Sprayer Not Working
Updated February 20, 2026
No flow, weak flow, or will not switch modes? Clogged diverter valve, kinked hose, mineral buildup in the head, or cracked hose. Diverter is the most overlooked cause and the most common fix.
Overview
Two configurations: side sprayer (separate hose and head) and pull-out/pull-down (built into the spout). Side sprayers use a diverter valve to redirect water -- sticks, clogs, or fails and the sprayer gets nothing even though the faucet works. Pull-out/pull-down: no diverter, water flows through the hose at all times. Common failures are clogged head, kinked hose, or failed check valve. Both types: straightforward, inexpensive repair.
Symptoms
- Side sprayer: no flow when pressing the trigger, faucet works fine
- Side sprayer: very weak flow -- diverter partially stuck
- Faucet spout flow dropped even without using the sprayer -- diverter partially diverting when it should not be
- Pull-out/pull-down will not switch between stream and spray -- mode selector stuck or broken
- Water leaks under the sink near the hose connection -- cracked hose or coupling
- Weak, uneven spray with blocked nozzles -- mineral deposits clogging the openings
Common Causes
- Clogged diverter -- minerals, sediment, corrosion cause it to stick closed (no flow) or partially open (weak flow). Most common cause of side sprayer failure.
- Kinked hose -- wrapped around plumbing, caught on stored items, pulled at sharp angles. Restricts flow even if the diverter works. Can also crack at couplings.
- Mineral buildup in the head -- same process that clogs aerators and shower heads. Gradually blocks nozzle openings. Worse in hard water areas.
- Failed mode selector -- button or toggle on pull-out/pull-down heads. Internal disc or shuttle sticks, breaks, or minerals prevent switching. Common after several years.
- Cracked hose or coupling -- age, repeated flexing, heat from dishwasher connection. Leaks under the sink, reduced pressure means weak flow.
What You'll Need
How to Fix It
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Check for a Kinked Hose
Under the sink, trace the hose. Kinks, sharp bends, caught on pipes or stored items? Straighten and reroute for a smooth curve. Pull and retract several times to confirm free movement. Permanent kink (deformed material)? Replace the hose.
Tip: Items catching on the hose? Hose guide or clip to keep it on a defined path. Some faucets include a weighted guide. -
Clean the Sprayer Head
Unscrew or unclip the head. Soak in vinegar 2-4 hours (overnight for heavy buildup). Toothpick or needle to clear each nozzle. Rinse. Mode selector stuck? Work it back and forth while submerged. Reattach, test. Still weak? Replace the head ($10-25).
Tip: Pull-out/pull-down heads usually unscrew counterclockwise. Some have a C-clip or retaining ring. Check manufacturer instructions. -
Clean or Replace the Diverter Valve (Side Sprayers)
Hose clear, head clean, still no flow? Diverter. Location varies by brand -- often inside the spout base (pull spout up or unscrew retaining nut). Small cylindrical component. Pull out, soak in vinegar 1-2 hours, clean with a brush, reinstall. Does not restore function? Replace ($5-15, brand-specific).
Tip: Search your brand and model online for the diverter location before disassembling. Moen, Delta, Kohler all position it differently. -
Replace the Sprayer Hose
Cracked, leaking, or permanently kinked? Replace. Water off, disconnect at the faucet body (threaded coupling) and sprayer head. Take old one to match length, connection, and diameter. Universal hoses fit most brands. Connect, route, attach head. Water on, check for leaks.
Tip: Teflon tape on threaded connections. Hand-tight plus quarter turn. Do not overtighten plastic couplings -- they crack. Run the sprayer a full minute while watching connections. -
Replace the Spray Head (Pull-Out/Pull-Down)
Mode selector broken? Replace the head. Unscrews from the hose end. Take old one to match or order from the manufacturer. Universal heads work but thread size must match. Install, test both modes, check for leaks.
Tip: OEM heads from the faucet brand provide the best fit. Universal works but may not match spray pattern or finish. Manufacturer websites offer parts with exact model matching. -
Check the Sprayer Coupling and Water Supply
Still nothing? Hose connection tight and not cross-threaded? Disconnect, inspect the washer (replace if cracked or missing), reconnect. Shutoff valves fully open? Quick-connect fitting partially disengaged? Push firmly until it clicks.
Tip: Quick-connects are tricky. Not fully engaged = reduced or no flow. Pull out, press the release ring, reinsert until you hear a definitive click.
When to Call a Pro
Rarely needs a plumber. Call one if you cannot find the diverter, if the faucet body is damaged or corroded, if the hose connects inside the wall (some older installs), or if all fixes fail. Most plumbers handle sprayer issues in under 30 minutes.
Prevention Tips
- Vinegar soak the head every 2-3 months. Prevents mineral buildup from gradually blocking nozzles.
- No sharp angles or maximum extension on the hose. Weakens material and creates kinks.
- Keep under-sink organized. Stored items catching or compressing the hose restricts flow.
- Hose retracts fully when not in use. Check the retractable weight is in place.
- Faucet spout weaker than normal? Diverter may be partially stuck open. Clean or replace before the sprayer fails.
- Hard water? Water softener dramatically reduces buildup that clogs diverters, heads, and aerators.