Kitchen Faucet Not Swiveling? Here's How To Diagnose and Repair It

Has your kitchen faucet handle become stiff and difficult to turn? Does the spout stay locked in place no matter how hard you crank the handle? A non-swiveling faucet that won't move can be incredibly frustrating to deal with during daily kitchen tasks.

But don't call the plumber just yet! In many cases, this issue can be resolved with some simple DIY troubleshooting and repairs. Read on to learn what causes kitchen faucets to get stuck, how to diagnose the problem, and steps you can take to restore full range of motion.

Common Causes of a Stuck Faucet

There are a few usual culprits behind a non-swiveling kitchen faucet:

• Mineral deposit buildup
• Grease accumulation
• Worn or damaged faucet cartridge

Hard water can leave behind calcium and limescale deposits on the interior faucet components. Over time, these minerals can totally clog the small spaces needed for proper swiveling. Grease from daily kitchen tasks can also gradually build up and prevent smooth handle turning.

On the other hand, if you don't see any visible deposits or grease, the issue may lie with the faucet's inner cartridge. This key part facilitates handle movement to control water flow and swiveling. Old and worn cartridges need to be replaced.

Inspecting Your Faucet for Clues

Start diagnosing a stuck kitchen faucet by trying to turn the handle with extra force. If it's very stiff but does slowly rotate, deposits or grease may be the culprit. Attempt swiveling it from side to side - if the spout stays locked in place, something is likely obstructing the interior faucet parts.

Also unscrew and remove the aerator and sprayer head (if equipped) to check for any blockages. Examine them for mineral deposits or grease buildup. Run water through the faucet without the aerator to see if flow improves.

You'll need to disassemble the faucet handle and spout to properly inspect for issues. Check for any whitish mineral deposits, sticky greasy residue, or apparent damage to parts like seals and washers. Worn out cartridge pieces may be corroded or fail to move smoothly.

Removing Stubborn Mineral Deposits

To safely dissolve calcium, lime, and other tough mineral scales, use a vinegar soak or commercial CLR cleaner. Remove affected parts like the aerator, sprayer, cartridge, etc. and submerge them in the de-scaling solution.

Let the parts soak for a few hours up to overnight depending on buildup severity. For extra scrubbing power, use an old toothbrush or small wire brush to gently dislodge stubborn deposits while components soak.

Once finished, rinse parts thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the cleaner. Reassemble the faucet and test for improved swiveling motion.

Cleaning Greasy Faucet Components

Eliminate built-up kitchen grease on faucet parts with hot water, mild dish soap, and some elbow grease. Disassemble the faucet handle so you can access the hidden areas where grease tends to accumulate.

Let the parts soak in hot, soapy water for 15-20 minutes to soften the greasy residue. Scrub with a small wire brush, toothbrush, or other soft-bristle scrubber until all grime is gone.

Be sure to wipe away any leftover soap film with a clean wet cloth. Check for smooth handle rotation and spout swiveling once reassembled. Repeat cleaning if needed.

Replacing a Damaged Cartridge

If disassembling and scrubbing the faucet yields no results, a worn-out cartridge is likely preventing swiveling. You'll need to remove and replace the old cartridge with a compatible new one.

Use a basin wrench to loosen and remove the faucet nuts to access the interior cartridge. Remove any screws securing the cartridge and carefully pull it out. Install the replacement part with the same orientation.

Match the new cartridge style and model to your existing faucet make and model for proper fit and performance. This may take some time but is far less costly than a plumber visit.

Take steps to keep your newly freed-up kitchen faucet turning smoothly for years to come:

• Wipe down the faucet often to prevent grease buildup
• Have hard water problems? Install a whole-house water softener
• Replace old faucet cartridges every 5-10 years

And don't forget - mineral deposits and grease can also impede sink drains. Use baking soda and vinegar treatments to keep drains clear too.

By regularly maintaining your kitchen faucet and knowing potential causes of stuck handles, you can often fix swiveling issues without a plumber. Have any lingering questions about diagnosing and repairing a non-rotating kitchen faucet? Let us know in the comments!