My kitchen sink faucet is hard to move left to right. How can I clean or lubricate the faucet?

Question

I would like to clean or lubricate my kitchen sink faucet so that it can move left to right more easily. Do I have to take it apart to do this? What cleaning products or lubricants should be used?

I rent the apartment so I can't get a new faucet. I would only like to clean or lubricate the faucet.

Corky is on the right track. It's a single handled unit where the faucet part comes out with a hose attached, and you can switch between many small streams of water or one big stream. I forget the manufacturer but it is probably delta or moen.

Answer 1

Mr. sensible is correct. If this is a Delta or Peerless single arm unit, then there will be hex set screw on the underside of the handle. You'll have to turn off the water to the faucet to take it off as removing the piece below it will certainly give you more water than you want. Once you've loosened the set screw you should be able to twist, carefully, the handle till it starts coming up and off the shaft it's on. Then take the center hub, (cap), off by unscrewing it, probably with a pair of channel lock pliers or a strap wrench. If you use the channel locks, put a small towel or cloth around the top before applying any force, to minimize the scratching. Once you have this cap removed the center spigot should come off the post with a twisting motion. There will be two "O" rings on the post, one near the top and one near the bottom. Wipe the whole thing off with a paper towel, inside the spigot and outside of the post. Then apply white vaseline to both surfaces in a generous manner and reinstall the pieces. It should work much better.
If it's a two handled unit with a spigot in the center, then there should be a solid cap on the top of the center post that should unscrew to release the spigot the same as the first discription. Clean, lubricate and reinstall the same. Turn the water back on. Don't use WD40 on the fixture.

Answer 2

Whatever you do, do not use a petroleum based lubricant on it.
If you did, take it apart and clean it thoroughly.
Petroleum products will cause the rubber parts to swell (making it even harder to move) and then rot (allowing water to leak all over).
Even some "silicone" lubes aren't safe for plumbing. That stuff is coming in contact with the water you drink and cook with. Go to the plumbing aisle and get some lubricant there. Use it sparingly.
Better yet, replace the o-rings. Clean up the metal parts with vinegar. Put it all back together.
Delta's website may find you a match to the faucet, as well as an FAQ that may help. Call their 800# if it is a Delta/Peerless and they can walk you thru the repair.

Answer 3

Faucet Grease

Answer 4

NO washers in a delta. What you need is a delta rebuild kit, maybe $10.00. It contains the ball, seals and springs. All you need is an allen wrench and water pump plyers to get the faucet apart. A relitivly simple DIY project. That is if you turn off the water supply first. If not it's a bit more complex, but very exciting too.

Answer 5

Most fauctes that swivel - have a base cap nut
where they attach to the base. Carefully use a
pair of pliers to loosen the nut - just a little.

There is a rubber washer usually under that nut - I would think someone has over tightned it , so it wouldnt leak. Your peticular model may have a rubber o-ring , or a polystyrene seal. If it starts to leak after u loosen it a bit -
turn off the water valves - and take it apart ...replace the seal / o-ring...etc.

>>> Maintance - should fix it - though.

Answer 6

I have the stiff spout issue too. Mine is a Moen brand. I browsed some youtubes, a guy videos a repair on one.

He says there are bearings at the top and bottom. He replaced the ones in his video. Said they were included in a kit. I am calling a plumber supply in the morning and asking some queistions I don't know if one could lube the bearings. I would bet they are sealed and not lubeable. So I may be buying new bearings or the kit.
Here is the video url: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BKYZt6DQX4

Answer 7

None can be used.

Faucets get rusted inside their workings by the water, making it hard to move them like you mention.

Start pricing new faucets at Lowes, Home Depot or another retailer, even smaller local ones. Faucets can get pricy so be extremely careful on the name brand you insist upon.

Answer 8

Turn off the hot and cold water supply under the sink. Look for a screw that holds the handle on or a large ring that screws over the handle. Remove the cover and look for signs of wear. may just need some plumbers grease.

Answer 9

try spraying it with W-40.....and it has to loosen up ,,,it really works

Answer 10

the plug is stuck, someone sabatoged it