## How to Tighten a Kitchen Sink Tap Handle
A loose kitchen sink tap handle can be a nuisance, causing water to leak and making it difficult to control the water flow. Tightening the handle is a simple task that can be done in a few minutes with the right tools.
### Tools You’ll Need
* Adjustable wrench
* Plumber’s putty (optional)
### Instructions
1. **Turn off the water supply.** Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to close them.
2. **Open the tap.** This will release any remaining water pressure in the line.
3. **Locate the packing nut.** The packing nut is a large nut located at the base of the tap handle. It is usually made of brass or plastic.
4. **Tighten the packing nut.** Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the packing nut clockwise. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the nut or the tap handle.
5. **Check for leaks.** Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks around the tap handle. If there are any leaks, tighten the packing nut further.
6. **Reinstall the handle.** Slide the tap handle back onto the stem and tighten the handle screw.
### Additional Tips
* If the packing nut is heavily corroded or damaged, it may need to be replaced.
* If you are unable to tighten the packing nut, you may need to apply some plumber’s putty around the base of the handle before tightening.
* If the tap handle is still loose after following these steps, there may be a problem with the tap cartridge. You may need to replace the cartridge to fix the problem.
### How to Tighten a Kitchen Sink Tap Handle with a Cartridge
1. **Turn off the water supply.** Locate the shut-off valves under the sink and turn them clockwise to close them.
2. **Open the tap.** This will release any remaining water pressure in the line.
3. **Remove the tap handle.** Most tap handles are held in place by a small screw or cap. Remove the screw or cap and pull the handle straight up to remove it.
4. **Unscrew the cartridge.** The cartridge is a cylindrical-shaped component located inside the tap body. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the cartridge counterclockwise.
5. **Inspect the O-rings.** The O-rings are small rubber gaskets that seal the cartridge against the tap body. If the O-rings are worn or damaged, they will need to be replaced.
6. **Apply plumber’s grease.** Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge.
7. **Screw in the new cartridge.** Screw the new cartridge into the tap body clockwise until it is hand-tight.
8. **Reinstall the tap handle.** Slide the tap handle back onto the stem and tighten the handle screw.
9. **Turn on the water supply.** Check for leaks around the tap handle. If there are any leaks, tighten the handle screw further.
### Conclusion
Tightening a kitchen sink tap handle is a simple task that can be done in a few minutes with the right tools. By following these steps, you can easily fix a loose tap handle and prevent leaks.