Pfister is a well-known brand of kitchen faucets that offers a variety of styles and features. However, like any other faucet, Pfister faucets can develop leaks over time. If you notice water dripping or pooling around the base of your Pfister faucet, you may wonder what is causing it and how to fix it. In this article, I will explain some of the common reasons why Pfister faucets leak from the base and how to troubleshoot and repair them.
Causes of Pfister Faucet Leaking from Base
There are several possible causes of Pfister faucet leaking from base, depending on the type and model of your faucet.
Here are some of the most common ones:
- Worn or damaged cartridge. The cartridge is the part inside the faucet handle that controls the water flow and temperature. If the cartridge is worn out or damaged, it can cause water to leak from the handle or the base of the faucet. This is more likely to happen with single-handle faucets than with two-handle faucets.
- Loose or broken diverter. The diverter is the part that redirects the water flow from the faucet spout to the sidespray hose. If the diverter is loose or broken, it can cause water to leak from the base of the faucet or the sidespray hose connection. This is more likely to happen with faucets that have a sidespray feature than with faucets that do not have one.
- Loose or cracked hose. The hose is the part that connects the faucet spout to the water supply line under the sink. If the hose is loose or cracked, it can cause water to leak from the base of the faucet or under the sink. This can happen with any type of faucet, but especially with pull-out or pull-down faucets that have a flexible hose.
How to Fix Pfister Faucet Leaking from Base?
The first step to fix Pfister faucet leaking from base is to identify the source and cause of the leak. You can do this by following these steps:
- Turn off the water supply to the faucet at the angle stop valve under the sink by turning it clockwise.
- Turn on the faucet to drain any residual water and check where the water is coming from.
- If the water is coming from the handle, you may need to replace the cartridge.
- If the water is coming from the base of the faucet or the side spray hose connection, you may need to tighten or replace the diverter.
- If the water is coming from under the sink, you may need to tighten or replace the hose.
To replace the cartridge, you will need a new cartridge that matches your faucet model, an Allen wrench, and a pair of pliers:
- Remove the handle cap by prying it off with a flat-head screwdriver or a knife.
- Insert an Allen wrench into the set screw at the base of the handle and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Pull the handle off the faucet stem.
- Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the bonnet nut that holds the cartridge in place. Pull the cartridge out of the faucet body.
- Insert the new cartridge into the faucet body, making sure it is aligned correctly. Screw the bonnet nut back on and tighten it with pliers.
- Reattach the handle and secure it with the set screw. Snap the handle cap back on.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
To tighten or replace the diverter, you will need a new diverter that matches your faucet model, a pair of pliers, and a wrench.
- Pull down on the side spray hose and locate the diverter connection at the base of the faucet spout. It should look like a small metal cylinder with two hoses attached to it.
- Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the tabs on the sides of the diverter and pull it out of the spout.
- Check if the diverter is loose or damaged. If it is loose, you can tighten it with a wrench. If it is damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one.
- Insert the new or tightened diverter into the spout and secure it with the tabs. Make sure the hoses are connected properly and not kinked or twisted.
- Push the side spray hose back into place and check for leaks.
To tighten or replace the hose, you will need a new hose that matches your faucet model, a pair of pliers, and a wrench
- Locate the hose connection at the base of the faucet spout and at the angle stop valve under the sink. Use a pair of pliers to loosen the nuts that hold them in place.
- Pull out the old hose from both ends and discard it.
- Attach one end of the new hose to the spout and tighten it with pliers. Attach the other end to the angle stop valve and tighten it with a wrench.
- Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.
Conclusion
Why Pfister faucet leaking from base? Pfister faucet leaking from base can be a common problem that can be fixed easily with some basic tools and parts. The main causes of the leak are usually a worn or damaged cartridge, a loose or broken diverter, or a loose or cracked hose. By following the steps above, you can identify the source and cause of the leak and replace or repair the faulty part. This will not only stop the leak but also improve the performance and appearance of your faucet. If you need any help or have any questions, you can contact Pfister customer service or consult a professional plumber.