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If your kitchen faucet won’t swivel, there are a few steps you can take to fix the issue. First, check if there is any debris or mineral buildup around the base of the faucet. If so, clean it thoroughly. Next, inspect the swivel joint for any signs of damage or wear. If necessary, replace the swivel joint or the entire faucet. Additionally, check if the faucet’s mounting nut is loose and tighten it if needed. Lastly, make sure that the faucet’s handle is not obstructing the swivel motion. By following these steps, you should be able to fix a kitchen faucet that won’t swivel.
When your Moen single handle kitchen faucet becomes difficult to swivel, it can be frustrating when performing even the simplest tasks, such as washing a cookie sheet or draining pasta. However, there is no need to let this minor inconvenience bother you every day. Thankfully, you can fix a kitchen faucet that won’t swivel in about 10 minutes without spending any money.
What Occurs When a Faucet Refuses to Turn
The problem involves a protective sleeve inside the neck of the faucet that has rubbed against the metal, resulting in friction. This friction leads to a buildup of debris over time, which restricts the movement of the sleeve. All you have to do is disassemble the kitchen faucet and clean it.
When a Moen kitchen faucet fails to swivel, it may appear slightly different from other brands like Gerber or Kohler. However, most differences are purely cosmetic. The basic internal mechanisms of kitchen faucets are the same, so you should be able to follow the same steps regardless of the brand you have. To begin, you will need a flashlight, a flathead screwdriver, a Philips head screwdriver, a set of Allen wrenches, channel locks, and an old rag for cleaning.
Shutting Off the Water and Loosening the Screws
A non-swiveling kitchen faucet can be a hassle, but it can be easily fixed. Start by turning off both the hot and cold water under your kitchen sink. Then, trace the water pipes up to where they pass through the counter.
You will notice two Philips head screws that secure the faucet in place with the help of a washer. Loosen these screws by turning them to the left. You do not necessarily need to completely remove the screws and washer, but you do need some room to maneuver.
Disassembling the Faucet
Behind the faucet handle, you will find a small oval-shaped cover. This is a decorative cover that can be easily pried off using a flathead screwdriver, revealing a small screw underneath. This screw prevents the faucet handle from coming off when you turn the water on or off. To remove the handle, use an Allen wrench to loosen the screw by half a turn to the left (3 mm is a common size for kitchen faucet screws). This should allow the handle to easily lift off.
Next, you need to remove another decorative piece: a round metal nut that helps hold the faucet cartridge in place. This nut is made of the same soft metal as the faucet handle and spout, so it is designed to be twisted off by hand. If it appears to be stuck, you can use channel locks for leverage. However, make sure to wrap a towel around the metal first to prevent the teeth of the channel locks from causing damage.
Keep the channel locks nearby, as you will need them to remove the final nut. Twist it to the left until it completely comes off.
Taking out the Cartridge and the Sleeve
To remove the cartridge and expose the interior of the faucet neck, lift the cartridge upwards. Next, grip the entire faucet from the outside, lift it up, and then place it back down. If you have sufficiently loosened the screws beneath the counter, a slim plastic sleeve should have been lifted up on the inner sides of the faucet. Remove it temporarily.
You will also notice residue along the rim where the sleeve was positioned. This is what you must clean off before reassembling and tightening the faucet. Applying lubricating grease that is not petroleum-based to the plastic sleeve is an optional step. Lastly, remember to turn the water supply back on.
