4 Sink Sprayer Connection Types
Sink sprayers add a sense of convenience and value to any kitchen, and they save you time. Washing dishes or cleaning something with a sink sprayer is as easy as it gets. However, it can be less easy to figure out which sink sprayer connection type is best for you.
Quick-connect adapters are reliable sink sprayer connectors and they come in slide-in and threaded varieties. Brass hose adapters are also great because brass is durable and highly resistant to rust. Metal clips are also convenient connections, but the faucet diverter valve adapter is the simplest sink sprayer connector.
Kitchen sink sprayers are useful, easy to install, and even easier to use. Let’s take a deep diver into the types of sink sprayer connectors and adapters.
Types of Sink Sprayer Connectors
1. Quick Connect
Quick connect sink sprayer connectors are popular because of how easy they are to install. Besides that, they successfully create a seal that you desperately need when it comes to sink sprayers. There are two types of quick connect sink sprayer connections: one that is threaded and slides in, and one that slides in on both sides.
Slide-InSlide-in quick connect adapters are the easiest method, and they work just as well as the alternative. Both faucet connections slide into the quick connect adapter so that you can do it quickly and easily. The one downside to this is that slide-in quick connectors are not as tight of a bond.
That means that you run the risk of water leaking out, but quick connect adapters are generally dependable. Both the outlet hose and sink sprayer slide directly into the quick connector so that they are perfectly in line with one another. This ensures that the water reaches the sink sprayer from the outlet hose right away.
There is no threaded or seal like with the other type of quick connect adapter, but they are still strong. The hose and sprayer do click into place, so the quick connect adapter does keep them secure.
ThreadedThis option is the same as the previous connector, except that the adaptor has one sliding end and one end that is threaded. Some homeowners and plumbers prefer this connector type because the threaded end helps create a stronger bond. You install the threaded quick connector the same way as the slide-in, but you have to screw one end into the threaded opening.
Always make sure that there is no water left in the faucet before you install a quick connect adapter to avoid a mess. Threaded connectors like this are a great way to prevent leaks and even rust in the future. Consider threaded quick connect sink sprayer connectors if you want an easy-to-install, durable adapter.
2. Brass Hose Adapter
Brass hose adapters are a great option for sink sprayer connectors because of how durable they are. You won’t have to worry about rust and general wear and tear with brass hose adapters. They screw into the faucet easily enough that you can use your hand, but it’s still wise to tighten it with a wrench.
Every brass hose adapter comes with a washer on the bottom that ensures that water won’t leak out. Make sure to use the washer or else you run the risk of the adapter coming loose and creating a wet mess. Simply push the brass hose connector gently, and eventually, it will make a clicking noise.
Once the brass adapter clicks into place, it is secure and ready to use once you tighten the screws. Brass hose adapters work well, ensure a tight seal, and are easy to install. You can expect to spend as little as $5 for a brass hose adapter, and another $30-$50 for a brass hose.
3. Faucet Diverter Valve Adapter
Faucet diverter valve adapters are the most commonly used type of sink sprayer connector. They cost as little as $9 and allow any homeowner to attach a sink sprayer to a standard faucet. A faucet diverter sends the water in your faucet down a different route towards your sink sprayer.
They are so popular because faucet sprayer diverter adapters allow more homeowners to use a sink sprayer. In many ways, faucet diverter valves are the perfect type of sink sprayer connectors, and anyone can install one. Treat your faucet divert valve well as they can become worn out or rusty if you use them often.
Even still, you can trust your diverter valve adapter to serve you well for years. Diverter valve adapters can save you a small fortune if it’s compatible with your faucet. There’s no need to have your sink converted if it can work with a faucet diverter valve adapter.
4. Metal Clip
You can connect your sink sprayer to the line and faucet using a simple metal clip. Metal clips are great sink sprayer connectors because they form a tight grip, and they are easy to install. Rust should not be an issue if you install the metal clip tightly enough, and it’s rare for them to come loose.
Take a look at the brass shank on your connection to make sure that it is compatible with metal clips. Metal clips only work if the brass shank is fitted with an O-ring, otherwise, it won’t fit properly. If the brass shank does have an O-ring, you can simply pull the hose up into the O-ring until you have a tight fit.
Metal clips clamp onto the hose and brass shank to keep them both in place. Screw the metal clamp into place with your hands, and make sure that you only turn it clockwise. Be careful to not overtighten the metal clamp, or else you can damage both the hose and the brass shank.
How To Install Sink Sprayer
Installing sink sprayers is easier than it may seem, and it takes no time at all. You can hire a professional to do it, but DIY-minded homeowners should have no trouble doing it on their own.
