How to Find the Right Kitchen Spray Head Replacement

The kitchen is arguably the most important area of a happy home. A hygienic, well-spaced, and brilliantly accessorized kitchen is a dream for almost all homeowners. It explains why most homes come with contemporary designs from neatly designed countertops to easily replaceable faucets.

As one of the most frequently used rooms in a home, kitchen accessories are often subject to wear and tear. Faucets, for instance, are always in use when cleaning utensils, rinsing countertops, or even filling jugs and bowls when preparing meals. The continual use is hard on the accessories, and damage soon becomes apparent.

The sink spray head can become faulty as a result of repetitive use, forcing you to make replacements.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to worry about making spray head replacements since most faucets are designed for easy removal and installation.

Below, we will discuss everything concerning your faucet spray head, from finding the ideal replacements to how to install the new fixtures. Finally, we delve into critical aspects to remember when cleaning your new spray head.

Replacing a Pull-Out Faucet Spray Head

Do you need to replace your faucet head? Let’s walk you through the procedure.

Many come with removable faucet heads to allow for easy adjustment, repair, or replacement. The ease of removal allows you to make replacements quickly without having to call the plumber, as was the case when using older forms of this fixture.

There are four steps to follow when replacing your pull-out faucet spray head:

Step 1: Turn Off the Water

When replacing the faucet head, the first thing is to turn off the water supply.

It should be fairly straightforward as you can quickly locate the valve below the cabinet under the sink. If your water comes at high pressure, turn it off at the main supply valve instead. It reduces the chances of water surging through the pipes and causing damage.

You can use a wrench to turn off the valve until it is placed tightly in the “off” position. Next, run out any excess water that might have remained in the pipe system. Place a bucket under the tap in case there are unexpected drips that might make your work area messy or slippery.

Step 2: Pull on the Spray Head Nozzle

After allowing all the water in the pipe to drain, it is time to work on your head nozzle.

Pull the spray head nozzle to reveal the hose. Proceed to unscrew your faucet head nozzle counterclockwise until it comes off the hose assembly. Some heads might be screwed in tightly, so be prepared to put in some effort with the unscrewing process.

Step 3: Remove the Rubber Gasket

Once the hose has been exposed, you will spot a rubber gasket that usually helps to keep the head in place. Remove the gasket from your faucet`s hose such that it reveals the c-clip.

Now, take your screwdriver to remove the c-clip, which is normally located at the connection point with the pull-out sprayer.

The rubber gasket should not be discarded as it is reusable with the new head. You might have to consider getting a new one if it becomes damaged due to wear and tear, though.

Step 4: Replace the Head

The final step is replacing the spray head.

Lay the new piece alongside your hose. At the edge of the faucet`s hose, you will spot a washer, which you should remove before placing a new one. The washers tend to wear out regularly, so it is better to replace it at this point.

Place the spray head into the hose. A wrench will help you to tighten the sides until the hose and head are perfectly joined. You can use Plumber`s Tape and wrap it slowly around the join to avoid leaks.

Once you complete this process, the install is finished. Turn on the water valve and test if the sprayer is functioning as expected.

I also found this video on YouTube that may be helpful:

Considerations when Replacement to your Spray Head

While making a faucet head replacement is not the most challenging DIY task, you will need to be extra careful to ensure that it fits.

Below are important factors to consider:

Brand

Most brands develop faucets with standard measurements, but it is always advisable to get the same brand connections. It is the best way to ensure that water pressure remains high after making replacements. A head that is compatible with your faucet means that your water supply will flow as well as before.

Faucet Parts

You should consider the various parts of a faucet before getting a spray head replacement. Some heads are ideal for use in different types of faucets, like showers and outdoors. You need to be extra keen on the parts you purchase to ensure that you find exactly what is needed for your kitchen sink spray head replacement.

Compare

It is advisable to buy a spray head with similar characteristics to the one currently installed on your faucet. Check on the number of holes and type as well as the general positioning of the connections.

Comparing different heads will give you greater control in selecting the model that perfectly suits your needs.

Easy Set-Up

A sprayer head is subject to wear over time, especially due to mineral concentration in water.

You need a head that is easy to remove and install but exercise some caution when selecting shapes and designs. Some models prove too demanding to set up and may require you to call in one of our professionals. Instead, go for generic shapes, especially those that match your faucet.

Size

Spray heads come in different sizes. Select a size that matches your needs precisely.

Do you want a spray head with a larger surface area? Or does a slim one work better for you? It all depends on your needs and the type of pressure you want to work with when using the faucet.

You should also consider the capabilities of your faucet before changing to an extra-large or slim spray head, as this will affect your flow capabilities and pressure.

