Leaks
Leaks occur in the faucet assembly at the base of the spout. This leak is not a drip-drip-drip. It only occurs when the faucets are turned on, but it usually dribbles water all over the sink.
Turn off the faucets. Unscrew the ring that holds the spout at its base. Use Channellock pliers on stubborn ones, but with a cloth to keep the pliers’ teeth from scarring the chrome. Lift out the spout. A leak usually is caused by a worn 0-ring. Replace it. Before you reattach the spout to the faucet assembly, inspect its mounting for corrosion. Clean it away with fine steel wool. Reassemble the spout.
When a new 0-ring does not stop the leak, replace the old spout with a new one.
Leaks also occur around the open end of the spout, at the filter screen or the aerator. These also become clogged with grit and sediment, and may let the water only dribble out, even with the faucets full on. Take the screen off, or the aerator apart. Rinse it in clear water, and reassemble.
If leaking persists, buy a new screen or aerator at a hardware store or building-supply house. Check the screw threads. If they’re shot, you’ll need a whole new spout. Do not use pipe dope on them; it clogs up an aerator faster than normal grit does. Besides, you need to remove an aerator from time to time for routine cleaning.
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