Handy Folk...Plumbing question

[ancientone51]

I was doing dishes and using the sprayer thingy. Then tried to use just the faucet and it didn't work.

The sprayer works just fine, but that can be a bit messy.

It's a Moen system, very old (est.20 year range), if that helps.

We are so short on funds that I need to do this myself. Am fairly handy. Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Gertch]

Sounds like something plugging the insides? Try this one. Couple of posts down has some interesting things.

 

[ancientone51]

Thanks, will check them out


anyone else?

 

[John Picard]

Yep. Sounds like a clog. Could be either the screen in the faucet or in the line. Try the This Old House forums as well. Great info over there.

 

[Gertch]

I kinda ruled out a line problem since the sprayer was still working.

When you use the sprayer can you still adjust the temp or is it just hot or cold?

 

[Trekker4747]

I would check the screen (if there is one) of tap's spigot. It is possible it is simply clogged up with junk. Removing it and cleaning the screen/head could solve your problem. If there's no screen/head on the faucet then it's likely something in the pipe (somehow.) You can remove the screen head with a good pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench (or even channel locks) and some good twists to loosen it and then hand unscrew. Inside there should a metal screen and a plastic... "flow... widget" sometimes crap can clog up the screen and tiny holes in the little widget thing. Clean it out, re apply them (tightening the head good) and it should work.

Is the faucet not working at all or just low pressure? That might just be the nature of it and you might want to look at a high-pressure head for the faucet -you can buy one that acts as a sprayer like your hand-widget. Infact it works better, IMO.

 

[ancientone51]

Sprayer works, but the water doesn't get hot.

We checked the screen on the faucet, clean. Simply no flow through the faucet.

Daughter thinks it is the diverter.

Appreciate the help.

 

[Trekker4747]

Sprayer works, but the water doesn't get hot.

We checked the screen on the faucet, clean. Simply no flow through the faucet.

Daughter thinks it is the diverter.

Appreciate the help.

Hmmm could be.

Could be its valve is stuck in the position that gives flow to the sprayer and not the faucet. To check that you'll have to probably shut off the water flow through your sink's pipes (or likely the water to the whole house) and remove the divertor to look and see it is working properly.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Yep. the diverter is stuck. Lowes and Home Depot are likely to have repair parts.

 

[ancientone51]

Thanks all.
Will get it done this weekend.
Paper plates may not be green, but e just don't have time till Sat to do it right.