A sprayer hose is a common addition to any kitchen sink. Two problems are common with these units:

• The aerator becomes plugged when sediment blocks the holes and restricts water flow. To fix this problem, simply remove the aerator with pliers and clean out the sediment with a toothbrush.
• Either the sprayer hose leaks or the trigger gets stuck in the “on” position, resulting in water leaks either under or in the sink.

How to Replace a Sprayer Hose

If you need to replace a sprayer hose, you can buy an inexpensive replacement kit, with the standard black plastic spray head, at hardware stores and home centers. But if you have a high-end sprayer head, you can keep it and replace just the hose. In either case, all you need is an adjustable wrench, adjustable pliers, plumber’s putty, Teflon® thread-sealing tape, and less than an hour’s time.

1. First, turn off the shutoff valves under the sink.
2. Bring adequate light into the under-sink cabinet by attaching a flashlight to the wall using a ball of modeling clay.
3. Loosen the sprayer hose nut from the faucet’s sprayer nipple (sometimes called a diverter nipple) by turning the nut counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. Once the nut is loose, twist it off with your fingers.
4. Remove the mounting nut that holds the old sprayer assembly to the sink and push the tailpiece up through the hole. Spread plumber’s putty on the new base and push the tailpiece into the sink hole.
5. Working from below the sink, slide a friction washer over the new tailpiece and tighten the mounting nut against it. Have someone hold the sprayer from above the sink so that it doesn’t turn as you tighten the nut.
6. Wrap the spray hose diverter nipple with a couple of turns of Teflon sealing tape. Then thread the nut (on the end on the spray hose) onto the diverter and tighten it in place.