My sister’s Dripping Delta Single Handle Kitchen Faucet
A few weeks ago we went visit my sister in Texas. Not long after we got there, I realized that she was having a hard time making sure that her Delta Single Handle Kitchen Faucet would not drip after closing it.
She kind of had already figured out a way to do it, but it still took longer than it should. When I asked her about it, she complained that my brother-in-law had not had time to take a look at it.
Do you have any tools? I asked her. So she found me a small box with some screwdrivers, pliers, and other small tools. That was all I needed to get the job started.
FIXING A DRIPPING DELTA SINGLE HANDLE KITCHEN FAUCET
You just need three small tools to complete a Delta single handle kitchen faucet repair. Unfortunately, though, the culprit is most likely the faucet’s cartridge, which you would need to either order online or go get at the store.
All in all, it takes about ten minutes to complete the repair, and this is all you need:
- Small screwdriver
- Allen Wrench (1/8” in this case)
- Adjustable Wrench (big enough for a 1 ¼” or so nut)
- Delta RP50587 Cartridge (confirm which one you need before ordering or buying)
STEP 1: SHUT OFF THE COLD AND HOT WATER VALVES UNDER THE SINK
Before you start disassembling your Delta Faucet, shut off your cold and hot water valves under the sink. Then, it does not hurt to open the faucet to both make sure that the water is off and to release any water pressure trapped in the faucet.
STEP 2: REMOVE THE BUTTON AND SCREW THAT HOLDS THE HANDLE IN PLACE
Once you have made sure that the water is off, the first step to complete this easy repair is to remove the screw that holds the handle in place. To do that though, you first need to remove the button/cover using a very small screwdriver or similar tool.
The button you need to remove to access the screw that holds the handle
Removing the button with the small screwdriver
The small screw that holds the handle in place
Once you have access to the screw, use the small Allen wrench to remove it. Then remove the handle.
STEP 3: REMOVE THE CAP
After removing the handle, you can proceed to remove the cap. This piece is there to make the faucet look nice, it should not be too tight. I was able to easily remove it with by hand.
The faucet’s cap you need to remove to replace the cartridge
STEP 4: USE THE WRENCH TO REMOVE THE CARTRIDGE RETAINING RING
An adjustable wrench is the perfect tool to complete this step. However, to tell you the truth, I didn’t use one. The only one my sister had was too small for this nut. I ended up using a small needle nose pliers, it took me a bit longer and I had to be careful so I didn’t get the piece all rounded, it worked, though.
The retaining ring. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen it
STEP 5: REMOVE THE OLD CARTRIDGE AND INSTALL THE NEW ONE
The faucet’s cartridge is held in place by the retaining ring. Once the retaining ring is removed, it does not take any effort to remove the old one and install the new one.
Ready to replace the old cartridge for the new one
The old and new Delta faucet cartridges
STEP 6: RE-INSTALL THE CARTRIDGE RETAINING RING
With the new faucet cartridge in place, you can start re-assembling the faucet. Start by re-installing the cartridge retaining ring. Hand tight it first, then use the adjustable wrench to tighten it a bit more.
Do not over tighten it! As you may have noticed, the inside parts of the faucet are all plastic so you can easily break them if you do it.
Re-installing the retaining ring
The new cartridge and retaining ring back in place
At this point, you should be able to open your cold and hot water valves and check for leaks. If it is all good, you can move on to the next step.
STEP 7: RE-INSTALL CAP, HANDLE, SCREW AND BUTTON
As the title’s suggests, put the faucet’s cap back on and hand tighten it.
Hand tight the faucet’s cap
Re-install the handle.
Then, use the Allen wrench to position and tighten the holding screw. Lastly, put the cover/button back in place.
Reinstall the handle and tighten the screw
That’s it! Now you can forget about your Dripping Delta Kitchen Faucet and go enjoy yourself!
It took about 10 minutes to fix the faucet (after we got the replacement cartridge)
*This post contains affiliate links
Dear Sir, Can I ask whether the RP 50587 can replace the older delta valve system of steel ball and washers. Many thanks, Peter
I have done the cartridge replacement twice now on our Delta faucet and the fix seems to only last a month or so before the drip comes back. Should I be using plumber’s putty or the like as part of the replacement? The original cartridge lasted almost 2 years but now seem to only last 30-45 days. We do have hardwater, so perhaps there is another ‘clean up’ step that needs to be done when replacing the cartridge? Thanks for any advice you can provide and thanks for puttting the time in on this article.
