Miles SinclairBy Miles Sinclair

Updated November 2026

To fix a kitchen faucet drip, you need to find out what is leaking, shut off the water, and replace the worn part inside the faucet. Most drips come from a worn cartridge, a failing washer, or a damaged O-ring, and each of these parts is inexpensive and easy to swap with basic hand tools. The steps below cover most single-handle and two-handle kitchen faucets.

Find Out Where the Drip Is Coming From

Before you take anything apart, confirm the source. A drip from the spout tip usually points to the cartridge or valve seat. Water leaking at the base of the handle or around the spout collar often means a worn O-ring. Check whether the faucet drips only when it is off, which suggests a cartridge that is not closing fully, or also when it runs, which can mean a different problem entirely. If you have a model with a known problem, the article on Moen Kitchen Faucet Dripping: 6 Causes and How to Fix Each One lists the usual suspects by brand.

Shopping for one? See our guide: 5 Best Kitchen Faucet Repair Kits for Leaks and Drips (2026).

Shut Off the Water and Remove the Handle

Close the under-sink shutoff valves and then open the faucet to relieve pressure. Look for a decorative cap or set screw on the handle. Pop off the cap with a flathead screwdriver, remove the screw, and lift the handle straight up. Keep track of small parts in a dish so nothing rolls down the drain.

Replace the Cartridge, Washer or O-Rings

With the handle off, unscrew the retaining nut or clip that holds the cartridge or stem in place. Pull the cartridge out, noting its orientation. Compare it to the new part before installing, since mismatched cartridges are the most common mistake. For compression faucets with washers, replace the rubber washer and the seat if it is pitted. Coat new O-rings with plumber’s silicone grease and seat them fully in their grooves.

  1. Turn off the shutoff valves and open the faucet to drain the lines.
  2. Remove the handle cap, screw and handle.
  3. Unscrew the retaining nut or clip and pull out the cartridge or stem.
  4. Install the new part, lubricated O-rings and washer, in the same orientation.
  5. Reassemble, turn the water back on slowly, and test for leaks.

Reassemble and Test the Faucet

Reinstall the retaining nut and tighten it snugly without forcing it. Put the handle back on, align it with the index marks, and secure the screw and cap. Open the shutoff valves slowly to avoid a pressure surge that can dislodge new parts. Run the faucet for a minute, check the spout and base for moisture, and then test the shutoff position several times.

Checking the Replacement Part

Many manufacturers list the exact cartridge or stem model for each faucet. The fastest way to confirm the right part is to match the brand, the faucet model number, and the handle type. If the drip continues after a new cartridge, the valve seat inside the body may be scored and need a seat wrench to resurface or replace it.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping the shutoff valves and getting soaked when the handle comes off.
  • Installing a cartridge backward or rotated, which keeps the drip going.
  • Overtightening the retaining nut, which can crack plastic components.
  • Forgetting to lubricate O-rings, causing them to tear on reassembly.
  • Replacing parts without confirming the brand and model number first.
  • Plumber’s silicone grease keeps O-rings supple and helps them seal. View on Amazon
  • Faucet seat wrench set lets you remove and resurface a worn valve seat without damaging the body. View on Amazon
  • Replacement O-ring kit gives you the common sizes on hand so a small leak doesn’t stall the repair. View on Amazon

FAQ

Why does my kitchen faucet drip even when it is turned off?

This usually means the cartridge or valve seat is not sealing completely, often because of debris or wear. Replacing the cartridge or cleaning and resurfacing the seat typically stops the drip.

Can I fix a drip without turning off the main water supply?

Yes, in most homes you can close the under-sink shutoff valves for the faucet alone. If those valves are stuck or leak, shut off the main supply and consult a licensed plumber before continuing.

How long does a faucet drip repair usually take?

For most single-handle faucets, a cartridge swap takes under an hour, including shutting off the water and testing. Older compression faucets with corroded seats can take longer.

Conclusion

Once you identify the leaking part, fixing a kitchen faucet drip is a matter of careful disassembly and matching the correct replacement. Work slowly, keep the parts organized, and test thoroughly before calling the job finished. If the drip returns or the water supply valves fail, consult a licensed plumber.

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Miles Sinclair

About Miles Sinclair

Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our kitchen faucets & sinks guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.