Kitchen faucets are used constantly and can eventually become loose and leak. Luckily, tightening a loose kitchen faucet is an easy DIY home repair that you can tackle yourself in just a few minutes. With a few simple tools and following some straightforward steps, you’ll have your wobbly kitchen faucet working like new again.
Symptoms of a Loose Faucet
How can you tell if your kitchen faucet needs to be tightened? Here are some common signs that your faucet is loose and needs to be secured:
- The faucet wobbles or shakes when you use it
- Water drips from the base of the faucet, under the sink
- You see water damage or rotting under the sink near the faucet base
- The water stream sprays wildly or inconsistently when turned on
If you notice any of these issues, it likely means the faucet just needs to be tightened.
Supplies Needed
Tightening a kitchen faucet requires just a few basic tools:
- Adjustable wrench or basin wrench
- Screwdriver
- Replacement gaskets or O-rings (optional)
It’s a good idea to have replacement gaskets on hand in case the existing ones are worn or damaged when you disassemble the faucet.
Turn Off Water Supply Lines
Before getting started, you’ll need to shut off the hot and cold water supply valves under the sink. Turn them clockwise all the way until they stop. This prevents water from spurting out when you remove hoses and supply lines.
- Tip: Place a bucket under the faucet head to catch any water left in the faucet/lines.
Remove Faucet Handle
The next step is to take off the faucet handle so you can access the faucet nuts and connections underneath. The handle usually pulls straight up and off. If needed, loosen the set screw near the base of the handle first with a screwdriver before pulling up.
Place the handle to the side in a safe place while working to avoid misplacing it.
Loosen Faucet Nuts & Lift Off
Under the handle, you’ll find the faucet nuts holding the faucet body in place. Use an adjustable wrench or basin wrench to loosen and unthread the nuts.
There will be at least one nut, but possibly two. Take both all the way off and set aside.
When the nuts are detached, carefully lift the faucet body up and off the undersink mount. Be cautious of supply lines still attached underneath.
Wipe Away Gunk & Examine Connections
Take the opportunity to wipe away any grime, plumber’s putty, or calcified minerals with a damp rag or paper towel where the faucet meets the sink.
Examine the faucet base and undersink connections. Make sure all O-rings and gaskets are in good shape. Replace any worn out or cracked gaskets at this point to prevent future leaks.
Tighten Mounting Nuts
The key step to tighten a wobbly faucet is to securely tighten the faucet mounting nuts underneath.
Place the faucet back onto the undersink mount, inserting the faucet tailpieces through the sink holes.
Thread the mounting nuts back on. Use an adjustable wrench or basin wrench to tighten the nuts over the threads clockwise. Tighten beyond hand tight, but take care not to overtighten.
Reinstall Handle & Turn Water Back On
Once the mounting nuts feel snug, reattach the faucet handle by sliding it into place over the faucet stem. Tighten the set screw at the bottom of the handle with a screwdriver.
Turn the hot and cold water supply lines back on under the sink.
Slowly turn on the faucet handle and check for leaks. The water stream should run straight and steady.
If leaks persist, you may need to tighten the nuts further or examine the gaskets again. Additional plumber’s putty or sealant can help prevent leaks around the sink deck plate.
Prevent Future Loosening
To keep your faucet tight for the long run, periodically check for any loosening and tighten nuts as needed. Avoid straining the faucet connections by not using excessive force, pulling sideways, or hanging heavy items from the faucet head.
Replacing worn washers and O-rings during regular faucet maintenance can also help prevent loosening over time.
With just a few tools and minutes of your time, you can stop an annoying wobbly faucet and keep your kitchen fixtures working smoothly. Tightening the mounting nuts and connections restores your faucet to solid working order.