Type of Faucet

When it comes to changing spray heads, check on compatibility with the model of faucet. Is the head usable in hand-held, spray style, or pull-out faucets? These are important questions to ensure that you find a kitchen faucet head replacement that perfectly matches your current model.

How to Clean a Pull Down Kitchen Faucet Spray Head

Producing the much-desired spray effect requires some maintenance. Faucet spray heads have several small holes that help direct the flow of water. The holes can easily clog up with hard water and mineral deposits, though.

Once a blockage occurs, the sprayer might not function properly. It may shoot water in odd angles, for example, as opposed to straightforward downward motions.

Mineral deposits on the holes can also affect the pressure of the water coming through the sprayer. These malfunctions point to one thing; your kitchen faucet spray head needs a good cleaning or a replacement.

We’ve covered how to go about doing effective sprayer head replacements for faucets, so let’s delve into how you can clean these accessories and keep them going for longer.  

Observe the Sprayer Head

There are different types of sprayer heads. You must first understand the type of head you are dealing with before proceeding with the cleaning process.

Examine the sprayer head by bringing it closer. Carefully observe the location of the aerator to determine whether the head comes as one piece, or it can be broken into two parts.

Two-piece heads tend to come apart easily while one-piece sprayers remain intact. You will have to clean the one-piece without taking it apart. Two-piece kitchen sprayer heads are usually easier to clean because you can easily access the different parts on the inside.

Cleaning a removable sprayer head

Hold the Two Parts of your Sprayer Head

The next step is to hold the back section with one hand and the front section with the other hand. Turn the aerator in an anticlockwise direction until it loosens. Once the aerator is off, it is time for some serious cleaning.

You might want to put on some protective gloves before proceeding with the chemical portion of the cleaning process.

Use a Certified or Accepted Cleaning Solution

The cleaning solution is a critical part of the cleaning process. We recommend using a cleaning solution like CLR.

Clean the aerator by dipping a toothbrush or a scrub brush into the solution and rubbing it on both sides of the aerator. Mineral deposits normally appear as white traces, which is why you should scrub until the white crust completely disappears. 

Rinse Properly

Then, rinse your aerator with running water. While you can rinse it using still or bowl water, running water is more effective for removing the cleaning solution and the mineral deposits from the holes. It leaves your aerator clean and free of any clogs that would compromise its performance.

Cleaning a sprayer head that is attached to the faucet 

Did you know that you can clean your sprayer head even if the faucet doesn’t disassemble at the head? You can easily clean your aerator once your head starts to malfunction by following our tips below.

Buy a Mineral Cleaner

If you don’t have a mineral cleaner at home, rather buy a certified one that is approved for home-usage. Once you have a mineral cleaner, proceed to heat water and place it in a large enough bowl.

Mix the Cleaner and Water

Quality mineral cleaners usually come with an instruction manual on how to use it effectively.

Mix the cleaner with hot water and dip the head into the hot mixture. The next step is to leave the sprayer head in place. You should allow the mixture to dissolve outside and inside the head for approximately fifteen to twenty minutes.

Rinse Thoroughly

The final step in cleaning the attached sprayer head is rinsing with running water. Rinse until all the holes in the aerator are clean without any deposits.

Important Tips to Keep in Mind when Cleaning your Faucet Head

Vinegar is a Great Alternative

You can also use vinegar to clean mild hard water deposits off your sprayer. The idea is to use vinegar regularly to help prevent minerals from accumulating on your sprayer. Soak the faucet head in household vinegar and leave it for about twenty minutes before using a toothbrush to remove the gunk.

Always Wear Protective Gloves

Due to their chemical compounds, mineral deposit cleaners can be corrosive to the naked skin. It is crucial to wear gloves and dilute the mixture as advised by the manufacturers to prevent injuries that can be avoidable.

Rinse with Running Water

Running water helps to clean the mixture and gunk from the holes of your spray head. Rinsing with still water might not yield effective results because the minerals will dissolve in the water, rendering your efforts useless. Running water ensures that both minerals and the corrosive mixture are eradicated from your aerator.

Let the Mixture Soak

You won`t achieve the desired results if you don’t soak the spray head or aerator long enough. The longer, the better, especially if you live in an area with hard water. Once the mixture soaks, the next step is to rinse until the gunk and white pieces disappear.

Consistency is Key

A gradual mineral blockage is inevitable because spray heads are regularly used kitchen accessories. The cost of regular replacements might be high, and even more so if you live in an area with hard water. Cleaning your spray head regularly will increase the life of your spray head and save you on replacement costs in the long run.

If you chose to replace your spray head instead, remember to check on its compatibility with the model to ensure that you buy a head that perfectly fits your faucet.