How to Fix a Non-Swiveling or Non-Rotating Kitchen Faucet

When your kitchen faucet stops swiveling, the first step is figuring out what’s causing the issue. It could be due to a blocked O-ring, mineral deposits, or parts that have worn out over time. Once you’ve pinpointed the problem, gather your tools before starting to take the faucet apart.

Cleaning and adding lubrication often solve the problem. However, if the faucet is seriously damaged, you might need to replace some of its parts. In the next sections, we’ll walk you through the process of fixing a non-swiveling kitchen faucet. Follow these steps, and soon your sink will be back in perfect working order.

Understanding the Issue 

When your kitchen faucet stops swiveling properly, it can be annoying. But before you can fix it, you need to know why it’s happening. Here are some common reasons:

Difficult Swiveling

If your faucet still moves but feels stiff, minerals or dirt might have built up inside the swivel joint. Minerals in water can stick together and make it hard to move. To fix this, you can clean the swivel joint carefully:

1. Turn off the water going to the faucet.
2. Take off the handle to reach the swivel joint.
3. Use a soft brush with warm water and vinegar to clean the inside.
4. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
5. Put the handle back and turn the water on again.

No Movement at All 

If your faucet won’t swivel at all, the swivel joint might be broken or worn out. This happens over time from regular use. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the swivel joint:

1. Turn off the water going to the faucet.
2. Remove the handle to get to the swivel joint.
3. Take out the old swivel joint by unscrewing it.
4. Screw in a new swivel joint in its place.
5. Put the handle back and turn the water on again.

Following these steps helps you find out why your kitchen faucet isn’t swiveling and how to fix it. Now you can get it working smoothly again in no time!

Preparing Your Tools 

Before you begin fixing your kitchen faucet that won’t swivel, it’s important to gather the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Adjustable Wrench: This tool helps you loosen and tighten nuts and bolts of different sizes. It’s essential for removing the faucet handle and other parts securely.
2. Screwdriver: You’ll need both a flathead and a Phillips screwdriver. The flathead removes the handle, while the Phillips tackles screws holding the faucet body together.
3. Pliers: Pliers grip and turn small parts like nuts and bolts. They’re handy for removing the cartridge or stem from the faucet body.
4. Allen Wrench: This small L-shaped tool removes set screws holding the faucet handle in place. It’s necessary if your faucet uses set screws.
5. Lubricant: WD-40 or silicone grease helps loosen and lubricate faucet parts. Use it on O-rings and other moving parts to keep everything working smoothly.

Having these tools ready will simplify fixing your kitchen faucet that’s not swiveling. With them, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the repair job efficiently and effectively.

Disassembling the Faucet 

Taking Apart the Faucet: If your kitchen faucet isn’t swiveling smoothly, it might need to be taken apart and cleaned. This process isn’t hard, and you can do it yourself with a few basic tools. Here’s how to disassemble your kitchen faucet:

Removing the Handle: Start by turning off the water supply to the faucet. Next, take off the faucet handle. Depending on your faucet type, the handle might be secured with a screw or clip. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the screw or clip, then pull off the handle.

Loosening the Bonnet Nut: Once the handle is off, you’ll see the bonnet nut. This nut holds the faucet cartridge in place. Use a wrench to loosen the bonnet nut. Turn it counterclockwise until it’s loose enough to remove by hand.

Pulling Out the Spout: With the bonnet nut removed, you can now pull out the spout. The spout is held in place by the faucet cartridge. Grip the spout firmly with both hands and pull it straight up to take it out. If it’s stuck, use a cartridge puller tool to help extract it.

Once the spout is out, you can clean all the parts thoroughly and replace any that are worn or damaged. In the next section, we’ll cover how to clean everything and put your faucet back together.

Checking for Damage

 If your kitchen faucet isn’t swiveling properly, there may be damage to its parts. Here are ways to inspect your faucet for issues:

Inspecting O-Rings: O-Rings are small rubber rings inside the faucet handle that create a seal to prevent leaks. Damaged or worn O-rings can prevent the faucet from swiveling. Turn off the water and remove the handle to check them. Look for cracks or wear. Replace any damaged O-rings with new ones to fix the issue.

