Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Won't Stay Up

Why My Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Won’t Stay Up (SOLVED)

It can be tiring and frustrating to deal with a pull down kitchen faucet that won’t stay up. Maybe you push and pull with it for a while and end up getting it in place. But again, after the next usage, it’s the same old story. What could be the reason for this problem?

Well, a pull down kitchen faucet simply won’t stay up if there is an obstruction in the hose path. It can also happen from the loose or damaged weight of the hose. Sometimes the damaged hose is the culprit that you need to replace. And finally, the magnet for docking may fail to work and cause the situation.

I will discuss these causes in-depth and try to provide you with solutions accordingly in this guide today. Hope It Helps!

Exactly Why the Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Won’t Stay Up?

That’s a great place to start before heading toward solving this issue. For this, you also need to briefly understand how a pull down faucet works.

A pull down faucet works through a spray head extension coming out from the spout. This attachment allows you to extend it down into the sink. Once you are done using it, the extension will go back to the faucet spout and stay there securely.

Just to let you know, the way this extension comes out is actually one of the major differences between pull-out and pull down faucets. Now, there are quite a few reasons that can make this extension of the pull down faucet unable to stay in its secured position.

Remember that proper installation is a must and kitchen faucets are not universal size, so you should get the right fit. Rarely does it happens from a wrong-size kitchen faucet or improper installation. But if it’s a new faucet, this could be the case, so I would suggest you confirm.

This situation can also take place as a result of another existing problem. Having the pull down faucet hose stuck inside can initially cause different issues. If this problem is left unsolved, it may end up damaging the insert (extending hose) and spray head. 

However, the most probable reason that your pull down kitchen faucet won’t stay in place is having a worn-out weight under the sink.

A Worn-Out Weight Will Disturb the Retraction of a Pull Down Hose

The main job of this weight under the sink is to ensure the retraction is smooth and the faucet stays in place when not in use. However, with constant usage, this part may wear out at some point. It is also possible that the part is missing.

This will lead to a droopy and saggy faucet head. Damaged or loose counterbalance can also be the case. If the hardware is not securely fastened in place, it may start traveling up and down the hose.

As a result, the hose won’t be able to function normally. A damaged counterbalance simply lacks enough force to hold the hose.

Exactly How Do You Fix a Pull-Down Faucet that Won’t Retract?

There are three solutions that I have in mind for a pull down faucet not staying in place. These are:

  1. Clearing the obstruction from the hose path
  2. Changing/shifting the damaged/loose weight
  3. Replacing the hose

Clearing Hose’s Path

This one is a super simple fix. You just need to check the counter. Try to observe the hose and how it is relaxing down. You may notice some object is preventing the hose and not allowing it the room required to travel freely. 

If that’s the case, you just require shifting that object and allowing the space for the hose to move freely. This is a rather simple fix that often resolves this situation.

Fixing the Hose Weight

If the hose weight is the main culprit, you will require accessing this part and changing or adjusting it to fix the problem.

Fixing the Hose Weight
  • Start by cleaning the area under the sink to get rid of all the water drops before you access the weight. A flashlight will help you see things more clearly.
  • You will find two or more valves right beneath the sink. Turn these off for now.
  • The hose should have the weight clamped on it. If it seems loosely clamped, that might just be the problem and you need to clamp it right.
  • But if there is a sign of damage on the weight, replace it with a new one. And that should be it.

Hose Replacement

If you have leaks on the hose or other damages then this will require a complete replacement. Buy a hose kit suitable for the faucet model. And you also need an O-ring kit, a wand screen, and an adjustable wand.

Follow the same steps given in the previous section to unclamp the weight from the hose and then:

  • Look for the quick disconnect button to release the hose. You will be able to gently remove the hose from the sink.
  • Unscrew the old hose from the faucet head and remove it. You should also detach the wand screen and O-ring.
  • Tips: This is the best time to soak the sprayer in a white vinegar solution for at least 2 hours. Especially if the faucet suffers from a hard water scale. For too much damage, consider a pull down spray head replacement.
  • You need to put in the new wand screen and O-ring to install the new hose. Move the hose in a counterclockwise direction. You can use an adjustable wrench for this.
  • Next, connect the new hose to the faucet and look for the quick-disconnect button again. 
  • Detach the protective cap and you can place it on the disconnect until there’s a click sound. This indicates proper positioning.
  • Now retract the faucet head and install the weight back. 
  • Test your pull down faucet to confirm everything is working fine.

The Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Magnet Not Working

This is also a potential culprit of the situation. Now I have already discussed how the spray head extends and allows users to go a few inches down to get that additional reach in their sink. 

When pulling the spray head, you will feel a sort of resistance. The weight attached to the hose typically causes this resistance. And that’s why when you release the spray head from your hand, it will snap back.

However, the component that holds that snapped-back head in place is actually a magnet. Some models may have a spring instead of weight for the retraction through.

It is quite possible that the magnet is not working anymore and hence the faucet won’t stay in place.

Here are some common causes for the pulldown kitchen faucet magnet not working and the corresponding solutions:

  • Mineral deposits or debris buildup on the magnet is the most common case. Clean the magnet and the surroundings using a soft brush and mild detergent.
  • A big chunk of dirt or similar obstruction near the magnet can also hinder its functions. Make sure to check and remove.
  • The magnet can shift and misalign over time. You should check if it’s aligning correctly with the counterpart on the docking platform. It should line up well with the sprayer when docked.

Wrapping Up

Now you know why a pull down kitchen faucet won’t stay up and some solutions to fix this situation. 

However, keep in mind these are not guaranteed fixes. Underlying complicated issues are quite difficult to identify sometimes. So, it could be a different problem that caused the faucet to not stay in its place.

If you are stuck in this problem even after trying your best to fix it, just call a professional to inspect the fixture. I will be back with more similar guides, take care!

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