How to Fix a Leak in a Kitchen Faucet — Step-by-Step Guide

A leaky kitchen faucet can be more than just an annoying drip — it can waste hundreds of litres of water each year and increase your utility bills. Luckily, with a little guidance, fixing a leaking faucet is a manageable task for most homeowners. And if you’d rather not tackle it yourself, City Helpers Inc. has local workers who can help you with small home repair tasks like this.

Visit cityhelpers.ca/blog for more helpful home maintenance tips and step-by-step guides.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Fauce

Before you begin, identify which type of faucet you have:

• Compression faucet (two handles, one for hot and one for cold)

• Ball faucet (single handle with a rounded base)

• Cartridge faucet (moves up and down and side to side)

• Ceramic disk faucet (single lever with a wide cylinder body)

Knowing the type will help you determine which parts may need replacing.

If you’re not sure what kind of faucet you have, a City Helpers worker can quickly identify it and bring the right tools to fix the problem.

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

Before doing any work, turn off the water supply under your sink. Look for two small valves — one for hot and one for cold water. Turn them clockwise until tight.

Then, open the faucet to release any remaining water.

This step prevents a messy flood while you work. If you’re uncomfortable working under the sink or can’t find the shutoff valves, book a helper at cityhelpers.ca.

Step 3: Disassemble the Faucet

Carefully remove the faucet handle. Depending on the type, you may need an Allen wrench or screwdriver. Keep all parts organized — a small bowl or towel helps keep screws from rolling away.

Once opened, inspect the O-rings, washers, or cartridge. These are often the culprits behind a leaking faucet.

If you notice worn or cracked rubber parts, replace them.

Don’t have the tools or patience for this? City Helpers Inc. can send someone who does! Our vetted workers handle minor repairs like this quickly and affordably.

Step 4: Clean and Replace Parts

Before reassembling, clean away any debris or mineral build-up inside the faucet using vinegar and a soft cloth.

Take your old parts to a local hardware store to find exact replacements — or, better yet, let City Helpers handle it for you. Our local pros can pick up the right replacement parts and install them the same day.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Once everything is clean and replaced, reassemble the faucet in reverse order. Turn the water supply back on slowly and test for leaks.

If the leak persists, you may need a deeper repair or a new faucet. City Helpers can help with that too — from simple fixes to full faucet replacements.

When to Call a Professional

If your faucet is still dripping after trying these steps, or if you see water under your sink, it’s best to call a professional. Water leaks can cause costly damage to your cabinets and flooring if left unchecked.

City Helpers connects you with trusted local workers who can handle small plumbing tasks, home repairs, and maintenance jobs — saving you time and hassle.

Visit cityhelpers.ca/get-help-at-home to request help from a reliable worker today.

And for more home repair and maintenance advice, check out our blog at cityhelpers.ca/blog.

Final Thoughts

Fixing a leaky kitchen faucet doesn’t have to be complicated, but sometimes it’s better to let an experienced helper take care of it. Whether it’s tightening a valve, replacing a washer, or installing a new faucet, City Helpers Inc. makes it easy to find someone who can help.

Visit cityhelpers.ca today to connect with a local worker and get your home repairs done right.