6 Steps to Remove a Single Handle Kitchen Faucet with Sprayer

You want to fix or replace your kitchen faucet but don’t know how to take off the single handle faucet with a sprayer. Removing it may seem tricky, but you can do it yourself without a plumber. In this article, you will get a clear, step-by-step way to remove your kitchen faucet safely and easily.

Prepare Your Workspace and Gather Tools

Before starting to remove your kitchen faucet, it’s important to get ready. This saves time and keeps the work safe and smooth. First, clear the area under the sink. Remove any cleaning supplies, boxes, or anything that could block your movement. You need enough space to move your hands and tools freely. If your kitchen has a cabinet, open the doors fully and check the lighting. Good light helps you see the faucet parts clearly.

Next, gather the tools you need. Most single handle kitchen faucets with sprayers require a few basic tools. You will need an adjustable wrench, a basin wrench (this is special and very helpful for tight spaces), a screwdriver (usually Phillips), pliers, and a bucket to catch any water. Also, keep a towel or rag ready to wipe up water spills. Having all tools near you will avoid stopping in the middle of the job.

Before touching the faucet, turn off the water supply. Under the sink, there are usually two shut-off valves—one for hot water and one for cold. Turn both valves clockwise until they stop. Then, open the faucet handle to drain any water left in the pipes. This prevents water from spilling when you disconnect the faucet.

Check for any electricity near the sink if you have a garbage disposal or dishwasher connected. Turn off power if needed for safety.

• Clear space under the sink for easy access
• Open cabinet doors and ensure good lighting
• Gather tools: adjustable wrench, basin wrench, screwdriver, pliers, bucket, towel
• Turn off water supply valves under the sink
• Open faucet handle to drain water
• Ensure electrical safety if appliances are nearby

Disconnect the Sprayer Hose and Water Lines

Now that your workspace is ready, you can start disconnecting the faucet connections. Begin with the sprayer hose. The sprayer is usually connected to the faucet with a small plastic or metal nut underneath the sink. Follow the sprayer hose to where it attaches, and use your hands or pliers to loosen and remove the nut carefully. Be gentle so you don’t damage the hose or fittings. Keep the sprayer hose loose but don’t pull it hard yet.

Next, disconnect the water supply lines. These lines connect the faucet to your shut-off valves. Use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts holding the hot and cold water lines. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen. Some water may drip, so keep your bucket and towel ready to catch it. After loosening, pull the lines away carefully.

If your faucet has flexible supply lines, you can remove them easily. If it uses rigid pipes, you might need extra tools or help. Always double-check you turned off the water before removing these lines.

After disconnecting, put all nuts and washers somewhere safe. You might need them if you plan to reuse parts or when installing a new faucet.

• Locate and loosen sprayer hose nut with pliers or hands
• Be gentle to avoid damage
• Use adjustable wrench to loosen hot and cold water supply lines
• Catch dripping water with a bucket and towel
• Handle flexible or rigid supply lines carefully
• Save nuts and washers for later use

Remove the Faucet Handle and Cover

With the water and sprayer disconnected, the next part is to remove the faucet handle. The handle controls the water flow and temperature. On single handle faucets, the handle is usually secured with a small screw hidden under a decorative cap or cover. Look closely on top or behind the handle for this small cap.

Use a flat screwdriver or your fingernail to gently pry off the cap. You should see a small screw inside. Using a screwdriver, turn the screw counterclockwise until it comes out. Once the screw is removed, try lifting or pulling the handle straight up or toward you. It should come off without much force.

If the handle is stuck due to mineral build-up or age, apply a bit of penetrating oil around the base. Let it sit for a few minutes, then try again. Avoid using too much force to prevent breaking parts.

After removing the handle, you will see the faucet cartridge or valve underneath. Do not try to remove this yet; focus on freeing the handle first.

• Find and remove the decorative cap on the handle
• Unscrew the handle screw using a screwdriver
• Lift or pull off the handle carefully
• Use penetrating oil if handle is stuck
• Avoid breaking parts by not forcing the handle
• Prepare to work on the cartridge after handle removal

Detach the Faucet Base and Mounting Nuts

Once the handle is off, the faucet base is next. This is the part that sits on your sink or countertop. Underneath the sink, you will find mounting nuts or brackets holding the faucet tight in place. These keep the faucet from moving when you use it.

Get your basin wrench ready, as this tool fits well in tight spaces under the sink. Look for the large nuts or nuts attached to mounting brackets that hold the faucet. Turn these nuts counterclockwise to loosen them. This may take some effort, especially if the nuts are old or corroded.

Sometimes, the faucet base is sealed with plumber’s putty or caulk. If you see any sealing on the sink surface, gently use a putty knife or a flat tool to break the seal around the faucet base. Be careful not to scratch your sink.

After loosening the nuts and breaking any seal, try to lift the faucet base from the sink top. Wiggle it a little if it feels stuck, but it should come off. If the sprayer hose is still attached inside the faucet, carefully pull it free.

