

Inspect the state of the rubber valve seats, copper valve stems, valve springs or rotating ball assembly. Replace broken parts with matching components.

Reassemble The Fixture

Reinstall the valve components, cam washer, ball cap handle and securing screw in reverse order.

Preventing Future Faucet Leaks

A little care and maintenance goes a long way to prevent recurring faucet leaks over time:

• Avoid rough handling of the faucet that can damage parts
• Regularly replace old O-rings and washers
• Check and tighten joints periodically

When to Call a Plumber for Faucet Repairs

While minor dripping faucets are DIY-friendly repairs, more complex leak issues should be left to professionals:

• Difficult to access valves require disassembling counter/sink
• Plumber's putty reapplication for wall-mounted/vessel faucets
• Unfamiliar mechanisms or connections

FAQs About Leaky Kitchen Faucets

What if water leaks from the faucet base?

Leaks near the base indicate problems with water supply line connections. Tighten hoses, couplings, nuts or replace worn gaskets.

Why does my faucet still drip after turning off?

Faucets that leak after shutting off have damaged valve seats or washers not fully sealing off water flow.

Is it OK to use a leaky faucet temporarily?

It's best to fix faucet leaks quickly before they lead to costly water damage or mold growth.

Identifying the source of the water leak is step one to repairing kitchen faucet issues when turned on. Replacing worn washers, O-rings, cartridges or tightening loose handle screws can resolve many leaks without professional help. But for complex faucet issues involving difficult access or unfamiliar designs, it's best to have a certified plumber handle the necessary repairs.

Acting quickly to fix a dripping kitchen faucet preserves water, prevents rot damage and saves hundreds of dollars over time. We hope these troubleshooting tips help resolve pesky leaks originating from the faucet spout or handles. Paying attention to our household fixtures and handling them gently goes a long way towards preventing future problems.