Quck answer
To unclog a diverter valve in a kitchen faucet, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle of the faucet to access the diverter valve.
3. Use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the diverter valve.
4. Clean the valve thoroughly, removing any debris or sediment that may be causing the clog.
5. Reassemble the faucet, ensuring that the diverter valve is screwed back in tightly.
6. Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to ensure the clog is cleared.
By following these steps, you can effectively unclog a diverter valve in a kitchen faucet and restore proper water flow.
If your kitchen faucet has a spray hose, the kitchen faucet diverter is responsible for redirecting water from the spout to the hose. Over time, sediment and mineral buildup can accumulate on the sink sprayer diverter, leading to reduced or no water flow to the sprayer. This can also cause the sprayer to sputter or pulsate. If you suspect that your sink faucet diverter valve is clogged, you will need to disassemble the faucet to remove and clean the diverter.
Other Faucets with Diverters
In addition to kitchen faucets, other types of faucets also have diverters. For instance, a tub and shower faucet has a diverter that redirects water from the showerhead to the tub spout. The diverter is typically located on the tub spout or as a lever or button on the faucet itself. A shower faucet with a hand-held showerhead also has a diverter. If you need to replace the diverter valve, it is important to know the specific type you have.
Two-handle kitchen faucets with a spray feature also have a sink sprayer diverter. These work in the same way as the diverter on a single-handle kitchen faucet, but they are located right under the faucet cap. Removing this type of diverter does not require taking off the handles or the spout. They can also be cleaned using the same method as a single-handle kitchen faucet diverter. If the diverter cannot be cleaned or is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
How to Clear a Diverter Valve
Step 1: Shut Off the Water
Turn off the water by using the hot and cold shutoff valves located underneath the sink. If there are no shutoff valves under the sink, you can turn off the main shutoff valve, which will shut off the water to all of your fixtures. Turn on the faucet to drain any remaining water from the lines.
Step 2: Remove the Handle
Locate the set screw, usually found on the bottom of the handle of a single-handle faucet. It may be covered with a decorative cap that can be removed. Loosen the set screw and take off the handle. The set screw can usually be removed with a hex or Allen wrench.
Step 3: Find the Diverter
Loosen the faucet bonnet, or the dome-shaped cover, by turning it counterclockwise. It should be able to be turned off by hand, but if not, place a cloth over the bonnet to prevent scratches and use a pair of pliers to remove it. Gently move the spout back and forth as you pull up to remove it. The kitchen faucet diverter is typically located at the front of the faucet body, but in some cases, it may be facing the back.
Step 4: Clean the Diverter
Use needle-nose pliers to remove the sink faucet diverter valve from the hole in the faucet body. Soak the diverter in vinegar for one to two hours to dissolve the mineral deposits. Carefully clean the area on the faucet body where the diverter sits using a small brush to remove any deposits or blockages.
Step 5: Reinstall the Diverter
Put the clean diverter back into the faucet body by pushing it in with your finger. Apply silicone faucet grease to lubricate the rubber O-rings on the faucet body and then attach the spout to the faucet. Tighten the bonnet and reinstall the handle, making sure to tighten the set screw and place the decorative cap over it.
Step 6: Restore Water Supply
Open the water supply shut-off valves. Then, turn on the faucet and check the sink sprayer for functionality.
