Replacing the diverter in the spout restores the water flow to the sprayer.
When the diverter valve in your kitchen sink's faucet goes out, the sprayer will no longer work. An old, worn diverter does not switch the flow of water to the sprayer's hose when you press the sprayer's trigger. To restore it to proper working order, you'll need to replace the diverter with a new one. The new diverter you install must match the old one exactly to work correctly. This article addresses diverter valves commonly found on two-handled faucets.
Instructions
1. Shut off all of the water going to the sink by turning both handles under the sink clockwise until they stop. Turn on the faucet's hot and cold water to drain any remaining water from the lines.
2. Cover the cap on the top of the post that sits at the base of the faucet's spout with a towel. Turn the cap counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench, unthreading the cap from the faucet.
3. Insert a quarter into the slot in the diverter, and then turn the diverter counterclockwise to loosen it. Grab the top of the diverter with a pair of needle-nose pliers and pull it straight up and out of the faucet. Reach into the opening in the faucet with the needle-nose pliers and pull out the old rubber gasket.
4. Wrap pipe tape clockwise around the threads of the new diverter valve. Insert the diverter into the opening in the faucet, turning it clockwise with the quarter.
5. Thread the cap back onto the base of the faucet's spout, cover the cap with a towel, and then tighten the cap with the adjustable wrench. Turn the water valve handles under the sink counterclockwise to restore the flow of water to the faucet.
