As a leading home inspection company in Buffalo and all of Western New York, we have seen our fair share of broken kitchen faucet sprayers.  The problems we encounter with sprayers can be as simple as a kinked hose to a leaking sprayer head.

Well, the fix can be a lot easier than you may have thought and your efforts can probably be rewarded within a half hour or so and for less than a few dollars.

To get started, follow these steps to figure out where the problem lies.

 Does the sprayer leak or just not work?

 The sprayer head leaks

• If the sprayer head leaks, that’s good news…it’s probably the easiest fix.  Go to your local hardware store or home center and buy a replacement head (about $5).
• Turn the water supply off (hot and cold, usually found under the sink)
• Cover the drain so loose parts don’t fall into the drain.
• Grasp the base of the sprayer head and unscrew the head.
• Install the new head.
• Turn the water on, test for operation and leaks.
• Congratulations, you’re done!

The hose leaks

• Turn the water supply (hot and cold) off.
• Cover the drain so you don’t lose any parts.
• Using an open ended wrench, unscrew the hose at the connection to the faucet, under the sink.  It’s a really tight fit so you may have trouble getting a wrench into the space.  If that is the case, pick up a basin wrench at the hardware store when you go for the replacement hose and sprayer head.
• Remove the old hose and sprayer through the opening (grommet) in the sink.
• Thread the new hose and sprayer through the opening.
• Connect the new hose to the faucet, be sure to use Teflon tape to seal the threads.
• Turn on the water supply, check for operation and leaks.
• Congratulations, you’re done!

 There is no water.

If water does not flow from the sprayer when activated, the cause may be 1 of 4 issues:

• Check the hose for kinks.  Correct as necessary.
• If there are no kinks, the sprayer head may be faulty or clogged with mineral deposits (very common).  If clogged, you can replace the head or soak the existing head in a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar overnight.  This solution will dissolve any mineral deposits that may have accumulated over the years.  Alternatively, if you are impatient and don’t want to wait overnight, you can try replacing the sprayer head for about $5.
• If you have changed or cleaned the sprayer head and still experience a problem with no water.  The diverter inside the faucet may be damaged or clogged.

Damaged or clogged diverter

(Remember to turn of the water supply and cover the drain so you don’t lose any parts.)

To access the diverter, using an Allen or hex wrench, loosen the handle of the faucet and remove.  Next remove the spout and ball to reveal the diverter. Remove and clean the diverter by soaking in a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar.  If necessary, replace the diverter with OEM parts.  This may also be a good time to replace O-rings and other parts that have a tendency to wear.  You can pick up a faucet re-building kit at your local home center or plumbing supply house.

Reassemble the faucet and check for operation and leaks.

Lawrence Watkins is a NYS Licensed Home Inspector and the President of Specsure Property Inspections.  As a leading full service residential home inspection and commercial property inspection company proudly serving Buffalo, Lewiston, Orchard Park and all of Western New York (WNY) for over 20 years, we are pleased to provide timely and simple DIY tips and hints for today’s homeowner.

For more information you can reach us at 716-881-1914 or via email at info@specsure.com