moen Kitchen faucet leaks at the bottom of the spout? User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- Moen
Table of Contents
Troubleshooting Steps
Kitchen faucet leaks at the bottom of the spout?
Typical Cause
On non-pullout or non-pulldown models, a scratched or torn o-ring or rubber
seal not sealing properly inside of the spout can cause a leak. If this is a
pullout or pulldown model, the vacuum breaker within the spout receptor may
not be sealing properly.
Solution
For non-pullout or non-pulldown faucets: This issue should be resolved by
replacing the o-ring(s) inside of the spout. The number of o-rings inside of
your spout will vary depending on the model. It is essential to identify the
model of the faucet in order to obtain the proper Moen service kit with the
correct spout o-rings for your model; different models utilize different sizes
of rings. Please view our Find Your Product section to determine your model. We recommend
lubricating the spout rings with silicone-based grease (Moen part number
99915, included with o-ring kits). Do not use plumber’s grade faucet grease,
silicon sprays or any lubricant that may contain petroleum. Petroleum-based
lubricants may react with the rubber seals and could cause the spout to become
difficult to operate. When replacing the o-rings, it is recommended that you
clean the inside of the spout and the outside of the valve body.
For pullout or pulldown faucets:
- Check the connection between the hose and the wand. There should be a screen washer or o-ring (depending on the model) that provides a seal between the two. If this is missing, or if it is compromised, then the screen washer or o-ring will need to be replaced. Please view our Find Your Product section to determine your faucet and the correct part or kit for that model.
- If your model has a vacuum breaker, it may be leaking. This issue would be resolved by replacing the vacuum breaker or installing a vacuum breaker conversion kit inside of the spout receptor. This part will vary depending on the age and model of your faucet. Please view our Find Your Product section to determine your faucet and the correct part or kit for that model.
Kitchen faucet leaks between the spout and the handle
Typical Cause
This type of leak is often caused by a scratched or torn o-ring on the
cartridge or spout.
Solution
First, it is essential to identify the model of your faucet. Please view our
Find Your Product section to determine your model.
For non-pullout or non-pulldown faucets:
This issue should be resolved by replacing the o-ring(s) inside of the spout,
as well as the cartridge. The number of o-rings inside of your spout will vary
depending on the model. It is essential to identify the model of the faucet in
order to obtain the proper Moen service kit with the correct spout o-rings for
your model; and different models utilize different sizes of o-rings. When
replacing the o-rings, clean the inside of the spout and the outside of the
valve body. We also recommend lubricating the spout o-rings with silicone-
based grease (Moen part number 99915, included with o-ring kits). Do not use
plumber’s grade faucet grease, silicon sprays or any lubricant that may
contain petroleum. Petroleum-based lubricants may react with the rubber seals
and could cause the spout to become difficult to operate. Also, the correct
cartridge will need to be identified and replaced.
For pullout or pulldown faucets:
Replacing the appropriate cartridge for your model of the faucet should
resolve the issue.
Low flow from side spray/water still comes from a spout with spray side spray
activated
Typical Cause
This is caused by a malfunctioning diverter or debris within the valve/spout.
Solution
Replace the diverter. Please view our Find Your Product section to determine your model and the
required diverter. Also, make sure the valve body is cleaned. In some models,
the diverter is installed in the valve body; on other models, it is installed
around the valve body under the spout. If it is one of these models, make sure
the spout is cleaned as well. If the side spray does not shut off completely,
it would also need to be replaced.
Pulldown wand “falls” out of the spout
Typical Cause
The hose weight is out of position, the docking collar is broken or the hose
has yet to be calibrated.
Solution
-
Check the location of the hose weight. Some models will have a white indicator mark on the hose. It is recommended the weight be installed between the start of the loop curvature and this mark. If your model does not have a white mark, then install the weight anywhere between 4″ to 8″ up from the start of the loop curvature. For optimal performance, maintain an 8″x 8″ clear area for the hose and weight to travel, free of any moveable items (bottles, cleaning supplies, etc.).
Note: The weight might need to be repositioned higher on the hose if non- moveable pipes or other fixtures are interfering with the hose or weight. -
Inspect the docking collar. This will typically be a black plastic piece at the end of the spout where the wand should reside. If this is broken, it will need to be replaced. Please view our Find Your Product section to determine your model and the required docking collar.
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If this is a new installation, the hose will need to be calibrated. This will occur after the hose has been filled with water and used for 24 hours.
Pullout or Pulldown wand will not divert between “Stream” and “Spray” modes
Typical Cause
The diverter within the wand is malfunctioning.
Solution
Replace the wand. Please view our Find Your Product section to determine your model and the
required wand.
Size spray leaks when a faucet is turned on
Typical Cause
The side sprayer is not able to shut off completely.
Solution
The side sprayer would need to be replaced. It is imperative to identify your
model because the side sprays are unique to certain models. To determine your
model, please see our find Your Product section. It is also recommended that you look
underneath the sink to view the connection of the side spray hose to the
discharge tube of the faucet. It is possible to have either a threaded
connection (identified by a metal nut at the end of the hose) or our Hydrolock
connection (a black piece with a white clip at the end of the hose) on the
side sprayer hose. Make sure the correct connection type is obtained for your
faucet.
Fixture leaks from the end of the spout
Typical Cause
Leaks are often caused by a scratched o-ring or grommet on the cartridge. On
models that use a handle mechanism, a broken part could also be the cause.
Solution
- Replace the cartridge (on one-handle models) or cartridges (on two-handle models). It is essential that the model of the unit be identified to ensure you are replacing the proper cartridge. Please view our Find Your Product section to determine your model and the cartridge(s) required. After determining the model, you can view step-by-step instructions in our Animated Installation Help section.
- If the faucet uses a handle mechanism, inspect the parts. If one of these items is broken, the handle mechanism will need to be replaced. Please view our Find Your Product section to determine which handle mechanism your model uses.
Note: Improper installation of the handle mechanism can also cause this to occur.