Hello, Jeff,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
I’m sorry you keep having issues with your faucet. I would think that the hard water may be part of the reason why you keep having a leak. However, I also think that 30-45 days is not enough time for any build-up to start causing issues.
Are you properly tightening the retainer? It should not hurt to clean up the area before installing the new cartridge.
Let us know what you find out!
Great article on fixing Delta faucet. But the leak is coming from somewhere under the faucet and dripping into the cabinet below. What could be cause of that? Also, I tried to replace gaskets last year but was frustrated by not being able to detach the hose assembly to remove the faucet. I was able to remove the clip but the hose assembly would not detach. Solution?
Hello, Robert,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
When the faucets leak under the sink (if it is not one of the hoses) it is usually the gasket between the faucet and the countertop.
However, without being able to inspect it, it is hard for me to know where your leak is coming from.
Let us know what you find out!
What is the RED slide button on the cartridge? Which way should it be pushed?
Hello, Marc,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
If I remember correctly, you can set it for cold (or hot) water or both or something like that. I believe the instructions said what setting it was supposed to be on depending on your valve. Would appreciate it if you get one and can refresh my memory!
Thank you!
I can’t get the cap off the retaining ring. I guess I will need to buy a new cap?
Hello, Dave,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
I would keep trying by wrapping the cap on a rag or something and using a wrench to get it out. Or you could tap it a bit with a rubber mallet or similar tool? I don’t think the answer is getting a new cap, as you would not be able to install it without getting the old one out. Unless you’re talking about breaking it and then replacing it, which may be an option if it’s already damaged.
Let us know how it goes!
Hi, I have this delta faucet and the pull out faucet neck is very rusty. I can pull it out a foot or more and still see rust. How can I clean and fix this problem?
Hello, Mike,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Are you talking about the faucet’s hose? If that’s the case, your best bet would be to look for and buy a replacement one, such as this one.
Let us know how it goes!
Hi, are you able to let me know what the model number is for that faucet in the picture? I have the same exact one where the pull-down faucet is held in by magnets but I don’t know the model number. The home builder installed it and didn’t give us that info. Thanks!
Hello, Mohammad,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Unfortunately, I do not have that information either, sorry!
Delta faucets often have a tag on the water line under the sink that shows the model number. Also, Delta offers a lifetime warranty and will replace the cartridge free of charge if you contact them. My Leland faucet was getting more and more difficult to shut off without it continuing to drip. I did not have any proof of purchase, but I sent Delta photos and they sent the new cartridge.
The only thing I would add is that the gold-colored nut takes quite a few turns to get off. Got concerned about the nut taking too many turns to get off so searched online for a how-to. Followed your very easy to follow instructions. . . . except, as I was concerned about overtightening the nut, turned on the water to test for leaks, which blew off the nut and the cartridge . . . .and washed the ceiling, the cabinets, the floor!!!! Did manage to get it working and hopefully the problem I was having, similar to your sister’s, is now fixed. Thank you.
Hello, Fran,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Good recommendation! and we’re glad to read that you were able to take care of the problem!
Have a great weekend!
Thank you, I was struggling with the brass nut until I googled you, you make it easy!
Thank you, Tage!
Glad we could help!
I am having the same problem. Brass nut keeps turning, loosening the cartridge a bit but it won’t come loose all the way, enough to free the cartridge. Is it just corrosion ? Or is there another o-ring not letting loose ? This has been installed for many years, should I try vinegar ? I do have hard water.
Hello, Robert,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Could it be that the threads are damaged? if that’s the case, you may have no choice but to replace the faucet.
Let us know what you find out!
Good tutorial, I would add 2 items. Before working on any sink, stop up the drains so small pieces don’t end up in the trap (I learned this the hard way a long time ago). It is not necessary to remove the set screw, just loosen it enough to remove the handle. That way you won’t have a problem getting that tiny screw started. Thank you, a lot quicker than trying to figure it out.
Hello, Phil,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Great tips! Glad we could help!
Have a good one!
My Delta faucet has two handles. I don’t see any buttons, it looks like the faucet has a removale dome on it. I cannot remove it by hand what can I use?
