Symptoms
- Main spout drips or leaks only when the sprayer is squeezed
- Sprayer itself works fine
- No drip when the faucet is used normally without the sprayer
- Diverter feels stuck or slow to switch
Likely causes
- CommonWorn diverter valveThe diverter's seal wears out and can't fully redirect flow away from the spout.
- PossibleDebris lodged in the diverterSediment can prevent the diverter from seating fully.
- PossibleWorn O-ring at the diverter housingSmall leaks can appear around the diverter cartridge itself.
- Less commonLow water pressure making diverter switch incompletelySome diverters need adequate pressure to fully divert flow.
What to do
- Turn off the water supply under the sink before disassembling anything.
- Locate the diverter, usually inside the faucet body near the spout base or under the sink at the sprayer tee, per the manufacturer's diagram.
- Remove the diverter carefully, noting its orientation.
- Rinse it under water and clean out any visible debris or mineral buildup.
- Inspect O-rings and seals on the diverter for wear, replacing them if available separately.
- If the diverter itself is worn out, replace it with an exact match for the faucet model.
- Reassemble, restore water, and test the spout for drips while running the sprayer.
Tools and parts
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
Faucet diverter valveSearch: “kitchen faucet diverter valve replacement”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if you can't locate or access the diverter on your specific faucet model.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.