Search guides

How to fix a faucet sprayer leak

We'll locate the leak, replace the hose or clean the spray head, and tell you when to call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
15–30 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement spray hose (model-specific)
  • Replacement spray head (if needed)
  • Adjustable wrench
  • White vinegar (for cleaning)

At a glance

  • Shut off the water supply under the sink before working on the sprayer.
  • Locate the leak—hose connection, spray head, or diverter in the faucet body.
  • Replace a cracked or worn spray hose with a model-specific replacement.
  • Clean or replace the spray head if mineral buildup causes dripping; soak in vinegar if needed.
  • If the diverter or faucet body leaks, you may need to replace the faucet or call a plumber.
Quick triage — pick your path

Get started

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

Steps

Goal: Shut off water, locate the leak, fix the hose or spray head, and know when to call a plumber.

  • Shut off the hot and cold supply valves under the sink. Turn the faucet on to relieve pressure.
  • Good: No water flows. Proceed to Locate the leak.
  • Bad: Water still flows—find the correct shutoff valves.

Locate the leak

Goal: Identify where the water is escaping.

  • Dry the spray hose, spray head, and connection under the sink. Turn the water on and use the sprayer. Watch where water appears.
  • Good: You see the leak source. Proceed to Tighten connection or Replace hose based on location.
  • Bad: Cannot locate—call a plumber.

Tighten connection

Goal: Stop leaks at the hose connection under the sink.

  • Shut off the water. Use an adjustable wrench to snug the hose nut a quarter turn. Do not overtighten. Turn the water on and test the sprayer.
  • Good: No drips at the connection. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still leaks—the hose may be cracked. Replace the hose or call a plumber.

Replace hose

Goal: Fix leaks from a cracked or worn spray hose.

  • Disconnect the spray hose from the faucet or quick-connect. Order a model-specific replacement. Install the new hose and reconnect. Clean or replace the spray head if it drips when stowed.
  • Good: No drips from the hose or spray head. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Leak is at the diverter or faucet body—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The leak is inside the faucet body (diverter).
  • Connections will not seal after tightening.
  • You need to replace the entire faucet.

Do not force fittings—you can damage the faucet. For other plumbing fixes, see Fix a kitchen faucet that leaks or How to unclog a drain.

Verification

  • No drips at the hose connection, spray head, or faucet when the sprayer is in use or stowed.
  • Water flows only from the sprayer when the sprayer is pulled out.
  • The spray head switches between stream and spray modes correctly.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my faucet sprayer leak?
Common causes: a worn or cracked spray hose, a loose hose connection under the sink, mineral buildup in the spray head, or a failed diverter valve in the faucet body. Pull-out sprayers get more wear than fixed heads.
Can I fix a sprayer leak myself?
Yes. Most sprayer leaks are fixable by replacing the hose, tightening the connection, or cleaning the spray head. Shut off the water under the sink first. If the diverter or faucet body leaks, you may need a plumber.
When should I call a plumber for a sprayer leak?
Call a plumber if the leak is inside the faucet body (diverter), connections will not seal, or you need to replace the entire faucet. Do not force fittings—you can damage the faucet.

Rate this guide

Was this helpful?

Continue to