Kitchen sink sprayers are useful tools but they also tend to have more issues than other components of the sink and are one of the most common kitchen repairs. Sink sprayers easily get clogged, they can leak in several places and even stop working all together. Luckily, they are fairly easy to fix if they start to have any problems.
One easy maintenance step to keeping sprayers working well is to clean the aerator on the nozzle itself to make sure deposits do not clog the small holes. Using a toothbrush with vinegar and water usually will do the trick.
Leaky Sprayers
Sprayers can leak from a couple of places: the base of the sprayer, the hose leading to the sprayer or from the nozzle itself. Most leaks are due to washers needing to be replaced or a crack in a hose.
- Leaking from the base of the sprayer. This usually means the washer needs to be replaced.
- Leaking at the end of the hose. The coupling that holds the hose to the faucet may simply need to be tightened.
- Hose leaks. If there is a drip or leak coming from the hose, it most likely has a crack and needs to be replaced.
Non-Working Sprayers
If water is not coming out of the sprayer or just cold or hot water, water pulsates or water continues to come out even when not being used, there may be a problem with the diverter valve in the spray head. This valve releases water when you press the spray head handle and can get clogged or stuck. Often cleaning the diverter component can fix the problem; other times it must be replaced. If cleaning the sprayer does not solve the problem, call your local plumber for kitchen repairs to sink sprayers or kitchen faucets .
