How to Fix a Kitchen Sink Sprayer with Low Water Pressure

Cherries in a colander being washed with a kitchen sink sprayer.
  • 1-2 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 10-50
What You'll Need
Pliers
Wrench
Container
Vinegar or lemon juice
A small brush with somewhat stiff bristles (like an old nail brush)
Replacement parts (if necessary)
What You'll Need
Pliers
Wrench
Container
Vinegar or lemon juice
A small brush with somewhat stiff bristles (like an old nail brush)
Replacement parts (if necessary)

A kitchen sink sprayer that doesn't have good pressure may require a plumber to be called in to fix it. With a few basic tools and the tips in this guide, it will be possible for you to find out what is causing the low pressure and repair the sprayer without professional help.

Tip: Before you get started, take the time to assemble the materials and tools. That way you won't need to stop midway through.

Step 1 - Examine the Sprayer

Examine the sprayer to see if it is possible to figure out what is making it spray poorly. First, turn on the faucet, and look at the sprayer to see if water is leaking from either the hose or the joint between the sink and the hose. Finding the source of the low pressure can help to understand what steps you need to take to correct the issue.

Step 2 - Disassemble

Whether the sprayer's low water pressure is caused by the sprayer itself or a cracked hose, it will have to be disassembled. Remember to turn the water off at the main spigot before beginning. Depending on how the sink sprayer is put together, you will either need a pair of pliers or a wrench to separate the hose from the base. Check to see if any of the washers or nuts have become corroded or dislodged while you're at it.

Step 3 - Repair

After the kitchen sink sprayer has been taken apart, check the diverter. This part does exactly what its name implies — it diverts water from the faucet to the sprayer when the trigger is depressed. Over time, the diverter can become cracked or worn, which can decrease water pressure or stop the sprayer from working at all. If the only problem is a blockage due to debris or hard water deposits, it is possible to just remove the diverter and soak it in a cup of vinegar or lemon juice to fix the problem. For more persistent blockages, you can use a small, stiff-bristled brush to remove the debris.

The spray head will need to be removed in order to take a look at the hose for damage. Check it for splits, kinks, and cracks. If any are found then the entire hose should be replaced. If you see a mineral or debris buildup in the hose, soak it in vinegar or lemon juice, followed by a hot water flush.

On the spray head, take a look at the aerator. If debris is found, clean it in the same manner as the hose and the diverter. When all the parts are fully clean, replace any damaged or missing nuts, washers, and fasteners.

Step 4 - Reassemble Your Sprayer

Put the parts back together just as they were before, making sure to tighten down all the bolts, screws, and nuts. Then turn the main water supply back on, and test the sprayer to make sure the pressure has been restored.