This article will be about the pull-out spray kitchen faucet problems that plague most people. The same problem of when you pull down on the sprayer, nothing happens.
How-to Fix Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Faucet Problems
The pull-out spray kitchen faucet problem is quite a classic one, and while there doesn’t seem to be a solution to this issue, there are a few things that can help get your faucet running again.
1. Pull out Faucet not Retracting
One of the most common problems with any pull out kitchen faucet is that it doesn’t retract back into the base. In some cases, this might be a problem with the water supply line.
If the faucet is left running for too long, it will push water up and out of the line, causing it to spew out at high pressures. This will also dry the valves and stop any water from getting through to your sink or dishwasher.
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The Solution of Pull out Faucet not Retracting
There are a couple of ways to fix this problem. If you have an air gap in your sink, be sure that the air gap is there and is working properly.
Alternatively, check the water supply lines and make sure they are threaded in tightly. If you have a water flow regulator under the faucet, it could be turned off.
2. A Clogged Diverter Valve
A classic problem when trying to pull out a sprayer is a clogged diverter valve. It usually is not a problem with the faucet but rather a buildup of debris or other material that will prevent the valve from opening to let water flow through the sprayer.
A diverter valve is a part that allows you to either pull out or push down the sprayer. They are spring-loaded balls in a circular housing. Debris often gets caught between the pivot ball and housing, which can prevent it from moving freely.
The Solution to a Clogged Diverter Valve
Depending on your faucet and your diverter valve, there are several solutions to try.
Tighten the nut on the sprayer’s baseplate. If you have a foot-operated sprayer, then this would be part of the pull handle. Sometimes this is enough to clear debris.
If this doesn’t work, try using hot water and dish soap (or another suggested cleaning solution) and scrubbing the valve with a toothbrush.
3. Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a big issue when your sprayer doesn’t pull out. This is especially true if you have a single-sprayer faucet and are trying to fill something other than a large pot or tub with water.
The Solution to Low Water Pressure: Cleaning the Aerator
To check the aerator, turn the faucet on to lower pressure. Look down into the aerator hole.
If you see debris or something obstructing the hole, it needs to be cleaned out. To do so, remove the aerator and use a toothpick for fishing out any debris or other material.
If your aerator has been damaged in some way, you can replace it.
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4. A Leaking Pull-out Hose
If you have trouble with your sprayer and are not having any luck with the above solutions for pulling out a sprayer, you may have a leaky hose.
The Solution to a Leaking Pull-out Hose
The solution to a leaky hose is to replace it, of course. This will be a bit tricky, depending on the type of sprayer that you have. With some of the new pull-out hoses, you can take part of the handle to get at the hose.
5. A Leaking Spray Head
The sprayer often sits above the faucet, which means it is in the waterline as it comes out of the faucet. It is a good idea to check the spray head for leaks.
The Solution to a Leaking Spray Head
If there is a leak, then you will have to replace the spray head. If it is not leaking, the sprayer doesn’t work properly. The spray head might be partially clogged from debris.
6. Faucet Spout and Body Doesn’t Sit Perfectly on the Cradle
You will want to ensure that your faucet spout and body don’t sit perfectly on the cradle. If they do, then this can be a good reason why your sprayer won’t pull out.
The Solution to a Faucet Spout and Body Not Sitting Correctly on the Cradle
If the spout and body don’t sit right, this is likely a good reason why your sprayer will not pull out. The solution is to make sure the spout and body sit correctly on the cradle. You should be able to see the back of the sprayer as it sits on the cradle.
Another thing to check is the sprayer’s setscrew placement. Make sure it is in the centre of its mount. If it isn’t, you will need to loosen up some of the set screw screws and move them around until they are centred.
7. Sticking Water Handle
The sprayer will sometimes sit on its own, but there is a chance that the water handle will stick. This can prevent the sprayer from being fully pulled out.
The Solution to a Sticking Water Handle
There are several things you can do. First, you can try cleaning out the handle with a damp cloth and soapy water. This might be enough to get the handle moving.
If that doesn’t work, then you can try using a thin coat of WD-40 on the water handle. Once the handle is coated in this thin layer of oil, it should be able to move freely.
