Common kitchen faucet problems
Pull-down sprayer won't go back in
Pull-down and pull-out faucets use a small weight clamped to the hose under the sink. When it slides out of place, or the hose snags on something stored in the cabinet, the spray head hangs loose. Often the fix is to reposition the weight and clear the path. If the hose is kinked or worn, it needs replacing.
Sprayer is leaking
Water dripping from the spray head usually means a worn seal or a cracked head. Water under the sink when the sprayer is in use usually points to the hose or its quick-connect fitting. Replacement hoses and spray heads are available for most major brands.
Spray button stuck, or it keeps switching modes
Mineral buildup and wear inside the spray head can stop the button from moving freely. Soaking the head in vinegar sometimes helps. If it doesn't, the head or the diverter inside it needs replacing.
Side sprayer barely works
On faucets with a separate side sprayer, weak spray is usually caused by a clogged diverter valve inside the faucet body or a kinked sprayer hose.
Touchless or touch faucet stopped working
Start with the simple things. Replace the batteries in the control box under the sink, or check that it's plugged in if it uses an adapter. Look for a loose wire or a tripped connection. If it still won't respond, the sensor or the solenoid valve may have failed. Most touchless faucets have a manual handle that still works in the meantime.
Leaking at the base or the handle
Kitchen faucets swivel all day, so the O-rings at the base of the spout wear out faster than in a bathroom. A leak at the handle usually means a worn cartridge. See leaking faucet repair for how to find where a leak starts.