Things You'll Need
Utility knife
Phillips screwdriver
Adjustable wrench
Flat-head screwdriver
Replacement O-ring
Plumber's grease
Leaky kitchen faucets are one of the most common jobs to be performed by the do-it-yourselfer. While the leak or drip can be extremely annoying, the fix is relatively simple. For example, if you have a Moen faucet, it has a cartridge designed with the base containing a rubber O-ring. This ring prevents the faucet from leaking, but it is prone to cracks. A cracked O-ring leads to a leaky facuet. Replacing the O-ring will stop the leak entirely for just a few dollars and 10 minutes worth of work.
Step 1
Turn off the water supply to the faucet. Some sinks have individual shut-off valves underneath them while others require a trip to the basement and a main shut -ff valve. Once the water is off, turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water from the line.
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Step 2
Take a utility knife to pry off the cap in the center of the Moen faucet handle. You now have access to the securing screw. Remove the screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Step 3
Remove the handle by pulling it off of the faucet valve. Access the retaining nut and remove it with an adjustable wrench. The cartridge will now lift out of the faucet body exposing the O-ring. Pry the O-ring off of the cartridge with a flat-head screwdriver.
Step 4
Apply plumber's grease liberally to the new O-ring and put it in place. Reassemble the faucet and handle. Put the faucet back onto the assembly and secure with the retaining nut. Reattach the handle with the handle screw, then snap back on the screw cap.
Step 5
Turn the water on at the shut-off valve and test to be sure there isn't a leak.
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