A leaking kitchen faucet is not only a nuisance but it can also cause damage to your countertop and cabinet under the sink. Moreover, it can lead to higher utility bills. But don’t worry most of the time, it is something minor and can be fixed easily at home.

If you have a leaking Kohler kitchen faucet, you can actually fix it quite easily on your own, provided that you have the right tools and materials. Here are some easy steps you can take to fix it without having to call a plumber or replace it with a new kitchen faucet. Keep reading to learn about how to fix your Kohler handle kitchen faucet.

Tools and Materials Needed to Fix Leaking Kohler Faucet:

• Adjustable pliers
• Allen wrench
• Flat head screwdriver
• Rubber gloves
• Kohler replacement cartridge (can be found online or at a hardware store)
• White vinegar
• Replacement springs and gaskets

Instructions on How to Repair a Leaky Kohler Kitchen Faucet

Video: Stop Kohler Faucet Handle Leaking – How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet Valve

Shut Off the Water Supply

Before you do anything, you'll need to shut off the water supply to your Kohler kitchen faucet. Locate the shut-off valves beneath the sink and turn them clockwise to close them.

Remove the Kohler Faucet Handle

Once the water is shut off, you can remove the handle of your Kohler kitchen faucet. Use an Allen wrench to remove the set screw that holds the handle in place. Once the set screw is removed, you should be able to pull the handle off. Lift the handle up straight to remove it from the faucet stem.

Remove the Bonnet or Hex Nut

With the handle of your Kohler faucet removed, you should be able to see a bonnet or hex nut. Use an adjustable wrench to remove this piece. If the bonnet is stuck, you may need to use a pair of pliers to get it started.

Remove the Collar of Kohler Sink Faucet

Under the bonnet, you will find a collar. This piece is threaded and can be removed by hand. Put on a rubber glove to increase traction, grip the collar on the top of the Kohler faucet body and turn it counterclockwise. You may need to channel lock pliers to keep things moving.

Remove the Stem

Once the collar is removed, you should be able to pull the stem out of the Kohler faucet. If it is stuck, you may need to use a pair of pliers. Remove the stem by pulling it straight up and out of its housing. Use pliers, if necessary, gripping the spindle at the top of the stem.

Remove the Ball, Gaskets, and Springs

The next step is to remove the ball, gaskets, and springs. The ball is located under the stem of your Kohler kitchen faucet and is held in place by a screw-on cap. Unscrew the cap with a Phillips head screwdriver and pull out the ball. Remove the gaskets and springs from around the ball. Inspect all of these parts for any damage and replace them if necessary.

Remove Mineral Deposits from Kohler Faucet

Mineral deposits can accumulate on the ball, seat washer, and in the Kohler faucet body over time. Use a brush and white vinegar to remove any mineral deposits that may have built up. Removing mineral deposits is one of the incredible uses for white vinegar as it helps to soak the deposits. If the ball is cracked or chipped, replace it with a new one.

Install a New Seat and Spring

Once the ball, seat washer, and faucet body are clean and free of mineral deposits, you can install a new seat and spring. Start by inserting the seat into the Kohler faucet body. Make sure it is seated correctly, and then screw on the retaining nut. Tighten the nut with a wrench until it is snug.

Reinstall the Stem

Apply a small amount of plumber's grease to the o ring at the base of the valve stem. If possible, you can also replace the o ring, which is sometimes included in the Kohler repair kit, or the entire stem. Fit the stem into its housing, aligning the tabs on the stem with the slots in the housing.

Push the stem all the way down until it stops. Reinstall the bonnet nut and tighten it carefully with pliers or an adjustable wrench. It should be snug but don't over-tighten, or you may damage the Kohler faucet.

Check the Leaking and Reinstall the Kohler Faucet Handle

Turn on the water at the shut-off valves and check for leaks around the base of the Kohler faucet. If necessary, use a wrench to tighten the packing nut slightly until the leak stops.

Replace the handle, making sure that it is in the correct position according to Kohler's instructions. Some handles have an indicator line or arrow that must be aligned with the stem. Others are keyed so that they can only be installed in one position.

Turn on the water and check for leaks again. If necessary, repeat the previous steps until the leak stops.

Test Your Newly Installed Kohler Faucet

Run your newly installed Kohler faucet for a few minutes to make sure that it is working properly. Check for any leaks and make sure that the water pressure is adequate. If everything seems to be working properly, you have successfully installed your new Kohler kitchen faucet. Note that Kohler is one of the best kitchen faucets with sprayers, so it will be able to serve you for a long time without a fix.

FAQs on Fixing a Leaky Kohler Kitchen Faucet

How to find a repair kit for Kohler kitchen faucets?

If you need a repair kit for your Kohler kitchen faucet, you can find one at most hardware stores or online retailers.

How to fix a leak in Kohler kitchen faucets?

You can fix a leak in your Kohler kitchen faucet by replacing the O-ring seals. These can be found in most repair kits. If the entire Kohler kitchen faucet is faulty, then you’ll need to replace your Kohler kitchen faucet if you have the knowledge and tools.

What is the best way to clean Kohler kitchen faucets?

To clean your Kohler kitchen faucet, simply use mild soap and warm water. You can also use a soft cloth to wipe down the faucet. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish.

What are the most common causes of leaky Kohler kitchen faucets?

There can be several reasons for a leaky Kohler kitchen faucet, but the most common cause is a worn-out washer. Over time, the washer will become misshapen and no longer provide a tight seal. This can allow water to seep through, resulting in kitchen faucets dripping or steady stream of water. 

How to spot the model number on a Kohler kitchen faucet?

The faucet comes with a tag that displays the model number along the cold water supply line of the faucet. The model number usually starts with P/N and usually follows this pattern… 6348-T4-AB

Final Thought on How to Fix a Leaking Kohler Kitchen Faucets

Kitchen faucets are very important fixtures, so it's essential to know how to fix a Kohler kitchen faucet if it starts to leak. By replacing the O-ring seals, you can easily repair most leaks. If your Kohler faucet is still leaking, you may need to replace the entire unit.

If you are looking for faucet repair guide of any other brand of kitchen faucets, check out the chart below. We have researched maintenance manuals of some of the most famous faucet brands in USA to create comprehensive faucet repair guides by brands for you!