How to Fix a Leaky Faucet in Your Brooklyn Kitchen
That constant drip is more than just annoying—it’s wasting water and money. This guide provides the professional, step-by-step method to fix the most common types of kitchen faucets found in Brooklyn homes.
Get a Free Plumbing EstimateDrip… drip… drip. It’s a sound that can drive any homeowner crazy, especially in the quiet of a Brooklyn brownstone at night. A leaky kitchen faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems, but it’s also one of the most frequently ignored. Many people assume it’s a complicated fix or simply learn to live with the noise, not realizing the significant amount of water and money going down the drain.
The good news is that fixing the most common types of leaky faucets is a very manageable DIY project. This guide will empower you with the knowledge to tackle the job like a professional. We’ll show you how to identify your faucet type, the essential tools you’ll need, and a detailed, step-by-step process for the repair. We’ll also help you understand when a leak is a sign of a bigger problem that requires calling in a licensed plumber.
Section 1: The True Cost of a Dripping Faucet
That seemingly small drip adds up. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. With water rates in NYC set by the Department of Environmental Protection, that’s a significant and unnecessary expense.
Interactive Tool: How Much is Your Drip Costing You?
Select how fast your faucet is dripping to see the potential annual cost.
Estimated Annual Cost: ~$35
Section 2: Identify Your Faucet Type
Before you can fix the leak, you need to know what kind of faucet you have, as the internal parts are different. Most kitchen faucets fall into one of four categories.
Interactive Tool: What Type of Faucet Do I Have?
How many handles does your kitchen faucet have?
Section 3: The 10-Step Guide to Fixing a Compression Faucet
Compression faucets (two handles) are the most common type in older Brooklyn apartments and are the easiest to repair. The leak is almost always caused by a worn-out rubber washer inside the handle assembly. This guide will walk you through replacing it.
Interactive Tool: The 10 Steps of a Faucet Repair
Slide to see each step of the professional repair process.
Section 4: When to Stop and Call a Professional Plumber
While replacing a washer is a manageable DIY task, some plumbing issues require a licensed professional. Attempting to fix these yourself can lead to a much bigger, more expensive problem. Our team of licensed NYC plumbers is ready to help.
Interactive Tool: Should I Call a Pro?
Select the issue you’re facing.
Section 5: Cost Breakdown: DIY vs. Professional Repair
Fixing a simple leak is one of the most cost-effective DIY repairs you can do. The parts are very inexpensive. When you hire a professional, you are primarily paying for their expertise, time, and the guarantee that the job is done correctly.
Interactive Tool: Faucet Repair Cost Comparison
Compare the costs for a standard compression faucet repair.
More Pro Tips & Tools
Interactive Tool: Essential Repair Toolkit
Interactive Tool: Directional Quiz
To turn off the water supply valve under your sink, you should turn the handle:
Interactive Tool: Time for a New Faucet?
If your faucet is over 15 years old or heavily corroded, it’s often more cost-effective to replace it. What’s a key feature to look for in a new faucet for your kitchen remodel?
Leaky Faucet? We Can Fix It Today.
If your DIY repair isn’t going as planned, or you’re dealing with a more complex plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to call the professionals. Our licensed plumbers serve all of Brooklyn and are ready to help.
