Experiencing a stiff kitchen faucet spout that refuses to swivel can be frustrating. Thankfully, here’s how to make a faucet spout swivel.
Don’t despair if your faucet is stuck. With the right approach, you can make your faucet spout swivel smoothly again.
This is particularly important for both touch-sensing and manual faucets, as a swiveling spout is essential for efficient water flow and kitchen convenience.
How To Ensure A Smooth-Swiveling Faucet Spout
Necessary Tools:
- Cleaning rag
- Silicone lubricant
- Hex wrench
- Adjustable wrench
1. Shutting Off Water Supply
Begin by turning off the water supply to avoid wastage and facilitate easy repairs. This can be done either from the sink’s valves or the main water supply of your house.
Ensure to cover the drain to prevent small parts from falling in. Then, proceed to detach the handle from the sink.
2. Detaching the Sink Handle
Remove the sink handle. This typically involves loosening two head screws that secure the faucet, which can be done using a wrench. Once loosened, pull out the faucet.
3. Cleaning the Spout
Carefully remove and clean the spouts. Use a sponge or spray for cleaning, then allow it to dry. Subsequently, apply silicone grease to the O-rings for lubrication.
4. Lubricating O-rings
Focus on the O-rings inside the faucet, as they’re often the cause of stiffness in swiveling. Clean them with a rag and then apply silicone grease generously. Avoid using regular grease as it can damage the O-rings and lead to leaks.
Removing A Swivel Kitchen Faucet
1. Loosen the Screw
Find a small oval-shaped screw beside the faucet handle, and use an adjustable wrench to loosen it.
2. Use the Wrench
After loosening the screw, lift off the handle and remove the metal nut.
3. Detach the Metal Nut
Remove the round metal nut. If it’s stuck, use locks with a rag wrapped around the metal for leverage.
4. When a Kitchen Faucet Won’t Swivel
Often, non-swiveling issues arise from dried or sluggish lubricant in the O-rings, causing the spout to tighten and restrict movement. Regular maintenance can prevent this common household issue. Delay in addressing it might lead to a more complicated problem.
While some might resort to quick fixes like WD-40, proper maintenance using the above steps is more effective.
By disassembling, cleaning, lubricating, and reassembling the parts, you can ensure a smoothly swiveling faucet spout.
How To Lubricate Single-Handle Faucets
Regular lubrication can prevent many common faucet issues, such as stiffness or squeaking in the handle.
Lubricating a single-handle faucet is a straightforward task that can help ensure smooth operation and extend its lifespan.
Gather your tools and materials. You will need a few basic tools and materials for this task including:
- Silicone-based lubricant (make sure it’s safe for plumbing applications)
- Allen wrench or screwdriver (depending on your faucet’s design)
- Adjustable wrench
- Clean rags or towels
- Possibly white vinegar (for cleaning mineral deposits)
Before you begin any work on the faucet, ensure the water supply is turned off. This can typically be done under the sink with the shut-off valves.
Remove the Faucet Handle
Most single-handle faucets have a small set screw located under the handle or at the base. Use an Allen wrench or screwdriver to loosen this screw and carefully remove the handle. In some models, you might need to remove a decorative cap to access the screw.
Disassemble the Faucet
After removing the handle, you may see a retaining nut or clip holding the cartridge in place. Use the adjustable wrench to carefully remove this. Then, gently pull out the cartridge or ball assembly.
Clean the Components
Clean any mineral deposits or debris from the cartridge, handle, and inside the faucet body. If there are stubborn deposits, soak the parts in white vinegar for a few hours before scrubbing gently with a non-abrasive pad.
Apply Lubricant
Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to any moving parts, including the O-rings and any other seals on the cartridge. Be careful to apply it evenly and not to use too much, as excess lubricant can attract dirt.
Reassemble the Faucet
Carefully put the cartridge back into the faucet body, ensuring it is correctly aligned. Replace the retaining nut or clip, and then reattach the handle, tightening the set screw securely.
Test the Faucet
Turn the water supply back on and test the faucet. The handle should move smoothly and without resistance. Check for any leaks and make sure the handle returns to its neutral position easily.
Best Options For Faucet Lubricant
When selecting a lubricant for a faucet, it’s important to choose a product that is safe for use with the materials in your faucet and effective in reducing friction and wear.
Silicone Grease
This is widely recommended for lubricating faucet parts. Silicone grease is water-resistant and doesn’t break down in water, making it ideal for plumbing applications. It’s safe to use on rubber and synthetic O-rings and seals.
Plumbers’ Grease
Specifically designed for plumbing fixtures, plumbers’ grease is non-toxic and used to lubricate faucet stems, cartridges, and valves. It helps in preventing corrosion and is safe for use with potable water.
Teflon (PTFE) Lubricant
Teflon-based lubricants are also suitable for faucets. They provide a non-stick, smooth operation and are long-lasting. They’re particularly good for metal parts but should be used sparingly on rubber components.
Graphite Powder
While not as common as silicone or Teflon lubricants, graphite powder can be used for metal components within faucets. However, it’s not suitable for rubber parts and can be messy to apply.
Petroleum Jelly
In a pinch, some people use petroleum jelly. However, it’s important to note that petroleum jelly can degrade rubber over time, so it’s not the best choice for faucets with rubber seals or O-rings.
When choosing a lubricant, avoid:
WD-40 or Similar Products
These are not suitable for long-term lubrication of faucets. They can actually strip away lubrication and can degrade rubber parts.
Oil-Based Lubricants
These can also degrade rubber and don’t last as long as silicone-based lubricants in plumbing applications.
Always check your faucet’s manufacturer guidelines if available, as some manufacturers might recommend specific types of lubricants for their products. And remember, when applying lubricant, use it sparingly to avoid attracting dirt and debris.
