Why Is My Price Pfister Kitchen Faucet Leaking From The Base?

Perhaps you recently noticed an ever-growing puddle around the base of your Price Pfister kitchen faucet. While you initially dismissed it as splashes from washing your hands, cleaning dishes, and other tasks, you notice it steadily growing while the tap is on.

So what is causing it to leak from the base? There are a few potential culprits, which we review in the following article. If your faucet creates a puddle around the bottom, continue reading for a few easy ways to remedy the problem.

What Causes a Leaky Kitchen Faucet?

When your kitchen faucet springs a leak from its base, there are usually a few things that can cause it. The most common culprit behind this issue is faulty O-rings, which can wear out and crack after a while. In rarer cases, the problem may stem from a worn-out faucet cartridge.

Pfister F-529-7MRGS Miri 1-Handle Easy Install Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet with Soap Dispenser, Spot Defense Stainless Steel

Generally, the leak comes from somewhere higher than the base of the faucet, but since the water trickles down the faucet, it materializes as a pool at the bottom. So, if you suspect the base of the faucet is leaking, check the faucet body and handles for leaks.

Usually, the leak comes from the handle – the water seeps out from underneath the handle and pools at the base of the faucet. However, in some cases, it can come from issues with the faucet’s spout. This is usually only the case for faucets without a high-arc spray head design, as spout leaks with these faucets continue dripping from the spout itself instead of running down the faucet body (and pooling at the bottom).

How To Fix A Leaking Pfister Kitchen Faucet

If your faucet seems to be leaking from its base, it’s best to fix the problem sooner rather than later. But before you call a plumber, try the following methods (you might save yourself a few hundred dollars by avoiding hiring a plumber!).

Tighten The Retainer Ring

In some cases, tightening the retainer ring might be your best option. When the retainer ring loosens, it can allow water to slip by, creating a puddle around the base of the faucet. Here’s what you’ll need for this process:

  • 3/32 Allen wrench
  • Crescent wrench
  • Small towel or rag

Once you have your materials, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the water to the faucet using the shut-off valves underneath the sink, then drain the lines by turning on the kitchen faucet. Once the water stops flowing, turn the handle(s) off.
  2. Cover the drain with a small towel to prevent loose parts from falling into the plumbing.
  3. Using a 3/32 Allen wrench, remove the set screw on the faucet’s handle and set it aside.
  4. Unthread the dome cap by rotating it counterclockwise, then set it aside.
  5. Tighten the retainer ring using a crescent wrench. Don’t overtighten it, but be sure to tighten it firmly.
  6. Reinstall the handle by retracing these steps.
  7. Turn the water to the faucet back on and ensure the area around the base of the tap is completely dry.
  8. Remove the towel covering the drain and turn on the water to test for leaks.

Replace The O-Rings

Pfister Pfister 950-0160 Kitchen 533 Series Genesis O-ring

There are multiple O-rings throughout a faucet that help ensure a watertight seal. When these O-rings dry out and crack, they can allow water to slip through, which causes water to pool at the base of the faucet.

So, if tightening the retaining ring didn’t work, try replacing the O-rings. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Replacement O-rings
  • Towel
  • 3/32 Allen wrench

Follow these steps:

  1. First, turn off the water again and drain excess water from the lines. Once the water stops flowing, turn the handles off and cover the drain with a towel.
  2. Remove the set screw on the faucet handle using a 3/32 Allen wrench, then set the screw aside.
  3. Remove the dome cap by unthreading it counterclockwise and set it aside.
  4. Remove the retainer nut by unthreading it counterclockwise.
  5. Lift the valve out of the faucet body and examine the O-rings for wear and tear. Remove them and replace them with new rings if they look worn out.
  6. Retrace your steps to replace each piece of the assembly.
  7. Turn the water back on and check for leaks.

Replace The Cartridge

Pfister 9740740 Avalon/Treviso 26/529 Series 25mm Cartridge Sub Assembly

If nothing else works, the cartridge in your kitchen faucet might be worn out. So, you’ll need to buy a replacement cartridge from Pfister specific to your faucet model to fix the problem. To buy a replacement cartridge, you’ll need to know what kind of faucet you have. Contact Pfister’s customer support team for assistance if you’re unsure which model you have or can’t find any identifiers.

Once you receive your replacement cartridge, gather your materials:

  • 3/32 Allen wrench
  • Pliers
  • Philip’s screwdriver
  • Small flathead screwdriver
  • Replacement cartridges
  • Towel

Follow these steps:

  1. First, turn off the water using the shut-off valves underneath the sink. Drain excess water from the supply lines, then cover the drain with a small towel.
  2. Using a flathead screwdriver, carefully pry up the cap underneath the handle to expose the set screw.
  3. Use an Allen wrench to unthread the set screw and set it aside. Some newer models may require a Philips screwdriver to remove the set screw.
  4. Lift the handle firmly away from the faucet and set it aside.
  5. Unthread the dome cap by turning it counterclockwise and set it aside. You should now see the retainer nut.
  6. Unthread the retainer nut using a pair of pliers and turn it counterclockwise.
  7. Remove the old cartridge from the faucet body, paying attention to its alignment with the faucet.
  8. Install the new cartridge, ensuring you align the tabs with the back of the faucet body.
  9. Retrace your steps to reassemble the faucet.
  10. Turn the water back on, remove the towel covering the drain, and check for leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Pfister Rosslyn 1-Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet in Spot Defense Stainless Steel F5297RSSRGS

Does Pfister’s Warranty Cover Cartridge Replacements?

You might’ve heard something about free cartridge replacements from leading faucet brands. Like many top faucet brands, Price Pfister offers a solid warranty on its products, guaranteeing they will be free from defects in material and workmanship.

Not every situation will warrant a free cartridge replacement, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Contact Price Pfister Plumbing for assistance with a warranty claim

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