Hello, Barbara,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
It is hard to tell without seeing the faucet. Is it possible for you to cover it with a rag while trying to spin it out with a set of plyers?
Let us know how it goes!
Hi Tony,
I have a delta gooseneck kitchen faucet that I have replaced the cartridge 3-4 weeks ago and the repair went well. It has now started dripping again and we have to position the handle just right to make it stop. In doing that, we also have to push firmly down on the handle to ensure it is not dripping. I’ve checked for corrosion in the faucet and it seems clear. Is it possible I have over/under tightened the cartridge? The faucet is 10 years old.
Hello, Richard,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog. We’re glad to hear that our post was helpful.
Based on your description I would check a couple of things.
One, that the cartridge retainer ring is properly tightened, as you suggested.
Two, that the handle is also tight. Others have mentioned that their faucet was dripping because the handle was loose.
Let us know what you find out!
I cannot get the set screw tight enough to keep the handle tight, is there a trick or technique tightening the handle? It really whobbles.
Thanks, Kathedel,
Could it be that there is already some play on the handle?
I have had similar dripping issues with new cartridges. Re-tightening the brass nut is a good first try, but I have tried something else, which seems to have fixed one new and one old cartridge. One drop of lubricating oil into the cartridge housing at the opening for the control shaft. One drop, not two, or wd-40 spray. It seems to make the “sweet spot” closure wider(like the old one was), so you don’t have shut the faucet off like downshifting a five speed.
Thanks for the tip, John!
Thanks Tony. First faucet I fixed! Works just like new.
Thanks, Sandy!
We’re glad our post was helpful!
Thank you so much!
Thank you, Rebecca,
We’re glad the post was helpful!
I replaced the cartridge. Everything worked fine for 2-3 days. But now flow is very weak. I took all apart. The cartridge looks fine. Any suggestions?
Hello, Jeeves,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
I’m sorry to hear that you are having issues again after it was working fine. From here, I can think of three different things I would check: First, some faucets have a screen right at the tip where the water comes out, I would make sure it did not get clogged somehow. Second, although it may sound unlikely, check how tight the handle is, sometimes if it is loose, it will not open/close all the way. And finally, I will make sure that both, the cartridge and the retainer, are properly installed.
Let us know if this helps!
It used to be that it was easy to “find” the right spot to turn off our kitchen faucet. Now, it seems like we have to play around with the handle to find exactly the right spot to turn off the water. There is no leakage…yet. Do you think that it is a matter of tightening the screw or should we replace the cartridge and not wait for leakage to occur. Our faucet is 4 years old Delta Leland.
Hello, Barbara,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
In a previous comment, someone else mentioned having a similar issue, and that tightening the screw did the trick for a few days, however, their faucet started leaking shortly after.
I would try tightening the screw just to see how it goes, however, don’t be surprised if it still needs to be repaired in a few days or weeks.
Please, update us on how it turns out!
I removed the screw which is the first step, however, the handle is not coming off.
Hello, Manohar,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Other readers have expressed having a similar issue. There must be some build up between the handle and the cartridge, if there is no other visible screw, I would keep trying as there should not be anything else holding the handle.
Let us know how it goes!
Thanks for the picture by picture directions.
My issue was that it was really hard to get the screw with the Allen wrench, but we finally did. Replaced everything and turned it on, no leaks. Is there a trick to the screw with the handle? Over a half-hour and can not get it to screw back in.
Hello, Barbara,
We’re glad to hear we could help with our blog post!
It seems like many people have been having issues with the screw, either getting it out or back in there.
I think it is more a design flaw than anything else, those screws are also very easy to damage with the Allen wrench. Is it that the Allen wrench is spinning? or is it that the screw is not catching the threads on the handle?
I would keep trying carefully. If the screw is damaged, though, you may need to get a new one. If the problem is with the threads on the handle, an option could be using a thicker screw.
It is hard to tell which option would work better for you without seeing it, though.
Let us know how it goes!
The screw that the allen wrench is supposed to fit into is damaged! I can fit the wrench in but unable to get any traction to unscrew it. Any advice on how to remove it now?
Hello, John,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Are you using the correct size Allen wrench? If you’re not, it is easy to strip the screw’s head and it is hard to get them out. I would try with a different size and see how it goes.
If this is not the case, then the only option may be using some easy outs to try to get it out!
