Emergency DIY Fix for a Leaking Kitchen Faucet (No Plumber Needed)
Updated for 2026 to reflect current UK emergency call-out pricing and insurance changes.
A dripping kitchen faucet isn’t just annoying—it wastes hundreds of liters of water and inflates your utility bills. Before you pay an expensive plumber call-out fee, you can usually fix this issue yourself using basic household tools.
Time Needed: 30 Minutes
- Adjustable wrench or adjustable pliers
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Replacement O-rings, washers, or a ceramic cartridge
- Old towel & bucket
Quick Diagnosis: Where is the Leak?
Different leaks require different fixes. Identify the source before taking anything apart:
- Spout Drip: Water continuously drips from the end of the spout. Usually a damaged cartridge or worn washer.
- Base Leak: Water pools around the base of the faucet where it meets the sink. Usually a damaged O-ring.
- Under-Sink Leak: Water pooling in the cabinet below. Usually loose supply line nuts or failed sealant. (If it’s severe, check our emergency plumber guide).
Step-by-Step Fix (For a Standard Mixer Faucet)
CRITICAL FIRST STEP
Turn off the water supply! Look beneath the sink and locate the hot and cold isolation valves. Turn them clockwise until tight. Turn on the faucet to release residual pressure and verify the water is completely off. Block the sink drain with a towel so you don’t lose small screws.
Step 1: Remove the Faucet Handle
Locate the small decorative cap on the handle (it might be a hot/cold indicator). Pop it off with a flathead screwdriver or knife edge. Unscrew the set screw underneath using an Allen key (hex wrench) or Phillips screwdriver. Pull the handle straight up and off.
Step 2: Remove the Retaining Nut
Under the handle, you will see a dome-shaped cover. Unscrew it (often by hand, or with a wrench wrapped in a rag to prevent scratching). Beneath that is a brass retaining nut holding the inner mechanisms in place. Use your adjustable wrench to loosen and remove it.
Step 3: Inspect the Cartridge or Washers
Pull the inner cartridge straight up.
– If it’s a newer ceramic disc faucet, the entire plastic cartridge is likely faulty. Take it to a hardware store to buy an exact match.
– If it’s an older faucet, inspect the rubber O-rings and washers around the base. If they look flattened, cracked, or rigid, they are the source of the leak.
Step 4: Clean and Replace
Use an old toothbrush and white vinegar to scrub away mineral deposits inside the faucet body. Drop the new cartridge in (aligning the tabs with the slots in the faucet base), or slide on the fresh O-rings/washers.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Reattach the retaining nut (do not over-tighten, just snug it), the dome cover, and the handle. Secure the set screw. Slowly turn the water supply valves under the sink back on. Turn the faucet on and off to ensure the dripping has stopped.
When DIY Fails: Call a Professional
If you replace the cartridge and the faucet still leaks, the brass housing of the faucet itself may be pitted or cracked, requiring a complete faucet replacement. If the leak is coming from the supply pipes deep under the sink and tightening nuts doesn’t work, shut off the mains water and call a plumber. If you need a pro immediately, familiarise yourself with UK emergency plumber call-out rates to avoid being overcharged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are faucet cartridges universal?
No. There are hundreds of different shapes and sizes. Always remove the broken cartridge and take it with you to the DIY store to ensure you buy the exact replacement.
Why is my faucet leaking from the base?
A base leak is almost always caused by a worn O-ring at the bottom of the spout. Replacing this requires removing the spout completely and slipping a new O-ring over the base.
Is it worth repairing an old faucet?
If the faucet is heavily corroded, covered in hard water deposits, and older than 10 years, it is usually more cost-effective to buy a brand new faucet unit than to continually hunt for obscure replacement parts.