That rhythmic drip-drip-drip from your Delta Faucets kitchen sink is more than an annoyance. It is a clear signal that yoI’m Aron Oretan — a Licensed Red Seal Plumber and Steamfitter with 26 years in the trade. That rhythmic drip-drip-drip from your kitchen faucet is more than an annoyance — it’s usually a sign the internal cartridge has worn out. Here’s what’s actually going on and how to fix it.
Why Kitchen Faucets Fail in London, St. Thomas & Woodstock
Most modern single-handle kitchen faucets — Delta, Moen, and others — rely on a single internal cartridge to manage water flow and temperature. In London and Woodstock we deal with hard water, often exceeding 30 grains of hardness. Mineral buildup wears that cartridge down over time, which leads to leaks and dropping water pressure.
At Triton Home Service, before you spend $400 on a brand-new fixture, know that a cartridge replacement is often the better, more sustainable fix for your home and your budget.
5-Step Cartridge Replacement Walk-through
If you’re comfortable doing this yourself, here’s the process we follow at Triton.
- Diagnose the leak. If water is pooling at the base or dripping steadily from the spout, the internal cartridge is almost always the cause.
- Shut off the water. Turn off the supply lines under the sink before touching anything. Put a towel in the basin — losing a set screw down the drain is a mistake a licensed pro never makes twice.
- Remove the handle. Use an Allen key to loosen the set screw under the hot/cold indicator button. Work carefully to avoid scratching the finish.
- Swap the cartridge. Unscrew the bonnet nut, pull the old scaled-up cartridge, and check the brass housing for debris. Seat the new cartridge’s alignment lugs correctly — this is where most DIY leaks come from later.
- Reassemble and test. Tighten the bonnet nut, reinstall the handle, and turn the water back on slowly. Check that the drip is gone and pressure is normal.
When to Call the Pros
A faucet cartridge swap is a reasonable weekend project. But if you find heavy corrosion on the supply lines, or the bonnet nut is seized, forcing it can turn a small repair into a flood. That’s when it’s worth calling in a licensed plumber instead of pushing your luck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my kitchen faucet keep dripping after I’ve tightened everything? A worn or scaled internal cartridge is almost always the cause, not a loose handle — tightening won’t fix it.
Can I use any cartridge in my faucet? No — cartridges are brand and model specific. Bring your old one to match it or have a plumber identify it for you.
Is hard water really the cause of faucet failure? Yes. Homes in Oxford, Middlesex County, and St. Thomas commonly see well or municipal water well above 20 grains of hardness, which accelerates scale buildup inside cartridges and valves.
We serve London, St. Thomas, and Woodstock with licensed, insured plumbing. Book your appointment online or call 226-270-5177.