How to Replace a Leaky Sprayer Faucet

Sprayer faucets on the side of your kitchen faucet are a convenient accessory for rinsing off produce and cleaning the kitchen sink. When the sprayer starts leaking, the entire unit should be replaced. Once you replace a leaky sprayer faucet you can operate the sprayer without worrying about creating an additional mess. Replacement sprayer kits are available at hardware stores and large department stores.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Channel lock pliers
• Sprayer faucet kit
• Plumbers tape
• Silicone caulk
• Caulking gun

Instructions

1. Turn the water supply off to the water faucet. The shut off valve will be on the water lines under the sink. There is a shut off valve for each of the two supply lines.

2. Remove the weight that attaches to the sprayer hose under the sink with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the weight apart after removing the securing screws. Disconnect the sprayer hose from the faucet nipple with a pair of channel lock pliers. The connection will be toward the middle of the sink directly under the faucet. Remove any residual plumbers tape from the threads on the faucet nipple with a cloth.

3. Loosen the nut that secures the sprayer base to the sink with the channel lock pliers. Remove the nut and the washer from the sprayer base. Go to the top of the sink and pull the sprayer assembly out of the sink.

4. Assemble the new sprayer head to the new sprayer hose. It is a good idea to wrap plumbers tape around the hose threads prior to threading the sprayer head onto the hose.

5. Apply a ¼-inch bead of silicone caulk under the lip of the sprayer base with a caulking gun. Set the sprayer base into the hole in the sink. Have a helper hold the sprayer base in place while you go under the sink. Place the rubber washer around the sprayer base threads and thread the retaining nut on by hand. Tighten the retaining nut with the channel lock pliers.

6. Feed the faucet end of the sprayer hose through the sprayer holder until the sprayer handle is sitting in the holder. Wrap plumbers tape around the faucet nipple threads. Thread the sprayer hose to the faucet nipple and tighten the connection with the channel lock pliers.

7. Attach the hose weight to the sprayer hose. The hose weight is two parts and helps to lower the hose back into the holder when you are done using the sprayer. Place one piece around the hose just where the hose curves under the sink. Place the other end over the first piece and secure them together with the two retaining screws.

8. Turn the water supply back on to the faucet. Test the new faucet sprayer and check for leaks.

References

• Homedepot.com - Replacing A Sink Sprayer
• Rd.com - Fixing A Sink Sprayer