My modest plumbing skills have led me to a solution for my drippy kitchen faucet. I have learned a few things:
1) The valve under my sink is for the dishwasher, not the faucet.
2) I have a cartridge type faucet (versus a compression faucet).
3) Although of an obscure name, my faucet brand is a subgroup of Delta. Hence there is a lifetime warranty (similar to Moen). Replacement parts are being mailed to me directly. No ETA was provided however.
4) Had I known point #2, I wouldn't have sounded like the clueless female I was when speaking to the customer service rep.
5) I should have had a cup of coffee before talking to the customer service rep ... I couldn't even remember my own postal code. Probably aided greatly in earning the "clueless female" label.
6) I should probably invest in an adjustable wrench. It would have worked better than pliers. Maybe I'll get one at Home Depot tonight.