Kitchen sink faucet repair usually starts with one question: what type of faucet is it? Compression, cartridge, ball, and ceramic disc faucets each fail in their own way. In Palisades Park, NJ kitchens, the usual complaints are a steady drip from the spout, low water flow, a loose handle, and water leaking under the sink.
This page walks through each symptom, the likely cause, and the safe fixes you can try with basic tools before you call a plumber.
Identify your faucet type first
The repair depends on what is inside. Look at the handle count and how it moves.
| Faucet type | How to spot it | Common failure |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Two handles that turn several times | Worn rubber washers and seats |
| Cartridge | One or two handles, smooth motion | Worn cartridge or O-rings |
| Ball | Single handle over a rounded cap | Worn seals and springs |
| Ceramic disc | Single handle, cylinder body, smooth | Cracked disc or worn seals |
If you cannot tell, take a photo and the brand name to a hardware store, or call us. Matching the part to the model avoids a second trip.
Common symptoms and likely causes
Drip from the spout
Worn washer, seat, cartridge, or disc. The valve no longer seals when closed.
Low pressure or weak flow
A clogged aerator is the usual cause. Mineral buildup or debris blocks the screen.
Leak at the base of the handle
Worn O-rings or a loose packing nut.
Water under the sink
Loose supply connections, a cracked supply line, or a leaking drain. Needs a quick check.
Handle is loose or stiff
A loose set screw, worn cartridge, or mineral scale inside the body.
Pull-down hose leaks or sticks
Worn hose connection or weight stuck under the sink.
Not sure what you are looking at?
Call the 24/7 line and a dispatcher will help you decide what to do next.
Before you start any repair
Close the small shutoff valves under the sink (turn clockwise), then open the faucet to relieve pressure. If a shutoff will not close, use the main water valve. Plug the drain with a rag so small screws do not fall in. Never work on a faucet with water on and do not use power tools near standing water.
Fix low pressure: clean the aerator
This is the simplest repair and fixes a lot of weak flow complaints.
- 1
Unscrew the aerator
Turn the tip of the spout counterclockwise. Use a cloth over pliers if it is tight, so you do not scratch the finish.
- 2
Take it apart
Note the order of the screen and washers. Take a photo to help you reassemble.
- 3
Soak the parts
Place them in white vinegar for an hour to loosen mineral scale. Brush gently.
- 4
Rinse and reassemble
Put the pieces back in order and screw the aerator on by hand.
- 5
Run the faucet
Flush the line for a minute. If the flow is still weak, the issue may be inside the valve or in a supply line.
Fix a dripping spout
With the shutoffs closed, remove the handle cap and screw, then pull the handle. On a cartridge faucet, remove the retaining clip or nut and pull the cartridge straight out. Take it to a hardware store to match it exactly.
On a compression faucet, unscrew the stem and replace the rubber washer. If the seat is rough or pitted, washers will keep failing. At that point, replacing the faucet is often the better use of time.
Leaks under the sink
Dry the cabinet and run the faucet while watching connections with a paper towel. Hand tighten loose supply nuts a small amount. Overtightening can crack fittings.
If water appears at the drain connections, you may be looking at a different problem. A clogged or leaking trap is a drain cleaning issue, not a faucet one. Cracked supply lines or corroded shutoff valves should be replaced rather than patched.
When to call a plumber
Shutoff valves will not close
Forcing them can break the stem. We replace valves so repairs can continue.
Corroded or seized fittings
Cutting or stripping them risks a larger leak.
Leak persists after new parts
The body may be cracked or the seat worn beyond repair.
Water under the cabinet that keeps returning
Hidden supply or drain leaks can rot the cabinet floor.
You prefer a new faucet
Installation takes know-how, especially with multiple holes or deck plates.
Repair or replace?
A single worn part on a decent faucet is worth repairing. Cracks in the body, heavy corrosion, or repeated trouble across several parts suggest it is time to replace. Our faucet repair service covers both, and we can tell you plainly which makes more sense once we see it.
Cost depends on parts availability, faucet brand, how many repairs it needs, and condition of the shutoffs. We give a clear price before work starts.
Close to home
Kitchens in condos and apartments around Cliffside Park and Fort Lee often have limited access under the sink, so the shutoff valve condition matters even more. Palisades Park townhouses face the same issue.
Palisades Park water and your kitchen faucet
Veolia Water New Jersey reports a highest detected hardness of 210 ppm for 2025, which is very hard. Expect scale in aerators and cartridges, and plan on cleaning the aerator now and then.
Veolia's report also discusses lead in older household plumbing and advises flushing taps that have sat unused. After any faucet repair, run the cold tap for a bit before drinking. We do not test water or diagnose health effects, so use the report and Veolia customer service for questions.
Common Questions
A worn washer, seat, cartridge, or disc no longer seals when the faucet is off. Identify your faucet type and replace the matching part.
Usually a clogged aerator. Unscrew it, soak it in vinegar, rinse it, and put it back. If that fails, the valve or a supply line may be partly blocked.
Often yes, if the shutoffs work and you can match the cartridge. Close the valves, relieve pressure, and use the manufacturer's instructions for your model.
Repair makes sense for one worn part. Replace when the body is cracked, corroded, or has failed more than once.
If it is steady or spreading, close the shutoffs or main valve and call the 24/7 line. A slow drip can wait for a regular visit.
Veolia reports very hard water, and scale can clog aerators and stiffen cartridges. Cleaning the aerator and replacing worn parts helps.
Licensing and permits
Under New Jersey plumbing licensing standards, plumbing work is limited to licensed master plumbers, authorized plumbing contractors and their employees. You can check any plumber through the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. Palisades Park also publishes permit and inspection details on the borough website.