Adding a Sprayer to Kitchen Faucets

Adding a sprayer to your kitchen faucets is not as difficult as it may appear to be. It is actually more economical to add a sprayer than it is to install a whole new faucet with a sprayer spout. This installation project should not take more than an hour. Check your sink to ensure that it has an extra hole near the faucet before you begin. It usually has a round-shaped stopper closing over it.

Step 1 – Prep the Faucet

Turn off the water valves underneath the sink. Let all of the remaining water drain out of the kitchen faucet.

Step 2 – Examine the Faucet

Look under the faucet to check if there is a pipe with a cap leading from the faucet. If it does, installing the sprayer is made easier. If there is no pipe, the faucet may need to be replaced.

Step 3 – Install Sprayer Hole Flange

Insert the flange from the hole’s top and screw the plastic nut in from underneath. The flange is a circular piece that has a hole located in the middle. It is to protect the hole that the sprayer will come through. The hose rests on this spot when it is not used. There should be two parts to the flange: one that sits in the hole from the top and the second that screws onto this part from underneath the counter, holding it in its place.

Step 4 – Assemble Pipe Fittings

Unscrew the cap (female) at the pipe’s end or you can unscrew the pipe (male) from underneath the faucet using the adjustable wrench. Wind the cotton string over the male threads on the ends of new pipe. Apply oil paint or pipe dope to each male pipe fittings ends while putting them together.

Step 5 – Prepare Hose for Install

Screw universal coupling to one end of the new pipe, and on the other end, screw the U-joint. Use the basin wrench to tighten all of the fittings. After securing the elbow, it should face the sprayer side of the sink. In a hole on the top of the sink, put in the male end of the new hose. Wrap the plumber's tape onto the male end of the hose, or you can use the pipe dope and cotton string. Screw it onto the U-shaped joint. Tighten the hose on the pipe using the adjustable wrench.

Step 6 – Install the Sprayer

Connect the sprayer handle onto the top of the hose located on top of the sink. This sometimes comes connected already. Pull the hose under the sink. Attach the counterweight to the lower part of hose. To test this, pull out the sprayer and let the counterweight pull back the hose. Turn the water valves on and test the sprayer.

If there are any pipes leaking, tighten those. Dry the wet pipes. Apply more pipe dope at insertion points. You may have to start over if the leaks continue.