How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Sprayer

A very helpful addition to any sink is the kitchen sink sprayer that is normally found on the side of the faucet assembly. This sprayer hose can be removed from its housing and used to spray down larger items in the sink. There are times when this very versatile piece of equipment will cease to work correctly. When this happens, you can easily replace it with a new kitchen sink sprayer. It may seem complicated at first glance, but anyone with basic DIY skills will be able to do this quick repair.

Step 1 - Shut Off Water

Crawl underneath the cabinet where the sink is located and turn off both of the water supply valves. There will be one for the hot water, as well as one for the cold water. Once the water is shut off you should turn both the hot and cold water to drain out the water that is left in the lines. Press the kitchen sink sprayer to get rid of the water still in that line.

Step 2 - Remove Sink Sprayer Head

Lift up the kitchen sink sprayer and turn the head counterclockwise to remove the head of the sprinkler. Unscrew this until it comes off and place it to the side. Make sure to collect any gaskets that are also there.

Step 3 - Remove Sprayer Hose

Using a plumber's wrench or an open sided adjustable set of pliers, loosen the fitting that holds the hose onto the faucet assembly. You will be able to find this enough by looking for the hose itself and following it back to the faucet. Unscrew the fitting being careful not to damage the threads. Pull out the hose and set it to the side.

Step 4 - Place Tape on Threads

Before you start to install the new kitchen sink sprayer you will need to apply some plumber's tape to the threads of the new sprayer. Just wrap this tape around a few times and press into the threads. This will help deter any future leaks by ensuring a tight seal.

Step 5 - Install New Sprayer

Move back underneath the kitchen sink cabinet and place the hose onto the fitting where you removed the old one from. Make sure the rubber gasket is also in place. Screw the thread into the fitting with your hand to make sure you do not ruin the threads. Once you get it snug with your hand, you can give it a few more turns with the pliers.

Step 6 - Set on Sink

Wind the hose up through the hole in at the top of the sink and pull it until you can get a good hold of it. Take the sprinkler head and screw it onto the hose body. Once you have the head onto the hose you can let it set into the sprinkler hose seat.

Step 7 - Turn on Water

You can now turn on both the hot and cold water valves. As they are coming on, check the hose fitting to see if it is leaking. If it is you can give it another quarter turn. This should stop the leak. Check the hose to see if it is working to complete the task.