Kitchen faucets exist in every household. We want it to be versatile for cooking and cleaning purposes. However, it eventually loosens after a long time despite the brands and the costs, especially in single handle kitchen faucets. So how to tighten a single handle kitchen faucet?
The most common signal of this problem is the leaked water from the faucet. Even though the product is still somehow functioning, the worsening situation may damage the valves connecting to the faucet or, even more terrible, change the water pressure.
Luckily, repairing a single handle kitchen faucet isn’t tricky if you have the correct equipment available and understand the fixing steps. This article will be a savior for you to tighten a single-handle kitchen faucet in a blink of an eye.
Reasons For A Leaking Faucet
Before getting down to the tightening, we have to clarify the roots of the trouble. Some common issues are leading to a loosening faucet:
- The O ring is in poor condition: The O ring keeping the handle in the right place may worn out after
- Mounting nuts are damaged: This leads to the wobbly base of the faucet since the nuts are unable to keep it stable
- Wrong installation: Wrong pipes, types of faucets, and measurement cause a loosen faucet.
Since the outcome will usually be the leak, so you will notice it right away. A faulty installation is another reason for the loosening. If you performed it yourself without any skills, there’s a strong probability that some pieces are lax, so you have to fasten the screws.
Read more: 7 Ways On How To Remove A Stuck Faucet Nut
How To Tighten A Loose Single Handle Kitchen Faucet?
When facing this trouble, just relax because it happens all the time after a long use. In a few minutes, you can handle it without any help from the plumber. The process is very simple, and everyone can do it. It helps you save up some money if you fix it yourself.
It is advisable that you identify the loosen parts, whether it is the handle or the base. After that, follow the instructions below.
Removing the plastic cap first. After that, use an Allen wrench or hex wrench and insert it into the screw. Take it off in a counterclockwise way. Now you can pull the cap off completely, and you will see the valve or cartridge hidden under the collar.
When removing the collar, you’ll find the valve secured by a brass ring. Simply tighten the brass ring with any tool you have. It can be a blade, a chisel tool to turn the brass ring clockwise.
Use the right force to keep the screw properly tightened. Finally, put all the pieces in the former order, and you finish the process.
5 Steps To Tighten A Single Handle Kitchen Faucet
There are some instruments you have to prepare in advance. These tools are mostly available in every house, especially for those who like to do DIY stuff.
- 7/64 Allen Wrench Or Hex Wrench.
- Knives.
- Screwdriver.
Step 1: Close the basin
The very first thing you have to do is to plug up all the drains. Next, cover the hole in the basin to make sure that you do not miss any pieces or small components of the faucet falling to the valves.
Step 2: Turn off the valves
Turn off the valves of water running to prevent the flowing during the fixing. The dripping water can cause a hindrance at work.
You have to locate the valves first. Normally, a faucet includes both hot and cold sides.
You may find the place of these valves behind the faucet. After defining them, turn them off by twisting in an anticlockwise way. After that, turn on the faucet to check if you completely close the valves. In case there is still leaking, rotate them more rounds until no dripping.
Step 3: Get rid of the cap
Done with the preparation, we now begin the main part. Below or above the handle, you will see a round plug or a cap made of metal or plastic. To remove it, just use any tool that fits, a screwdriver or a knife, and twist it out.
Step 4: Remove the faucet’s collar and handle
Now, put the prepared wrench into the pit under the cap and unscrew to expose the inside of the handle. At this time, separate it from the faucet.
Come to the collar, a part connected with a handle. Its function is to cover the valve. You can make it come out by rotating the collar in a counterclockwise direction.
If you have difficulties loosening it, try to use a cloth or rubber gloves to twist more easily. Notice that you should not use too much force or any sharp tools to remove the collar since you may leave scratches on its metal finish.
Step 5: Tighten the ring
After getting rid of the collar, you now see entirely inside the handle. Look carefully for a ring. It is usually made of metal or plastic and sticks tightly around the valve.
The task is to tighten the ring. You can use any instruments you have prepared as long as it fits the ring, a pry tool, or whatever. Rotate it following the clockwise direction.
But be careful not to over-tighten it; otherwise, you can not turn on the faucet normally. Keep it neither too tight nor too loose.
Finally, return all of the pieces to their proper positions and turn on the valves. If there is no leaking, you can finish the process at this point.
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How To Tighten A Single Handle Kitchen Faucet Base?
However, dealing with the handle is not a comprehensive solution. There are some cases where the faucet base is loose. When it happens, it is quite inconvenient and hinders the faucet from turning on and off effectively.
A loose faucet base can also move around while using the faucet and producing a potential leak by cracking the water pipes. It’s time you know how to tighten a loose single-handle kitchen faucet base.
To solve this problem, first, you have to prepare the tools needed beforehand:
- Adjustable Wrench or Pliers.
- Plumber’s tape
- A cloth
- A brush
Step 1: Turn off the valves
Like the handle above, we need to ensure no water flowing during the repairing process. Remember to close hot and cold valves at the same time.
Step 2: Wipe the dirt off the mounting nuts (optional)
In case the nuts are too dirty, you can clean them with a cloth and some washing liquid. This will help you see the nuts easier. It is not a must step so you can skip it if they are still clean and you are able to continue the next step.
Step 3: Tighten the mounting nuts
The task aims to twist the mounting nuts tightly. After cleaning the nuts, grab your adjustable wrench that fits the nuts and rotate it in a clockwise way. Since you are tightening the faucet base, twist as much as possible without worrying about any faults on other components.
Sometimes, it still loosens when you screw the nuts. In that case, the nuts may wear out and you have to buy new ones. Use the tape to stick them in place while you purchase the new.
Come up and check the base again. If it is fixed, you have achieved the goal.
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FAQ’s
While fixing, you may encounter some difficulties. There are frequently asked questions of how to tighten a loose moen single handle kitchen faucet below that supports your process.
1. Are the solutions suitable for all the brands?
Yes, this method can fix the faucet coming from other brands. Overall, almost all the items on the market have a similar design and mechanism. Only some small details are different from each other.
It is advisable that you contact the manufacturer for further information. It helps you to address the location of components easier.
2. What is the most frequent failure part of a typical faucet?
Rubber washers are one of the most common failure points in a kitchen or bathroom sink. When these are broken, leaks can occur around the faucet’s base or under the knobs and handles.
3. How long do faucet cartridges last?
The system’s cartridges are pricey, but they last a long time, about 20 to 30 years, so don’t worry.
4. How do I know if my faucet cartridge is bad?
Water pouring from the faucet, difficulties regulating the water temperature, hot water entering cold water outputs such as toilet supply lines, and poorly heated water at a certain tap are all signs that a cartridge faucet needs adjusting.
Conclusion
Just by some simple steps, you now know how to tighten a single handle kitchen faucet and can repair your loose faucet at any time. Furthermore, you can save the money and time spent asking for a plumber.
All the process we gave you takes you under 10 minutes to finish. Even though the designs of faucets are somehow different, you can still apply these stages to your product due to the same mechanism in producing the faucet and how it works. Now, get down to the fixing and finish it!
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