How To Fix An Old Wall Mount Dripping Kitchen Faucet
An old wall mount kitchen faucet often uses traditional compression stems or early-generation valve cartridges. Over years of use, the faucet may drip due to worn washers, deteriorated valve seats, loose stem packing, or mineral buildup. Fortunately, repairing an older wall-mounted faucet is usually straightforward and does not require opening the wall — most issues can be corrected by servicing the valve stems and internal seals.
Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you begin, shut off the water.
Steps
Locate the main household shut-off valve.
Turn the valve clockwise until fully closed.
Open the faucet to release any remaining pressure.
Why This Step Matters
It prevents water from spraying out when removing the old valve stems.
Identify the Type of Valve Stem Inside the Faucet
Old wall-mounted kitchen faucets typically use compression valve stems, not modern ceramic cartridges.
Signs You Have Compression Stems
You must tighten the handles to stop water flow
The faucet has separate hot and cold handles
The faucet body is decades old
You hear squeaking or grinding when turning handles
Why It Matters
Compression stems drip when the rubber washer becomes worn or the valve seat is damaged.
Remove the Handle and Access the Valve Stem
Disassembly is required to inspect the stem and washers.
Steps
Remove decorative caps on the handle, if present.
Remove the screw holding each handle.
Pull the handles off to expose stem assemblies.
Use a wrench to loosen and remove the valve stem.
Tip
Older stems may be stuck due to corrosion. Apply gentle force and avoid twisting the faucet body.
Replace the Rubber Washer on the Stem
The washer at the base of the stem is the most common cause of dripping.
Steps
Locate the rubber washer attached with a small screw at the end of the stem.
Remove the screw and take off the worn washer.
Install a new washer of the same size.
Tighten the screw securely.
Result
A new washer usually stops classic compression-style drips.
Inspect and Clean the Valve Seat
A worn or pitted valve seat prevents the washer from sealing properly.
Check for
Roughness
Grooves
Corrosion
Mineral scale
Fix Options
Use a valve seat wrench to remove and replace the seat (if removable).
Use a seat-dressing tool to resurface the seat inside the faucet body.
Descale with vinegar if mineral buildup is present.
Why This Step Is Important
A new washer cannot seal properly against a damaged seat.
Replace Stem Packing or O-Rings (If Handles Leak)
Leaks around the handles often come from worn packing or O-rings.
Steps
Inspect the packing nut behind the handle.
Tighten it slightly to improve the seal.
If leakage continues, remove old packing or O-rings.
Replace them and apply plumber’s grease.
Result
Stops water from escaping around handle areas.
Clean Mineral Deposits From the Faucet Body
Older faucets often accumulate scale that prevents proper water shutoff.
Cleaning Procedure
Soak a cloth with vinegar.
Place it over valve openings for several minutes.
Use a nylon brush to remove leftover deposits.
Wipe clean and dry the area.
Reassemble the Faucet
After repairing stems, washers, and valve seats:
Steps
Insert valve stems back into the faucet body.
Tighten them with a wrench.
Reinstall the handles and screws.
Ensure both handles move smoothly.
Turn On Water Supply and Test
Restore water flow gradually.
Check for
Dripping from the spout
Leaks around handles
Smooth turning of knobs
Even temperature control
If dripping continues:
Valve seat may need deeper resurfacing
Washer may not match the stem size
Stem threads may be worn
When Replacement Is Better Than Repair
Some old faucets become difficult or costly to restore.
Consider Replacement If
Valve seats are severely damaged
Stems are no longer manufactured
Corrosion inside the body is extensive
The faucet leaks even after stem and washer replacement
In such cases, installing a modern wall-mounted faucet may be more reliable.
Tools You Need
Screwdrivers
Adjustable wrench
Seat-dressing tool
Valve seat wrench (if removable seat)
Replacement washers
New O-rings or packing
Plumber’s grease
Nylon brush
Vinegar
Conclusion
Fixing an old wall mount dripping kitchen faucet usually requires replacing the washer on the compression stem, resurfacing or replacing the valve seat, installing new packing or O-rings, and cleaning internal mineral buildup. These repairs are simple, effective, and can restore decades-old faucets to proper working condition without altering the wall plumbing. With routine maintenance and new sealing components, even older wall-mounted kitchen faucets can continue to perform reliably.