Purchasing this particular Delta kitchen faucet diverter assembly will aid in fixing any leaks that are coming from your Delta faucet leak easily as a DIY project. This repair part is budget-friendly and is useful for repairing a leak without having to replace the entire Delta kitchen faucet valve.
How to Unclog a Diverter Valve in the Delta Kitchen Faucet
The kitchen faucet diverter redirects the water from the faucet spout to the hose. Sediment and mineral buildup can form on the sink sprayer diverter with time, which in turn causes reduced water or prevents any water from flowing to the sprayer at all. This could eventually result in a faucet sprayer that sputters or pulsates. If there are any signs that your Delta faucet diverter valve is clogged, you would need to clean it.
Other Delta Faucets with Diverters
Many other Delta faucets contain diverters apart from the Delta kitchen faucets. For example, in the Delta tub and shower faucets, there is usually a diverter that redirects water from the showerhead to the tub spout. This particular Delta diverter is located on the tub spout; either as a lever or a button on the faucet. A Delta shower faucet that has a hand-held showerhead also contains a diverter. If the Delta diverter valve in your Delta faucet needs to be replaced, it's important to be able to identify the type of faucet that you have.
Normally, two-handle Delta kitchen faucets that have a spray will not contain a sink sprayer diverter. The diverters in the two-handled kitchen faucets usually work the same as the diverter on a Delta single-handle kitchen faucet. However, these faucets, are located right under the faucet cap and removing these does not require removing the Delta handles or the spout. The two-handled diverters are cleaned in the same way as those in the Delta single-handle kitchen faucets. It is recommended that you replace the Delta diverter if it fails to come clean-or if it is damaged.
How to Unclog a Diverter Valve
Step 1: Turn the Main Water Supply Off
Turn the water supply off using both the hot and cold shutoff valves that are located under the sink. If there are no shutoff valves under the sink, turn off the main shutoff valve. This should then turn the water to all of your fixtures off. To drain out any water remaining in the lines you should turn the Delta faucet off.
Step 2: Remove the Delta Faucet Handle
Usually, there is a set screw that is located at the bottom of the handle of a Delta single-handle faucet, find it. It will most likely be covered with a decorative cap that can be easily pulled off. Loosen the set screw and then pull the Delta faucet handle right off. Use an Allen wrench or a hex wrench to remove the set screw.
Step 3: Locate the Delta Kitchen Faucet Diverter
Loosen the Delta kitchen faucet bonnet nut or the dome-shaped covering, by turning it counterclockwise. This part should be turned off just by hand. However, if it fails to turn off by hand, place a clean piece of cloth over the bonnet to avoid scratching it and then use a pair of pliers to remove it. Remove the faucet spout by moving it back and forth in a gentle manner as you pull it up. The Delta kitchen faucet diverter is usually located at the front of the faucet body. In other faucets, it faces the back.
Step 4: Clean the Delta Kitchen Faucet Diverter
Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to remove the Delta kitchen faucet diverter valve from the hole that is in the faucet body. Use vinegar to soak the diverter for about an hour or two. This should help in breaking down all the mineral deposits. Clean the area on the faucet body where the diverter sits carefully using a small brush to remove any extra deposits or blockages from the area.
Step 5: Re-install the Delta Kitchen Faucet Diverter
Re-install the clean Delta kitchen faucet diverter in the faucet body by pushing it in using your finger. Use silicone faucet grease to lubricate the rubber O-rings that are on the faucet body. Then proceed to push the spout onto the Delta faucet and tighten the bonnet to secure it in place.
Re-install the handle afterwards and do not forget to tighten the set screw and push the decorative cap over it.
Step 6: Turn the Main Water Supply Back On
Turn the water on at the supply shutoff valves. Turn the faucet back on and then test to see if the sink sprayer functions as well as it should.
Conclusion
If accessing the plumbing system is a bit of a hassle after reading through this post, it is recommended that you pay just a small service call fee for repairs and replacements on your failed systems and appliances. It would be wise to also look into getting a home warranty plan. As long as the failure was caused by normal wear and tear and you are unable to fix it by yourself, you can easily get the repairs done by a professional plumber.