Most sprayer problems are a clogged head, a stuck diverter or a worn hose
A kitchen faucet sprayer that dribbles, sprays sideways or does not retract is one of the most common small repairs. The cause is usually simple. Scale blocks the spray head, the diverter that switches between faucet and sprayer sticks, or the hose or its weight wears out.
This guide walks through the checks in order, from least to most work. If the faucet leaks under the sink or will not shut off, close the valve and call. For the full service, see faucet repair.
Fixing a sprayer in order of effort
Try these steps in order.
- 1
Clean the spray head.
Unscrew the head, soak it in vinegar and clear the holes with a pin. Scale is the most common cause of weak or crooked spray.
- 2
Clean the aerator.
Remove and soak the faucet aerator in vinegar if the main stream is weak too.
- 3
Check the hose and the weight.
Look under the sink for kinks. A weight that has slipped keeps a pull-down hose from retracting.
- 4
Check the diverter.
If water comes from the spout when you spray, the diverter in the faucet body is stuck or worn.
Sprayer symptoms and likely causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Weak or crooked spray. | Scale in the spray head. | Soak and clear. |
| Water from spout while spraying. | Worn diverter. | Replace the diverter. |
| Sprayer will not retract. | Weight slipped or hose caught. | Reposition the weight. |
| Leak at the hose connection. | Worn washer or fitting. | Replace the fitting. |
| Leak under the sink. | Failed hose or supply line. | Replace the hose. |
Faucet leaking under the sink?
Close the valve and call. A plumber can start the diagnosis today.
Repair the faucet or replace it
The faucet body decides.
Repair makes sense when
- The faucet is relatively new.
- Only the head, hose or diverter has failed.
- Parts are available.
- The finish is in good shape.
Replace makes sense when
- The body is corroded or cracked.
- Parts are no longer made.
- Several parts have failed.
- You want a different style or feature.
Keeping a sprayer working longer
Soak the spray head in vinegar every few months, especially if you see white crust. Do not yank the hose when pulling the sprayer, and keep the retraction weight where the manufacturer places it. Avoid forcing the diverter lever. Wipe the head dry occasionally to slow mineral buildup.
If you are replacing a faucet, ask about a model that is easy to service, with a standard cartridge and a spray head that unscrews without tools. It keeps later repairs short and cheap.
Choosing a replacement faucet that is easy to live with
If the faucet needs replacing, a little thought pays off. Pull-down faucets tend to be easier to maneuver in deep sinks and have a hose that retracts with a counterweight. Pull-out styles are lighter and suit shallow sinks. Separate side sprayers are older but simple, with a hose and a diverter in the base.
Look at how the spray head attaches. Quick-connect fittings make replacement easy. Check the warranty on the finish and the cartridge, and see whether replacement parts are sold in the long term. A faucet from a maker with a long supply of parts is easier to keep running than an unbranded model with no spare parts.
Check the mounting holes in the sink or counter. A faucet with a deck plate covers extra holes, and a single-hole model needs only one. Measure before you buy. A plumber can install a faucet you pick, and can recommend styles that suit your sink and how you use it.
Tools and parts to have on hand
For most sprayer repairs you need a few basic items: an adjustable wrench, a flashlight, a small bucket, a towel, a pin for clearing holes and a bottle of white vinegar. Replacement parts like a diverter, a spray head or a hose are usually sold by the faucet maker, so note the brand and model before you shop.
Take a photograph of the faucet and the label under the sink. Photos of the parts as you remove them also help you reassemble in the right order. If a part is stuck or corroded, stop rather than force it, since a cracked faucet body turns a small repair into a replacement.
Roy, UT local note: hard water and spray heads
Weber Basin Water Conservancy District publishes hardness of 10 to 18 grains per gallon for the water it supplies, and Roy blends that with its own wells according to the city's 2024 conservation plan. Hard water leaves the white crust that blocks sprayer holes and aerators. Since the blend varies, test your tap or ask Roy City for its current water quality report.
A softener reduces scale across the house, and a vinegar soak handles the faucet itself. See water softener and filtration for options. Homes in Riverdale and Layton receive water with Weber Basin supply as part of their blend, so the same advice applies.
Questions people ask
Short soaks are safe for most finishes, but check the manufacturer's guidance. Brass and nickel finishes can dull with long soaks, so keep it brief.
A clogged head or a worn diverter is usually behind it. If cleaning does not help, the diverter or the cartridge likely needs replacing.
Often yes. The hose connects under the sink with a quick connector or a nut. Close the supply valves first and have a towel ready.
It is a common cause. Weber Basin reports hardness of 10 to 18 grains per gallon for its supply, and Roy blends sources. Scale on a spray head is a good sign you have it.