Assessing the Cartridge: The cartridge controls water flow in the faucet. If it’s damaged, the faucet may not swivel. Turn off the water and remove the handle to access the cartridge. Look for cracks or wear on the cartridge. Replace it if damaged to restore the swivel function.

Examining the Spout Base: The spout base connects the faucet to the sink. Damage or looseness here can prevent swiveling. Turn off the water and remove the handle to inspect the spout base. Check for any damage or looseness. Tighten or replace the base if necessary to fix the swivel problem.

By checking these areas for damage, you can pinpoint the problem with your kitchen faucet and fix it. Always turn off the water before inspecting or working on your faucet, and handle plumbing parts with care to avoid accidents.

Replacing Worn-Out Parts 

If your kitchen faucet isn’t swiveling or rotating smoothly, worn-out parts could be the culprit. Let’s discuss two common parts that may cause this issue and how to replace them: O-rings and cartridges.

Replacing O-Rings

O-rings are small rubber rings that create a seal between the faucet’s spout and base. Over time, they can wear out, making the faucet stiff and hard to swivel.

To replace O-rings, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the faucet handle.
3. Unscrew the cap to expose the O-rings.
4. Remove the old O-rings and replace them with new ones of the same size.
5. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order.

Replacing the Cartridge 

The cartridge controls the water flow in the faucet. If it’s worn or damaged, the faucet can become stiff and difficult to swivel.

To replace the cartridge, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the faucet handle.
3. Remove the retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge in place.
4. Pull out the old cartridge and replace it with a new one of the same size.
5. Reassemble the faucet in the reverse order.

By replacing these worn-out parts, you can restore your kitchen faucet’s ability to swivel and rotate smoothly. If you’re unsure about replacing these parts yourself, consider hiring a professional plumber for assistance. This ensures the job is done correctly and your faucet works perfectly again.

Putting Your Faucet Back Together 

After cleaning and replacing any damaged parts, it’s time to reassemble your faucet. Follow these steps to complete the process:

1. Insert the cartridge back into the faucet neck, ensuring it clicks securely into place.
2. Slide the plastic sleeve into the faucet neck, ensuring it fits snugly against the sides.
3. Reattach the metal clip onto the cartridge, pressing it down until it clicks into position.
4. Screw the handle back onto the cartridge securely.
5. Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to ensure it swivels and rotates smoothly.

If the faucet still doesn’t move properly, you might need to disassemble it again to check for overlooked damage or debris. Keeping your faucet clean and free of debris helps prevent future swiveling issues and ensures it works correctly for a long time.

Conclusion

To successfully fix a kitchen faucet that doesn’t swivel or rotate, thorough inspection and careful replacement of damaged parts like O-rings and cartridges are key. After cleaning and reassembling the faucet, ensure all parts are securely in place and test it with the water supply on. If issues persist, consider seeking professional help to diagnose and resolve any underlying problems effectively, ensuring your faucet functions smoothly for daily use.

FAQs

What should I do if my faucet handle is stuck and won’t come off?

Try using penetrating oil or WD-40 to loosen the handle set screw or clip. If it still won’t budge, consult a plumber to avoid damaging the faucet further.

How can I prevent mineral buildup in my faucet’s swivel joint?

Regularly clean the swivel joint with a mixture of vinegar and water to dissolve mineral deposits. Consider installing a water softener if your water is particularly hard.

My faucet still doesn’t swivel after replacing O-rings and cartridges. What else could be wrong?

Check the base of the faucet for any loose fittings or damaged connections. Tighten any loose parts or replace damaged components to restore proper swiveling.

Is it necessary to replace the entire faucet if it won’t swivel?

Not necessarily. In most cases, replacing O-rings, and cartridges, or cleaning the faucet thoroughly can resolve swiveling issues. Only replace the entire faucet if extensive damage is present.

Can I fix a faucet that leaks while swiveling?

Yes, leaking while swiveling is often caused by worn-out O-rings or a damaged cartridge. Follow the steps to replace these parts or consult a plumber for assistance if needed.