How to Install a New Kitchen Faucet Sprayer

Kitchen faucet sprayers are usually separate from the faucet. The sprayers make it convenient to wash fresh produce and are a big help when cleaning the sink. You should replace the sink sprayer when it starts to develop leaks around the sprayer head or hose. Sink sprayers are available at hardware stores and some department stores. Installing a new kitchen sink sprayer takes little time and only a couple of basic hand tools.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench set
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Channel lock pliers
• Kitchen faucet sprayer
• Plumbers tape

Instructions

1. Go under the sink and turn the two water shut-off valves clockwise to shut the water supply off to the faucet. There is one shut off valve for the cold water line and one valve for the hot water line.

2. Use an open-end wrench to remove the connection between the sprayer hose and the faucet. Most faucet sprayers have a 3/8-inch connection nut to secure the hose to the faucet.

3. Locate the hose weight that attaches around the hose under the sink. The weight pulls the hose down after you use the sprayer. The weight is two pieces that connect together with two screws. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the weight together and remove the weight from the hose.

4. Use a pair of channel lock pliers to remove the retaining nut that secures the grommet the sprayer sits in when not in use. Go to the top of the sink and pull the sprayer, sprayer hose and grommet out of the sink.

5. Assemble the new sprayer head to the new sprayer head hose according to the specific manufactures instructions. Most sprayer heads attach by threading the sprayer head onto the hose thread and tightening with a wrench. Set the new grommet into the sink and then go under the sink to attach the nut to secure the grommet. Tighten the retaining nut with the channel lock pliers to secure the grommet to the sink.

6. Insert the faucet end of the hose through the grommet until the sprayer head sits inside the grommet. Go under the sink and wrap plumbers tape around the exposed thread on the faucet where the sprayer hose will connect.

7. Thread the sprayer hose onto the faucet threads and tighten the hose with a wrench. Position one piece of the hose weight where the sprayer hose begins to bend toward the faucet. Attach the other piece of weight to the first and secure them together with the two retaining screws.

8. Turn the water valves back on to supply water to the faucet. Run the water through the faucet and test your sprayer.