How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Sprayer or Hose

Begin by completely clearing out the cabinet under the kitchen sink to create a clean and accessible workspace. Lay down several old towels or a thick rag directly beneath the faucet's plumbing connections to absorb any residual water that will drip during the process. Place a small bucket on top of the towels to catch the bulk of the water. Locate the hot and cold water shutoff valves, which are typically found on the wall or floor of the cabinet. Turn the handles of both valves fully clockwise to stop the water flow. To confirm the water is off and to relieve any pressure in the lines, go to the top of the sink and turn the faucet handle to the 'on' position. Only a trickle of water should come out before stopping completely.

Position yourself under the sink and trace the flexible sprayer hose from where it rests up to the central body of the faucet. You will find a threaded connection point, which is typically a plastic or brass nut securing the hose to a diverter nipple on the faucet. Grip this nut with an adjustable wrench or a basin wrench. Turn the nut counter-clockwise to loosen it. If the connection is old and stubborn, you may need to apply firm, steady pressure. Once it breaks free, you should be able to finish unscrewing it by hand. Keep the bucket positioned underneath as water will drain from both the hose and the faucet nipple.

After the hose is fully disconnected from below, move back to the top of the sink. Grasp the old sprayer head and simply pull it upwards. The entire length of the hose will follow, feeding up and out through the mounting base and the hole in the sink deck or countertop. Once the hose is completely removed, use a cloth and an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the area around the hole, removing any soap scum or mineral deposits.

Unpack your new kitchen sprayer kit. Take the new sprayer hose and feed the threaded end down through the hole in the sink deck. If your kit came with a new mounting base, ensure it is properly seated with its gasket over the hole first. From under the sink, slide the friction washer (if included) and then the mounting nut over the hose and onto the threaded shank of the sprayer base. Hand-tighten the nut until it is snug. If the base still feels loose, use a pair of channel-lock pliers to give the nut an additional quarter-turn, but be careful not to crack the plastic.

Take the threaded connector at the end of the new hose and align it with the diverter nipple on the faucet body. If your universal kit included multiple plastic adapters, select the one that fits the threads on your faucet. Carefully thread the connection nut onto the nipple by hand, turning it clockwise. Ensure it is not cross-threaded. Hand-tighten the nut until it is firm. Then, using your adjustable wrench, give the nut a final quarter-turn to create a secure, watertight seal. Avoid the temptation to overtighten.

This is the most critical step. Slowly turn both the hot and cold water shutoff valves counter-clockwise to restore the water supply. Immediately use your headlamp or flashlight to inspect the new hose connection point under the sink. Look and feel for any signs of moisture or dripping. Next, go to the top of the sink and turn on the main faucet. Let it run for a moment, then press the trigger on your new sprayer. Test its function and then release it. Return to under the sink and perform another thorough visual and tactile inspection of the connection. Use a dry paper towel to wipe the connection; if it comes away wet, you have a leak. Leave the dry towels in place and check again after an hour for any slow drips.