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Fix a faucet that sprays

We'll confirm the symptom, clean or replace the aerator, check the diverter, inspect the cartridge, or tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
10–25 min
What you'll need
  • White vinegar (for soaking aerator or diverter)
  • Old toothbrush
  • Cloth or rubber glove (for grip)
  • Replacement aerator (if damaged; match faucet spout size)
  • Replacement cartridge (if needed; match faucet brand and model)
Step 1 of 8

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, clean or replace the aerator, check the diverter, inspect the cartridge, or call a plumber.

  • Turn on the water and observe the stream. A spraying faucet shoots water in multiple directions.
  • Good: Faucet sprays or splashes—proceed to Clean or replace aerator.
  • Bad: Smooth stream—no issue; different symptom.

Clean or replace aerator

Goal: Fix a damaged or clogged aerator. It is the most common cause of spraying.

  • Turn off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink. Open the faucet to release pressure.
  • Unscrew the aerator from the faucet spout (counterclockwise). Inspect for cracks, bent screen, or missing parts.
  • If clogged, soak in white vinegar 15–30 minutes and scrub. If damaged, replace with a matching size.
  • Reinstall and test. Good: Stream is smooth—done. Bad: Still sprays—proceed to Check diverter (if sprayer) or Inspect cartridge.

Check diverter

Goal: Fix a stuck diverter on kitchen faucets with a sprayer.

  • On kitchen faucets with a pull-out or side sprayer, the diverter routes water between spout and sprayer.
  • Pull the sprayer head and run water. Confirm flow switches correctly between spout and sprayer.
  • If the diverter is stuck, shut off the water, remove the sprayer head, soak the diverter in vinegar, and scrub. Replace if damaged.
  • Good: Diverter works—stream is smooth. Bad: Still sprays—proceed to Inspect cartridge.

Inspect cartridge

Goal: Check the cartridge for wear. Replace if needed.

  • Shut off the water. Remove the handle and trim. Pull the cartridge.
  • Inspect for damage or mineral buildup. Replace with an exact match if worn.
  • Reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on. Confirm the stream is smooth.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • You have cleaned or replaced the aerator, checked the diverter, and replaced the cartridge but the faucet still sprays.
  • The faucet leaks when you reassemble it.
  • You are not comfortable disassembling the faucet.

Verification

  • Water flows in a smooth, single stream from the spout.
  • No spraying or splashing.
  • No leaks at the aerator or connections.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the faucet sprays instead of a smooth stream.
  2. Clean or replace aerator Remove, clean, or replace the aerator.
  3. Check diverter Inspect and clean or replace the diverter on kitchen faucets with sprayer.
  4. Replace cartridge Inspect and replace the cartridge if worn.
  5. Call a plumber Faucet still sprays after steps, or leaks when reassembled.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Whether the aerator was cleaned or replaced
  • Whether the diverter was checked
  • Whether the cartridge was replaced
  • Steps already tried

Does the faucet spray or splash instead of stream?

A spraying faucet shoots water in multiple directions. A smooth stream comes out in one direction.

Turn on the water and observe. Sprays or splashes: proceed to check aerator. Smooth stream: no issue; different symptom.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

No action needed

The faucet streams normally—no problem. No action needed.

Done

Did cleaning or replacing the aerator fix the spray?

Remove the aerator, inspect for damage, clean or replace, reinstall.

Shut off supply valves. Remove the aerator. If clogged, soak in vinegar and scrub. If damaged, replace. Reinstall and test. Fixed: done. Still sprays: check diverter (if sprayer) or cartridge.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Spray fixed

The aerator was the cause. The faucet should produce a smooth stream. If it sprays again, clean the aerator periodically.

Done

Does the faucet have a sprayer (kitchen pull-out or side spray)?

Kitchen faucets with sprayers have a diverter that routes water between spout and sprayer.

Has sprayer: check the diverter. Pull the sprayer and run water—confirm flow switches correctly. If stuck, clean or replace. No sprayer: proceed to cartridge.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Did cleaning or replacing the diverter fix the spray?

The diverter may be stuck or mineral-clogged.

Shut off water. Remove sprayer head, soak diverter in vinegar, scrub. Replace if damaged. Reassemble and test. Fixed: done. Still sprays: replace cartridge.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Did replacing the cartridge fix the spray?

A worn cartridge can cause erratic flow.

Shut off water. Remove handle and trim, pull the cartridge. Replace with exact match. Reassemble and test. Fixed: done. Still sprays: call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if you have cleaned or replaced the aerator, checked the diverter, and replaced the cartridge but the faucet still sprays, or if the faucet leaks when you reassemble it.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my faucet spray instead of stream?
Usually the aerator is damaged, clogged, or missing. On kitchen faucets with a sprayer, the diverter may be stuck. A worn cartridge can also cause erratic flow. Clean or replace the aerator first.
Can I fix a spraying faucet myself?
Yes. Cleaning or replacing the aerator takes a few minutes. Checking the diverter and replacing the cartridge are also DIY for most people. Call a plumber if you cannot access the diverter or the faucet continues to spray after these steps.
When should I call a plumber for a spraying faucet?
Call a plumber if you have cleaned or replaced the aerator, checked the diverter, and replaced the cartridge but the faucet still sprays. Also call if the faucet leaks when you try to repair it or if you are not comfortable disassembling the faucet.

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