That annoying dripping faucet isn't just a nuisance—it's wasting water and potentially increasing your water bill. The good news is that most common kitchen faucet problems can be fixed without calling a plumber, saving you money and giving you a satisfying DIY accomplishment.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the most common kitchen faucet issues and provide step-by-step instructions to fix them, specifically tailored for the types of faucets commonly found in Danish homes.
Before You Begin
Turn off the water supply to your faucet. Look for the shut-off valves under the sink (usually small knobs). If your sink doesn't have dedicated shut-off valves, you'll need to turn off your home's main water supply.
Common Types of Kitchen Faucets in Danish Homes
Before diagnosing the problem, it's helpful to identify what type of faucet you have:
- Compression Faucets: Older faucets with separate handles for hot and cold water that require you to tighten them to stop water flow.
- Cartridge Faucets: Single-handle faucets where the handle moves up/down for volume and left/right for temperature.
- Ball Faucets: Single-handle faucets with a ball-joint mechanism.
- Ceramic Disk Faucets: Modern faucets with smooth operation that rarely leak.
In Denmark, cartridge and ceramic disk faucets from brands like Damixa, FM Mattsson, and Oras are most common in modern homes.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Allen key set
- Pliers
- White vinegar
- Replacement parts (specific to your faucet type)
- Plumber's grease
- Clean cloth or rag
- Bucket or bowl to catch water
Common Kitchen Faucet Problems and Solutions
Problem 1: Dripping from the Spout
This is the most common faucet issue and usually indicates worn internal components.
Identify Your Faucet Type
Using the descriptions above, determine what type of faucet you have.
Access the Internal Components
For cartridge faucets (most common in Denmark):
- Remove the decorative cap on the handle, often marked with hot/cold indicators
- Unscrew the handle screw underneath
- Lift off the handle
- Unscrew the retaining nut or clip holding the cartridge in place
Replace the Cartridge or Seals
Pull out the old cartridge. Clean any mineral buildup in the housing with white vinegar. Install the new cartridge, ensuring it's aligned properly.
Reassemble the Faucet
Reverse the disassembly steps to put everything back together. Tighten the retaining nut, replace the handle, and tighten the handle screw before snapping the decorative cap back in place.
Tip for Danish Homeowners
When purchasing replacement cartridges, bring your old one to stores like Silvan, Bauhaus, or a local VVS (plumbing) supplier to ensure you get the exact match for your faucet model.
Problem 2: Low Water Pressure
If your faucet has weak water flow, it's usually due to mineral buildup or a clogged aerator.
Clean the Aerator
The aerator is the small mesh screen at the end of the faucet spout.
- Unscrew the aerator (you may need pliers, but wrap a cloth around it to prevent scratches)
- Disassemble the parts, noting their order
- Soak all parts in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits
- Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining debris
- Rinse thoroughly and reassemble
Check for Obstructions in Supply Lines
If cleaning the aerator doesn't help:
- Turn off water supply
- Disconnect supply lines from the faucet
- Check for and clean any debris in the supply line connections
- Reconnect securely
Problem 3: Leaking Under the Sink
This indicates a problem with connections or water supply lines.
Locate the Source of the Leak
Dry everything under the sink, then run water briefly to observe where the leak is coming from.
Tighten Connections
If the leak is at connection points:
- Turn off the water
- Use an adjustable wrench to gently tighten the connections
- Be careful not to overtighten, which can damage threads or crush washers
Replace Supply Lines if Necessary
If the supply lines themselves are leaking:
- Turn off the water
- Disconnect the old lines
- Install new braided stainless steel supply lines (recommended for durability)
- Hand-tighten connections, then use a wrench to tighten an additional 1/4 turn
When to Call a Professional
While most faucet repairs are DIY-friendly, consider calling a licensed VVS installatør (plumber) if:
- You have a high-end designer faucet with specialized components
- The leak is coming from the water pipes in the wall
- You need to modify the plumbing connections
- Your repairs haven't stopped the leak after two attempts
Preventive Maintenance Tips
To extend the life of your kitchen faucet and prevent future issues:
- Clean the aerator every 3-6 months, especially in areas with hard water
- Avoid using excessive force when operating the faucet handles
- Wipe down the faucet regularly to prevent mineral buildup
- Fix minor leaks promptly before they cause more significant damage
- Consider installing a water softener if you have very hard water (common in some Danish regions)
Conclusion
With these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to fix most common kitchen faucet problems. Not only will you save money on plumber fees, but you'll also gain valuable DIY skills and the satisfaction of solving the problem yourself.
Remember that prevention is always better than repair—regular maintenance will help keep your faucet working smoothly for years to come.
