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Why Is My Kitchen Faucet Dripping from the Spout?

A constant drip from the faucet spout usually means a worn-out cartridge or O-ring. Save water and money with this simple repair.

Category:Plumbing

Difficulty:Moderate

Time:30 min

Success:50%

Updated:Jun 1, 2026

quick_referenceQuick Answer

For Why Is My Kitchen Faucet Dripping from the Spout?, start with "Turn off the water supply": Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to stop water flow. Open the faucet to relieve pressure. Stop DIY if water leaks from the base of the faucet after reassembly. This is listed as a moderate recovery and usually takes about 30 min.

verifiedGuide Snapshot

Repair areaPlumbing

Estimated time30 min

DifficultyModerate

Stop conditions3

Last updated Jun 1, 2026. Review the stop conditions before continuing.

account_treeRecovery State

DeviceKitchen Faucet

Current stateDripping

Specific stateSpout Drip

Failed stepCartridge Wear

Likely failure typeWorn Part

DIY boundaryDIY recovery first

paymentsCost decision

help1. Understand the Problem

The most common cause of a dripping kitchen faucet is a deteriorated cartridge or O-ring inside the handle. Mineral deposits can also prevent the valve from sealing properly, allowing water to leak past.

build_circle2. Try This First

Best First Step

Turn off the water supply

Locate the shutoff valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to stop water flow. Open the faucet to relieve pressure.

visibility3. Visual Guidance

See what's happening and how to try the first recovery step.

Remove the handle and trimUse a screwdriver to remove the handle screw, then pull off the handle. Unscrew the decorative trim and retaining nut.

Extract the old cartridgeUse pliers to grip and pull the old cartridge straight out. Note the orientation for installing the new one.

Install the new cartridgeInsert the new cartridge in the correct orientation, press it firmly, and reassemble the handle and trim.

autorenew4. If That Doesn't Work

Try the next recovery options.

Tighten the packing nutLocate the packing nut under the handle and tighten it slightly with a wrench. This can stop drips caused by a loose seal.

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Replace the faucet cartridgeTurn off the water supply, remove the handle, and replace the old cartridge with an exact match from the manufacturer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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warning5. Stop DIY If

Don't continue if any of these apply.

reportWater leaks from the base of the faucet after reassembly

reportYou cannot identify the cartridge model

reportThe faucet body is cracked or corroded

Still stuck?Get personalized help with AI Recovery.

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This page provides general DIY guidance.
If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.