How to Fix a Leaky Kitchen Faucet with Two Handles?

Tired of a leaky faucet in your kitchen and want to know how to fix a leaky kitchen faucet with two handles? Well, leaking and dripping of faucet and its handle is a common issue in every household and when you ignore it for an extended period. It can lead to permanent damage to the fixture. And that damage eventually ends up to a load of repairing charges. Additionally, you will see a drastic increase in bills due to leakage.

The type and style of faucets play a crucial role while repairing. There are various designs and finishing of faucets available in the market. The manufacturers of the fixtures offer a warranty but, as time passes and with regular use, its parts tend to wear. Hence, well-regulated checking and maintenance can increase the life of your faucet, and there will be fewer issues such as leaking nozzles or handles.

Assessing and fixing the problem in the early stages is always a great idea. Let us have a look at few reasons for a dripping faucet. Knowing the reason might help you fix the problem without the help of an expert.

As time passes and with regular use, the faucet cartridges tend to wear out like any other part of the fixture. The worn-out cartridge does not work correctly, and the water starts leaking from the faucet. You can solve this problem by replacing the old cartridge with a new one. You can effortlessly perform this task yourself with the help of this guide.

O-rings are a significant part of your faucet. O-rings are present on the stem screw. This screw helps to keep the handle of the faucet in its place. Due to regular use, the o- rings tend to wear and loosen up. Loose o- rings make the faucet drip near the handle. Installing the new O-rings can fix this problem within no time. This problem often occurs in the cartridge faucets.

The valve seat lies between the spout and the faucet. That is why it is noteworthy to take proper care of this part. As time passes, the minerals in the water tend to leave residue on the valve seat. And that residue leads to a rusted valve seat. Eventually, you will end up with a dripping faucet. Replacing the valve seat may solve the issue. You can avoid these problems from happening more often by dusting off the residue with the help of a brush.

The most common problem that can occur in any faucet is due to worn-out washers. Each time you use a fixture and move the handle, the washer is pressed against the valve seat. Due to the constant use of this action, the washer tends to wear out quickly compared to any other part of the faucet. Picking out the damaged washer and placing the new one in its place can solve the issue. This issue mostly happens in compression faucets. So, look out for the washer if you have leakage in your compression faucet.

Tools required

• Philips a screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Hex wrench
• Flat screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench

Optional tools

• Plumbers grease
• New cartridge or valve stem
• Repair kit

Check which side is causing the leakage?

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To check the side causing the leakage, turn off the water supply valve from one side. If the water stops leaking, then the problem is on this side. If not, then you will know the issue is on the other side.

When you are aware of the reason for the dripping faucet and, you have the right tools. You are ready to move on to the next step. Follow the steps to repair your two-handled kitchen faucet.

1. Before starting any repair work, make sure to turn off the water supply. Because it is a two-handled faucet, turn off the water supply from both sides. Forthwith, turn on the spigot to release the pressure and remove the remaining water from the pipes. Now when the tube is free from any liquid and pressure. You can work smoothly without causing any further damage.
2. Unscrew the screw present under the decorative cap of the handle. It will separate the handle from the faucet.
3. After removing the handle, you will see another screw holding valve stem with a washer, O-rings, and gasket. Remove each of them from the damaged one to replace it with the new valve stem.
4. Check whether o- rings or washers need the replacement. Worn-out washers can be the reason for dripping. Install the new washer and o- rings at this stage.
5. If the new washer does not stop the leakage, then the valve seat might be the problem. The worn-out washer will not fit tightly against the valve seat that results in dripping of the faucet. Separate the valve stem with the help of a seat wrench.
6. Place the new valve seat in the fixture.
7. Reinstall valve stem with new washer, o- rings, and gasket. Secure it tightly with the help of its screw.
8. Place the handle on top and tighten the screw to keep it in place.
9. Put back the decorative cap on the handle.
10. Turn on the water supply valve on both sides.

This process should solve the issue you are facing. Sometimes, changing the washer or O-rings can stop the faucet from dripping. These steps will work on almost every type of faucet and, you can do the repairing yourself without any help.