A steady kitchen faucet is one of those things you never think about—until it stops working properly. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden leak, a mysterious drop in water pressure, or a stubborn cartridge, we’ve seen it all at Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. If you’re an Indianapolis-area homeowner wondering what’s going on with your faucet, you’re in the right place.
Let’s walk through the most common kitchen faucet problems, how to diagnose them, and when to call in the pros.
1. Low Water Pressure in Kitchen Faucet
When your kitchen faucet starts trickling instead of flowing, it’s usually a sign something’s clogged or corroded. The culprit could be a blocked aerator, a clogged cartridge, or even a plumbing issue deeper in your system.
What to do:
Start by unscrewing the aerator at the tip of your faucet and checking for mineral buildup. If it’s gunked up, soak it in vinegar and scrub gently with an old toothbrush. Still no pressure? It could be time to replace your faucet’s internal cartridge—or check for a pipe issue like a partial blockage or leak under the sink.
For homeowners in older Indianapolis neighborhoods like Broad Ripple or Irvington, mineral deposits from hard water can also wear down faucet components over time. A whole-home water softener could be worth considering.
2. Fix Leaky Kitchen Faucet
That constant drip-drip sound isn’t just annoying—it can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. A leaky kitchen faucet is usually due to worn-out seals, gaskets, or a faulty cartridge inside the faucet body.
Quick check:
Turn off the water supply under your sink, then disassemble the handle to inspect the internal components. If you spot cracked rubber washers or mineral buildup, you’ve likely found your problem. A DIY repair might only cost a few bucks in replacement parts.
Pro tip:
If you have a Moen, Delta, or Kohler faucet, you’ll need the right model-specific cartridge or O-ring set. Bring the old one to your local hardware store or call us—we can match it and install it properly.
3. Kitchen Faucet Leaking at Base
If water is pooling around the bottom of your faucet where it meets the sink, that’s a different problem. A leak at the base typically means one of two things: the O-rings around the faucet body are worn out, or the faucet itself has loosened from underneath.
To fix it:
First, dry the area completely and observe where the water is coming from. If it appears only when the faucet is on, the internal O-rings may be shot. You’ll need to disassemble the faucet and replace them. If it leaks constantly, even when off, it might be a supply line or seal issue below the sink.
At Mowery, we often see this issue pop up in kitchen faucets installed 10–15 years ago, especially in hard water zones. If your faucet is that old, it might make sense to upgrade to a newer, more water-efficient model while you’re at it.
4. Kitchen Faucet Cartridge Replacement
Cartridges are the internal part of single-handle faucets that control both water flow and temperature. Over time, they wear out, leading to leaks, pressure loss, or temperature irregularities. If turning the handle doesn’t feel smooth or the faucet is dripping even when off, it’s likely time to replace the cartridge.
The steps:
- Shut off the water supply.
- Remove the handle and retaining nut.
- Gently pull out the old cartridge.
- Take it to a supply store to match or call Mowery for a same-day service.
Keep in mind: not all cartridges are created equal. Using a generic part instead of a branded one can lead to more problems down the line. That’s why we always recommend using OEM parts for Moen, Delta, or other name-brand faucets.
5. When to Call a Pro
Some kitchen faucet repairs are straightforward DIY jobs—but if you’re facing persistent issues, old corroded pipes, or repeated leaks, it’s time to bring in a professional. At Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we’ve been serving Indianapolis homeowners for decades. We know the quirks of local plumbing systems, from downtown condos to suburban ranch homes.
Our licensed plumbers can:
- Diagnose water pressure issues and inspect supply lines
- Repair or replace faucet cartridges and O-rings
- Stop leaks at the base or spout
- Upgrade your faucet to a new, more efficient model
- Install filtration systems or water softeners for longer-lasting fixtures
Need Help? We’re Just Around the Corner
Whether you’re dealing with low water pressure in your kitchen faucet or a leak you just can’t pin down, Mowery has you covered. We’re local, fast, and always honest about what needs fixing—and what doesn’t.
Call us today at 317-852-2958 or schedule online to get expert plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Brownsburg, and beyond.
