I have a swiveling faucet that no longer swivels, how do I get it apart to clean it?

Submitted by RUN-PMT t3_11a39hq in DIY

The aforementioned faucet.

Kitchen sink faucet in my condo, used to swivel back and forth with no issue, over the years has seized up and no longer moves from side to side. Have tried forcing it to move and the ENTIRE thing will turn rather than just the center portion as designed (meaning the handle goes out of center). Bit annoying as I have a 2-basin sink and it's stuck to one side.

How would I get this apart to clean it out so it turns again? And could it also be an issue with the base not being properly secured to the countertop?

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bluehat9 t1_j9pn688 wrote

You could try using some floss to clean out in the bottom and upper cracks. Might work or might not. Next step is probably disassembling the faucet, which can be pretty tricky.

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jxj24 t1_j9poxsm wrote

It looks like the exact same model faucet I installed in my kitchen years ago. It is, in fact, an utter piece of garbage, and anything you try to do to fix it will be, at best, temporary.

The problem is in its basic design: the retractable hose WILL leak eventually, and all the leaked water will drip down into the base, which WILL mineralize and/or corrode.

I finally got sick of it and stopped wasting good effort on a bad faucet. I replaced it with a tall-neck design, where the retractable hose pulls down from the neck, rather than up as with the old one. Less than an hour of work, and now no more aggravation!

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kittenrice t1_j9pq47d wrote

I went through two of that style of faucet, where the whole thing moves, and had the same problem of them becoming hard to move.

Then I was at Costco one day and spotted this faucet.

The flow rate is a little less than I would like and the spray pattern takes some getting used to, but the base doesn't turn, only the top portion does, and the extra height comes in handy, and I think it looks pretty cool. I've had it over a year and don't regret it at all.

So, if you're taking yours out to clean it, give some consideration to replacing it with one that doesn't suck.

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RUN-PMT OP t1_j9pr223 wrote

Replying to jxj24 (#1,943,769)

Seems to be a pfister shelton model based on my limited search at Lowes.com. Being a cheap piece of crap would track considering the other half-assed 'renovations' this condo received from the previous owner.

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RUN-PMT OP t1_j9prjap wrote

Replying to kittenrice (#1,943,920)

Definitely a consideration, I was hoping it could just be a quick disassemble and reassemble. Replacing it would be more of something I'd like to do down the road with a kitchen remodel/refresh.

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Riovas t1_j9pryzf wrote

Underneath the sink is a mounting nut that hold the faucet in place. I would first try to loosen this a bit so you can lift the faucet and clean the area, check if there is gasket that might be damaged holding it in place. Dont lift too high as you still have the water hoses connected.

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mikemarshvegas t1_j9pxdd3 wrote

remove red dot from handle, find allen screw underneath, loosen. remove handle. loosen retaining nut, this should allow the arm to pivot once again. put handle back on, tighten allen screw, replace red dot. wash dishes.

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betcher73 t1_j9s0tvt wrote

Take it apart and soak it in vinegar. Unfortunately your best option is to replace it.

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Present_Ad5302 t1_j9tf6ul wrote

Pull the faucet hose out enough to put clr down the shaft. Let it set for a few minutes then loosen the bottom nut under the counter that will give you enough space to rinse out the debris. Tighten back up and your problem should be resolved. I will use a product called break loose when assembling these (hundred+) and never have an issue with it . In my city the water ph is 8.5 so it doesn’t matter what type you get they will always have back water go into the cup and that will calcify making them difficult to operate. I hope that helps.

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