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With the faucet fully reassembled and the handle in the 'off' position, slowly turn the hot and cold water shut-off valves under the sink counter-clockwise to restore the water supply. Open them fully. Now, check for leaks around the base of the faucet handle and from the spout. Turn the faucet handle on, moving it from hot to cold to test its function and flush out any air in the lines. If there are no drips from the spout when it's off and no leaks around the handle, the repair is complete.

You're viewing a step from: How to Stop a Dripping Single-Handle Kitchen Faucet by Replacing the Cartridge

Beginner

30 minutes

2/4 Inventory

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to stop a dripping single-handle kitchen faucet by shutting off the water supply, disassembling the faucet handle and body, removing the old leaky cartridge, installing a new replacement cartridge, and reassembling the faucet components.

Based on content fromHowToWith GEO· 105K subscribers

Frequently Asked Questions

What tools will I definitely need for this specific faucet cartridge replacement?

You'll primarily need a screwdriver (like the Milwaukee Flat Head), an adjustable wrench (such as the Crescent AC212VS), and pliers (like the Husky Groove Joint or Channellock Long Nose) to disassemble and reassemble the faucet components. A hex key set (GEARWRENCH 83510) might also be necessary if your handle uses set screws.

How can I ensure I purchase the correct replacement cartridge for my single-handle kitchen faucet?

The most crucial step is identifying your faucet's brand and model number, usually found under the sink or on the faucet itself. If that's not possible, carefully remove the old cartridge and take it to a hardware store to match it, like the MOEN 1225 specified in the materials, to ensure compatibility.

What are the most common mistakes beginners make during this project, and how can I avoid them?

A common mistake is not fully shutting off the water supply, so always confirm both hot and cold valves are off. Another is losing small parts like screws or the retaining clip (OMUR Connecting Clips) down the drain, which can be prevented by plugging the sink drain with a rag or towel (WYPALL L40 Towels).

How long should this project take for a beginner, and is it truly a 'beginner' difficulty task?

Yes, this is a beginner-friendly project, designed to be straightforward for most DIYers. For someone new to plumbing, it should typically take about 30-60 minutes, assuming you have the correct replacement cartridge and all necessary tools readily available.