Step 1: Shut Off Water
Locate the water shutoff valve so that you can cut the water supply. You will find the shutoff valve in the cabinet below your sink. Turn the valve until it is off and let any remaining water out of the faucet.
Step 2: Apply Connector
Take the connector of your choice, such as quick-connect or metal clip, and push the water supply line into the faucet tailpiece. Threaded or metal clip connectors are your best bet to make sure that the supply line won’t come loose from the faucet line.
Step 3: Secure the Faucet
The faucet and sink sprayer must be secure before you pull the supply lines up through the sink. Secure the edges of your faucet’s base using putty or silicone so that it holds tight. Give the silicone or putty a good 10-20 minutes to cure before you move onto the next step.
Step 4: Pull Supply Lines Into Sink
Make sure that your supply line and faucet tailpiece are connected strongly before you move on. That’s important because you will pull the supply lines up through the sink in this step. It’s a great idea to have an extra set of helping hands so that you can make sure that you feed the supply line through the holes in the sink.
Put yourself under the sink so that you can look up through the holes where the supply line needs to go. Have your helper above the sink with a flashlight if possible so that you position the supply line exactly. The tailpiece and supply lines are already connected, so they should pop up into the holes without any problem.
Before you move on, double-check to make sure that the base of the faucet runs evenly along the back wall.
Step 5: Secure Faucet Tailpieces
Now, you must secure the faucet tailpieces that are connected to the supply line. Crouch underneath the sink so that you can see the faucet tailpieces. Take a set of washers and screw them onto the faucet tailpieces by hand.
Now, use pliers or a wrench to gently tighten the washers so that there is no chance of losing the connection. Avoid tightening the washers too much, or you run the risk of damaging the tailpieces which can lead to a wet mess.
Step 6: Attach Supply Lines
Locate the shut-off valves beneath the sink that feed into the wall. Take your faucet supply lines, connect them to the shut-off valves and make sure that they’re tight. Check the nuts to make sure that they’re tight but not too tight as to restrict flow or damage the faucet lines.
Step 7: Secure Sprayer Base
Now, turn your attention to the sink sprayer base. Use putty or silicone caulk to apply a thick layer to the sprayer base to ensure a tight bond. Make sure that the tailpiece faces downward into the open hole in the sink, and let the putty work its magic.
Step 8: Mount the Sprayer Hose
Attach your sprayer hose to the sprayer head and slide a washer over the tailpiece. Tighten the washer and apply a mounting nut to the tailpiece, and screw it in. Make sure that any putty or silicone that spilled over isn’t in the way and remove it with a knife or screwdriver if need be.
Step 9: Attach Sprayer Hose
All that is left to do is attach the sprayer hose to the faucet so that it will spray as needed. Screw or slide (depending on the connector) the spray hose into the faucet line. Either push the sprayer hose into the faucet line until you hear a click or screw it in place if it’s a metal clip or threaded adapter.
Make sure that the sprayer hose is on tightly before you turn the water supply back on. Go back underneath the sink and turn the valve to turn the water supply on. Start slow and give the sprayer a small amount of water so that you can catch any leaks before they create a mess.
As long as you made a tight sprayer hose connection and used enough putty or caulk, you should be fine. Sprayer hoses are easy to install and you can count on them to last you for years.
Related Questions
Can you add a sink sprayer to an existing faucet?
Yes, you can add a sink sprayer to many existing faucets using a faucet diverter valve adapter. If you have a hole in your sink that you aren’t using, you can likely add a sink sprayer to it. There are also sink sprayer kits available that any homeowner can install in 10 minutes or less.
Are sink sprayers universal?
Some sink sprayers are universal but check to make sure that yours is before you try to install it. Many home and hardware stores carry universal sink sprayers and sink sprayer parts to replace defunct units. Check your kitchen faucet size and make sure that your sink sprayer kit or replacement nozzles are compatible.
Summing It Up
Quick connect sink sprayer connectors are one of the most popular options for adapters right now. The variety with one side that slides in and another that is threaded is the most effective. That’s because the threaded end creates a strong seal so that you don’t have to worry about leaks or an ineffective bond.
However, it is easier to use the quick connect adapter where both sides slide in between the hose and sprayer. Faucet sprayer valve diverters are great sink sprayer connectors because they allow almost any homeowner to use a sink sprayer. They only cost $9, and you can save a fortune by installing your faucet sprayer valve diverter on your own.
Metal clips are also easy to use, effective sink sprayer connectors that take no time to install. They simply clip onto the hoses and can be screwed tight clockwise by hand. Each of these sink sprayer connection types is dependable, easy to install, and affordable
Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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