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Fix a pull-out faucet that will not retract

We'll check the hose path, weight, and spray head to get your pull-out faucet retracting again—or tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
10–30 min
What you'll need
  • Silicone grease (if the weight or hose binds)
  • Replacement hose or spray head (if damaged; match the model)
  • Towel or bucket (if disconnecting the hose)
Step 1 of 9

Quick triage — pick your path

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Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Confirm the symptom, then check the hose path, weight, and spray head.

  • Pull the spray head out and release it. The head should retract into the spout.
  • Good: The head does not retract—proceed to Check hose path.
  • Bad: The head retracts—no repair needed.

Check hose path

Goal: Rule out a kinked or obstructed hose.

  • Pull the spray head out fully and look inside the spout where the hose runs. The hose should follow a smooth path with no sharp bends or kinks.
  • Straighten any kinks and confirm the hose is not pinched or caught behind internal parts.
  • Good: The hose path is clear and the head retracts. If not, proceed to Check weight.
  • Bad: The hose is damaged and cannot be straightened—replace it or call a plumber.

Check weight

Goal: Confirm the weight is installed and slides freely.

  • The weight is a metal or plastic cylinder on the hose that provides counterbalance. It is usually inside the faucet body or at the base of the spout.
  • Confirm the weight is present and slides on the hose without binding. If missing, replace it with a matching part. If stuck, clean it and apply a small amount of silicone grease to the hose.
  • Good: The weight moves freely and the head retracts when released.
  • Bad: The weight is missing or stuck—replace or lubricate, then test.

Check spray head

Goal: Rule out a damaged or blocked spray head.

  • Inspect the spray head for cracks, dents, or debris that could block it from seating in the spout. Remove the head if possible and clean any mineral buildup.
  • If the head is damaged, replace it with a matching part. Shut off the water before disconnecting.
  • Good: The head is clean and intact, and it retracts and seats properly.
  • Bad: The head is damaged—replace it. If it still will not retract after all checks, call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The hose is damaged inside the faucet body and you cannot access or replace it.
  • The faucet body is cracked.
  • You have checked the hose path, weight, and head and it still will not retract.

Verification

  • The spray head retracts into the spout when you release it.
  • The head seats properly with no visible gap.
  • The hose and weight move smoothly with no binding.

Escalation ladder

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

  1. Confirm symptom Verify the head does not retract when released.
  2. Hose path Check for kinks inside the faucet body and straighten the hose.
  3. Weight Confirm the weight is installed and slides freely.
  4. Spray head Inspect and clean or replace the spray head if damaged.
  5. Call a plumber Hose damaged inside body, cracked faucet, or still will not retract.

What to capture if you need help

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

  • Faucet brand and model
  • Whether the weight is present
  • Hose path and condition
  • Steps already tried

Does the pull-out faucet fail to retract?

Pull the head out and release. It should retract into the spout. If it hangs or does not retract, the hose, weight, or head is the cause.

Pull the spray head out and release it. Good: head does not retract—proceed to check hose path. Bad: head retracts—no problem.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

No action needed

The faucet retracts correctly. No repair needed.

Done

Is the hose kinked or obstructed?

Check the hose path inside the spout. A kinked or pinched hose can prevent retraction.

Pull the head out and look inside the spout. Check the pull-out faucet hose for kinks or obstructions. Straighten any kinks. Kinked or obstructed: straighten and test. Clear: proceed to check the weight.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Straighten hose and test

Straighten the hose path and confirm it is not pinched. Remove any obstructions. Test retraction. If the hose is damaged and cannot be straightened, replace it.

Done

Is the weight present and sliding freely?

The weight provides counterbalance. It must be on the hose and slide freely.

Check that the weight is installed on the hose and slides freely. If missing, replace with a matching part. If stuck, clean and lubricate with silicone grease. Missing or stuck: fix or replace. Good: proceed to check the head.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Fix or replace weight and test

Install a replacement weight if missing, or clean and lubricate if stuck. Test retraction. The head should retract when released.

Done

Is the spray head damaged or blocked?

A damaged or blocked head may not seat in the spout.

Inspect the spray head for cracks, dents, or debris. Clean any buildup. Remove and replace if damaged. Damaged or blocked: clean or replace. Good: if all checks pass and it still will not retract, call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Clean or replace spray head and test

Clean the spray head if blocked. Replace if damaged. Shut off the water before disconnecting. The head should retract and seat properly when released.

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if: the hose is damaged inside the faucet body and you cannot replace it; the faucet body is cracked; or you have checked the hose path, weight, and head and it still will not retract.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why would a pull-out faucet not retract?
Usually a kinked or pinched hose inside the faucet, a missing or stuck weight, or a damaged spray head. Check the hose path first, then the weight, then the head.
Where is the weight on a pull-out faucet?
The weight is a metal or plastic cylinder that slides on the hose. It provides counterbalance so the hose retracts when you release the head. It should be inside the faucet body or at the base of the spout.
When should I call a plumber for a pull-out faucet that will not retract?
Call a plumber if the hose is damaged inside the faucet body and you cannot replace it, the faucet body is cracked, or you have checked the hose path, weight, and head and it still will not retract.

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