• Use basin wrench to loosen mounting nuts under the sink
• Turn nuts counterclockwise to remove
• Break any plumber’s putty or caulk seal gently
• Avoid scratching the sink surface
• Lift faucet base from the sink
• Disconnect sprayer hose from faucet if still attached

Remove the Faucet Cartridge and Internal Parts

With the faucet base off, you can access the cartridge inside. The cartridge controls the water flow and mixes hot and cold water. Removing it is important if you plan to replace the faucet or fix internal problems.

Look inside the faucet body. The cartridge is usually held by a retaining clip or a nut. Use pliers or a wrench to remove the clip or nut carefully. Once free, pull the cartridge straight out. Sometimes it is tight or stuck because of mineral deposits or old age. You can spray some vinegar or a cleaning solution to loosen it.

Take note of how the cartridge sits inside the faucet. When you put a new cartridge or faucet back, it’s important to install it in the right position.

After removing the cartridge, check inside the faucet body for any debris, dirt, or mineral build-up. Clean the area well with a cloth or brush. This helps your new faucet work better and last longer.

• Identify and remove retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge
• Pull cartridge out gently
• Use vinegar or cleaner if cartridge is stuck
• Observe cartridge position for reinstallation
• Clean inside faucet body from dirt and deposits
• Prepare faucet body for replacement or repair

Clean the Sink Area and Prepare for New Faucet

After you remove the old faucet and its parts, the last part is to clean and prepare the sink area for the new faucet or finishing the job. Old plumber’s putty, caulk, or mineral deposits may be stuck around the faucet holes on the sink.

Use a putty knife or scraper to remove old putty or caulk carefully. Be sure not to damage the sink surface. Next, wipe the area with a clean cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to remove any remaining dirt. Dry the surface completely with a towel.

Check the faucet holes for any damage or corrosion. If you see rust or worn-out parts around the holes, you may need to fix them before installing a new faucet.

Finally, gather your new faucet and parts. Read the instructions that come with the new faucet to make sure you have all parts and tools ready. You can now install your new faucet or simply leave the area clean if you plan to call a professional next.

• Remove old plumber’s putty and caulk from sink surface
• Clean area with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly
• Check faucet holes for damage or rust
• Fix any issues before new faucet installation
• Prepare new faucet parts and read instructions
• Leave area clean and ready for next steps

Final Thoughts

Removing a single handle kitchen faucet with sprayer can seem hard, but if you take it slowly and follow these clear instructions, it is easy to do yourself. Being prepared and patient makes the process safe and less stressful. Each part has its place, and handling tools carefully protects your sink and plumbing. Now, you can fix or replace your faucet with confidence and save money by doing it yourself. The kitchen will look fresh and work better once you finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it necessary to turn off the water before removing the faucet?

Yes, it is very important to turn off the water supply before removing your faucet. This prevents water from spilling or flooding under the sink. Turning off the valves stops water flow through the pipes. Opening the faucet handle after shutting the valves helps drain any water left in the pipes, making removal easier and cleaner.

Can I remove the faucet without a basin wrench?

While you can try, it is very difficult to remove the mounting nuts without a basin wrench. The space under the sink is tight and hard to reach. The basin wrench is specially made with a long handle and a jaw that fits nuts in small spaces. Using the wrong tool might damage the nuts or take much longer.

Do I need to disconnect the sprayer hose first?

Yes, disconnecting the sprayer hose first is a good idea. It prevents damage to the hose or faucet parts during removal. The hose is usually connected under the sink and must be loosened gently before pulling the faucet off the sink.

Is it normal for the faucet handle to be hard to remove?

Yes, faucet handles can be stuck due to mineral deposits or old age. Applying penetrating oil helps loosen the handle. Let the oil sit for a few minutes before trying again. Avoid using too much force, which can break the handle or other parts.

Can I reuse the old faucet parts when installing a new faucet?

Usually, it is better to use the parts that come with your new faucet. Old nuts, washers, or cartridges might be worn or damaged. Using new parts ensures better performance and longer life for your new faucet. However, if some parts look good and match the new faucet, you may reuse them.

Do I need to clean the sink area after removing the faucet?

Yes, cleaning the sink area after removal is important. Old putty, caulk, or dirt can stop the new faucet from sealing properly. Cleaning also removes mineral build-up and prevents leaks. Use a putty knife and warm soapy water to clean and dry the area before installing a new faucet.

Is it safe to work under the sink without turning off electricity?

If you have appliances near the sink like a garbage disposal or dishwasher, it is safer to turn off electricity to avoid electric shock. Water and electricity are dangerous together, so always check before working under the sink.

Can I remove the cartridge without special tools?

Some cartridges can be removed by hand or with pliers, but sometimes you may need a special tool or wrench. It depends on the faucet brand and model. If the cartridge is stuck, using vinegar to loosen mineral deposits helps. Always be gentle to avoid breaking parts.