Let us know how it goes!
I replaced the cartridge and it helped tighten up the ‘play’ in the handle, but it still has to be in just the perfect spot to completely get it to stop dripping
Hello, Troy,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Some of these faucets require that you kind of center the handle to completely stop the flow. Not sure if that is the case with yours?
If not, did you get the handle screw really tight? If there is still some play, it may be that it is not very tight.
It does not sound like this is your problem, but something else to consider is the alignment of the handle. Some models allow you to insert the handle in any direction, which may be causing the handle to look “straight” when it really isn’t, so the cartridge is letting water in?
Let us know if this helps!
I have this retaining ring soaking in Sili Kroil! Not budging even with Chanel lock. It almost looks as though the brass fitting could come out first however I don’t dare as I would screw up the threads. Now what?
Hello, Tina,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
From your post, I can think of two options:
1. Keep trying even if there is some risk of breaking the faucet/damaging the threads, etc. I say this because if there is no way to get it out to replace the cartridge, then, the only other option is…
2. Replacing the faucet with a new one.
Let us know how it goes!
In Step #4 the nut is frozen. Any suggestions on how to un freeze it?
Thanks Annette
Hello, Annette,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Are you using the correct wrench for the retaining ring? (I ask because I know it is a bit big, it is 1 1/4 inches if I remember correctly, I don’t even have a wrench that big).
If you do, I would have someone hold the faucet while I put a bit of force on it to get it going!
Let us know how it goes!
Great directions, however after replacing the cartridge RP50587, our faucet still has a leak. It is a much slower and smaller drip, about once every 10seconds. Please help!
Good evening, Jane,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
I’m sorry to hear that you are still have a leaking faucet. Based on your description, two things come to mind.
1) Unlikely, but can you try tightening the retaining ring a bit more, perhaps it is not tight enough and that’s why it is leaking a bit.
2) A defective cartridge. In which case, just take it back to the store for an exchange.
Let us know how it goes!
I had the same issue and tightening the retaining ring and changing the cartridge didn’t work. Any other suggestions?
Hello, Brian,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
I’m so sorry you’ve kept having issues. If the retaining ring is tight, without being able to take a look at it, I think it could be a defective cartridge, like I told Jane.
Please let us know what you find out so we can help other readers!
Hi Tony, I removed the screw that holds the handle on, but am unable to remove the handle. Any suggestions. Thanks!
Hello, Judy,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
Someone else mentioned on one of the comments that they had a hard time getting the handle off due to some build up. I would assume you are having a similar issue. I would keep carefully pulling on it until you get it off.
Let us know how it goes!
Is the part shown for the faucet pictured on the repair? It’s the exact one that I have.
Good morning, Phyllis,
Thanks for your comment and for reading your blog.
I assume you are talking about the cartridge? If that’s the case, the answer is yes, it is the exact part you need for your faucet.
Let us know how the repair goes!
Perfect! Ten minutes and the annoyance of the past weeks/months is in the rearview mirror. (We were having to do this “secret handshake” maneuver of getting the handle to the off position just right.) Thanks for the clear instructions, tips, and great photos.
Good evening, Olga,
Thanks for your comment and for reading our blog.
We are glad to hear we were able to help!
Thanks for a great tutorial! First time fixing a faucet. Everything went smooth except loosening the screw with the allen wrench as it was gummed up with crud.
Good morning, Gloria,
We’re glad to hear that our post was helpful!
Thank you!
Thank you very much for the detailed info.
Those reading this please be aware you may just need to tighten your handle.
I ordered the cartridge and when beginning the replacement process noticed the handle screw was loose. Seemed to do the trick–for now.
Thanks again!!
Thank you, Stephen,
We’re glad it was helpful!
Tony and all readers, please disregard my earlier post. Although initially it did seem as though tightening the screw fixed the problem—it did not. The new cartridge did the trick. Much better now.
On a side note, Delta provided the cartridge for free.
Thanks again
Steve
Good afternoon, Steve,
We are glad to hear that you were able to resolve the issue.
How did you get the cartridge for free? Was your faucet under warranty?
Thank you!
Delta has a great lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. I have replaced cartridges in a shower and sink with no charge or hassle from them. Great customer service.
Thanks, Dan, for letting all of us know about this.
Very helpful information!
Have a great weekend!