Kitchen Faucet Stuck on Spray Mode [Causes and Solutions]

The feature of spray and stream mode on the kitchen faucet makes the user’s work in the kitchen easier. Although this feature makes working in the kitchen simpler, sometimes it shows some issues.

Often the faucet gets stuck to the sprayer’s mood. However, you can fix your faucet if it does not switch to stream mode. In this article, I will explain it.

Moreover, many kitchen faucets come with sink sprayers. It attaches to the side of your kitchen faucet. The sink sprayer’s user also experiences some problems, such as it won’t turn off or get stuck. Below, I’ll also address these concerns in brief.

Kitchen Faucet Won’t Switch from Spray to Stream

Here are some reasons why a kitchen faucet does not turn on in stream mode.

One of the above reasons can cause your faucet not to turn to stream mode. By replacing these parts, you can fix this issue.

Way of Fixing the Kitchen Faucet that Stuck in Spray Mode

The kind of faucet that has both a stream and a spray mode occasionally gets stuck in the spray mode. Typically, a bad spring is the root of this problem.

When a spring malfunctions, it is preferable to replace it. But, you can stretch the spring if you don’t have a new one and you need to fix the faucet immediately.

However, it is not advised to attempt to stretch the spring as this could impair the faucet’s functionality. Follow the steps below so that you can fix the issue of not switching the faucet to stream mode.

1. Remove the Spray Head

Twist the spray head to unscrew it from the hose.  While unscrewing the head you need to be careful. As the gasket assembly inside might drop down, make sure you don’t lose that.

2. Clean the Screens

You need to clean two parts of the screens. One is in the gasket assembly, and another is near the aerator inside the spray head.

To get to the screen near the aerator, you’ll need to remove a portion of the spray head with a wrench. Cleaning both screens can frequently resolve the issue of a kitchen sink sprayer stuck in spray mode.

3. Take off the Buttons

The stream and spray modes are switched by a spring underneath the button, but it frequently becomes too frail and worn out to work properly.  A faulty spring did not allow the faucet to switch to the stream mode. So, you need to fix it.

You need to take off the buttons so that you can fix the spring. Remove the buttons by using a small screwdriver.

4. Remove the Internal Assembly

On the top of the spray head, there is a plastic ring. Remove it with the small screwdriver. Pull the internal assembly out after removing the ring.

5. Replace or Stretch the Spring

You need to unscrew the valve of the button that switches from spray to stream mode. Use a wrench to unfasten it. You can find a small spring inside it after unscrewing it. Now take the spring and replace with new one.

If you do not have a new spring then take the spring in your hand now, and pull it off. To extend the length of the spring by about 1/4 inch, pull it apart.

After that, reverse all the following steps to reassemble your kitchen sink sprayer.

That’s all, you are all set to use your kitchen faucet again.

How Do I Get My Sink Sprayer Unstuck?

An issue with the diverter or sprayer aerator may cause the sink sprayer to become stuck. If the tissue is with the aerator you can fix it easily. But you need to work hard if there is an issue with the diverter. The process of fixing a stuck sink sprayer is given below.

1. Turn off the Water

Shut off the cold and hot water supply valves under the sink by rotating them in a clockwise direction. After that, turn on the faucet to ensure the water supply is turned off.

2. Check the Spray Aerator

Unscrew the aerator from the sprayer. Check the aerator. If it is not clean you need to put the aerator in a cup and then pour some vinegar. Put it in it for an hour then clean the aerator with a toothpick.

After cleaning, reinstall the aerator and check whether your sink sprayer gets unstuck or not. If it is still stuck, then the issue is with the diverter.

3. Remove the Diverter

There is a small diverter valve right inside the spout. Remove the spout and then take out the diverter.

4. Clean the Diverter

Now soak the diverter in a bowl with ¼ cup white vinegar and ¼ cup water for a few hours to clean it. Then, re-install the diverter in the faucet’s body.

5. Turn the Water

After putting the diverter in, put the spout back and turn on the water. Ensure you have turned on the water supply line properly. Otherwise, when you turn on the faucet, it may make a high-pitched noise.

How to Fix a Faucet Sprayer that Won’t Turn off?

The process of fixing a faucet that won’t shut off are:

1. At first, stop the sprayer from spraying water by inserting a dinner knife under the lever and pressing the valve button.
2. Once you’ve managed to shut off the sprayer, turn off the faucet and use penetrating oil to help the valve button slide more easily.
3. Then, turn off the water supply line and unscrew the sprayer from the hose.
4. Next, check the sprayer. If the valve is difficult to push in or won’t stay in place, replace the sprayer.
5. Finally, if there is no issue with the sprayer, then the issue is with the diverter. Remove and clean the diverter. And then reinstall it.

How Do I Fix My Kitchen Faucet Spray?

You can fix your kitchen faucet spray by replacing the spray head. Steps for replacing the spray head are given below.

1. First, unscrew the spray head and remove the rubber washer.
2. Then remove the C clip.
3. Now remove the base of the spray head and install a new one.
4. Next, squeeze the C clip back into place.
5. Finally, install the rubber washer and screw the new spray head.

Final Words

The main reason for not switching the kitchen faucet into stream mode is an issue with the diverter, screens, or spring. However, if the issue is with the spring you can fix it by stretching it.

On the other hand, if the issue is with the diverter or screens then replacing or cleaning them can fix the issue.