Match the fix to the symptom and faucet model. Weak spray can mean debris, scale or a restricted hose; clean only as the manufacturer permits. A wand that will not retract points to hose routing or its weight. Leaks and failed spray selectors may need replacement parts. Shut off the supply before disconnecting anything.
Which kind of sprayer do you have?
There are two common designs, and the repairs differ.
A side spray is a separate hand sprayer that sits in its own hole in the sink deck, next to the faucet. Its hose runs down through the hole, under the sink, and connects to the faucet body. The sprayer is independent of the spout, so a bad side spray can be replaced without touching the faucet itself.
A pull-out or pull-down wand is built into the spout. The spray head pulls out of the end of the spout on a long hose, and a weight on that hose helps it slide back in. On many models the wand also holds the button or switch that changes between stream and spray, which matters later when we get to mode problems.
If you are not sure which you have, look at the sink deck. A small separate sprayer next to the faucet is a side spray. A spout with a head that pulls out of its tip is a pull-out or pull-down.
Weak, sputtering or uneven spray
Weak or uneven spray can come from debris or scale at the head, a restricted hose, or the faucet supply. Start with the model's maintenance instructions rather than assuming every head tolerates the same cleaner or soak time.
- 1Compare outlets. Check whether the main stream and spray are both weak or only one mode is affected.
- 2Inspect the hose. Look for a kink, snag or damage under the sink and through the wand's travel. Shut off the supply before disconnecting a hose or head.
- 3Follow the model's cleaning steps. If a removable screen or washer is provided, keep its seals and orientation intact. Use only the cleaning method and products permitted by the manufacturer; inspect again for leaks after reassembly.
- 4Identify the replacement part. A damaged hose, gasket or internal spray selector may need a model-specific replacement instead of cleaning.
If the spray is still weak after that, and the main spout is also weak, the problem is upstream of the sprayer. Our page on why the flow is low at just one faucet covers the aerator and the shutoff valves, and low water pressure at one fixture explains how to tell a fixture problem from a house-wide one.
The sprayer will not retract, or the hose is worn
A pull-out or pull-down wand slides back into the spout because of a hose weight hanging on the hose under the sink. Pfister's hose instructions describe the weight that helps the sprayhead retract. Follow the model's instructions for the weight's position and attachment. If the wand droops out of the spout, the weight may have slipped off, been set in the wrong place, or been left out after an earlier repair.
Two other causes are common. The hose can kink under the sink, which stops it from sliding, as covered above. And the hose itself wears out. Pfister compares nylon pull-out hoses to vehicle belts: they take a lot of daily wear, and replacement may be needed during the life of the faucet.
To replace a worn hose or wand, first identify the model, since hose connections vary. Moen describes four connection styles for pull-out and pull-down hoses, from a threaded coupling on older faucets to quick-connect fittings on newer ones. On every one of them, the water supply valves have to be shut off before you disconnect anything, the weight comes off first, and the new connection is tested with a gentle tug once it clicks or threads into place.
Leaks, and a sprayer that will not switch modes
A leak at the sprayhead usually comes from a missing or damaged washer or gasket. Pfister advises unscrewing the sprayhead and checking for washers or gaskets that fell out, since they can drop out during installation. If they are present and the leak continues, Pfister's next step is to contact the maker for replacement parts.
A leak under the cabinet is different, because it can mean a failed hose or connection with water moving under pressure. Pfister's advice is to shut off the water at the angle stop valves right away. Do that first, then find the model number and get the correct replacement.
A spray that will not switch between stream and spray is a diverter problem. On a pull-out wand the diverter is inside the head. Moen's guidance is direct: the diverter within the wand is malfunctioning, and the fix is to replace the wand. Kohler reaches the same conclusion, saying that dirt and debris collect in the sprayhead until the internal diverter no longer sends the water where it should, or the button has fallen off, and that the answer is a replacement sprayhead for your model.
A side spray that will not receive water can involve the faucet-body diverter rather than the wand's selector. Identify the faucet model and follow its repair instructions; parts and access differ. Do not assume a timed chemical soak is suitable for every diverter.
When to stop and call a plumber
A model-approved cleaning procedure or weight adjustment may solve the problem. Disconnecting a hose or opening a faucet body requires working supply shutoffs and the correct instructions and parts. Call a plumber if you cannot find the shutoff valves or they will not close, if the cabinet floor is wet and you cannot tell where the water is coming from, if the faucet body itself leaks after you take it apart, or if a hose connection will not seat. A wet base cabinet can hide damage for a long time, so an active leak is worth stopping early. If you are already thinking about replacing the whole faucet, how to replace a kitchen faucet walks through that job, and common kitchen plumbing problems covers the rest of what tends to go wrong in a kitchen.