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Side Spray Faucets

Side spray faucets pair a fixed main spout with a separate handheld sprayer that installs in its own hole on the sink deck or countertop. A flexible hose connects the sprayer to a diverter in the faucet body, which channels water from the spout to the sprayer when the trigger is pressed. Kitchen sink faucets with side spray are built in single handle and two handle designs and fit sinks drilled with two to four holes, depending on the model and deck plate. On replacement work, matching the existing hole count and spacing lets the new faucet install without modifying the sink. Sets typically include the faucet, sprayer, hose, and mounting hardware, with supply lines included on some models.


Side Spray Faucet Products

Products here are grouped by handle type, hole layout, spout height, and finish, so each set matches the sink it serves.

Single Handle Side Spray Faucets

Single handle kitchen faucets with side spray control flow and temperature with one lever, leaving a hand free for the sprayer. Depending on the model and deck plate, they fit sinks with two, three, or four holes, with one reserved for the sprayer. Confirm the listed hole count before ordering, since layouts are not interchangeable.

Two Handle Side Spray Faucets

Two handle side spray kitchen faucets use separate hot and cold valves for fine temperature adjustment and straightforward valve service. Most mount on 8-inch centers across three holes, with a fourth hole for the sprayer. When a four-hole sink is already in place, look for a listing that specifies a four-hole installation.

4-Hole Sets with Accessory Hole

On a four-hole sink, a single handle faucet and sprayer can leave one hole open. That hole can hold a soap dispenser, a filtered-water faucet, or a dishwasher air gap where local code requires one. A deck plate or hole cover seals any unused opening. Plan these kitchen faucet configurations before ordering.

High-Arc and Low-Arc Spouts

Spout profile is one of the main kitchen faucet styles decisions. High-arc spouts provide clearance for filling stockpots and rinsing tall cookware. Low-arc spouts sit closer to the deck and fit sinks under a window, shelf, or low cabinet. Check spout height, reach, and swivel range so the stream lands near the drain.

Finishes and Materials

Common kitchen faucet finishes include polished chrome, stainless, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black, with the sprayer matched to the faucet in a set. Durability depends on the finish type, so follow the manufacturer's care instructions and avoid abrasive cleaners. Faucet bodies are commonly brass; check whether the sprayer head is metal or plastic.


How Side Spray Faucets Work and Where to Use Them

How the Sprayer and Diverter Connect

On kitchen faucets with a separate sprayer, the sprayer hose connects below the deck to an outlet on the faucet body. A diverter valve responds to the pressure change when the trigger opens and channels flow away from the spout. Diverter designs vary by manufacturer, so sprayers and replacement diverters must match the faucet model.

Where They Install

Side spray faucets replace existing units directly where the sink already has a sprayer hole and the hole count matches. On double-basin kitchen and bar sinks, the sprayer reaches both bowls for rinsing produce and cookware. They also suit undermount sinks with a drilled countertop.

Restoring Sprayer Flow

Low sprayer pressure with normal spout flow usually points to a clogged sprayer head, a kinked hose, or diverter debris. Water running from the spout while spraying indicates a worn or stuck diverter. Clean it or replace it with a matched part from faucet parts and repair.


Key Specifications and Planning Steps

Hole Count and Spacing

Count the holes in the sink or countertop and measure center-to-center spacing; two handle sets commonly require 8-inch centers. Check the maximum deck thickness for stone countertops, and confirm the kitchen faucet mounting options listed, such as installation with or without a deck plate.

Flow Rate and Code

Federal rules cap kitchen faucet flow at 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. Some states set lower limits, such as 1.8 gpm in California, so compare the listed flow rate with local code. For potable water, look for NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 and ASME A112.18.1/CSA B125.1 listings.

Hose Reach and Under-Sink Clearance

Measure from the sprayer hole to the far corner of the farthest basin and compare it with the listed hose length. Route the hose clear of the garbage disposal, drain trap, and supply lines so it moves freely, and confirm the supply lines match the angle stops.


Choosing the Right Side Spray Faucet

When selecting side spray faucets, start with the sink: hole count, spacing, and deck thickness narrow the kitchen sink faucet options. Choose one handle for one-hand control or two for separate valves, and set spout height by cabinet clearance. Unlike a pull-down faucet, a separate sprayer keeps the spout fixed and reuses an existing sprayer hole. Complete side sprayer kitchen faucet sets include a matched sprayer, hose, and diverter. Compare models across kitchen and bar faucets, with replacement hoses in kitchen faucet parts and accessories.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy a two handle kitchen faucet with a side sprayer for a 4-hole sink?

Two handle side spray kitchen faucets are listed in this category. Look for a listing that specifies a four-hole installation: three holes on 8-inch centers for the faucet and handles, plus one for the sprayer.

What should I check before buying a side spray faucet to replace an existing one?

Check the hole count, center-to-center spacing, and maximum deck thickness, then confirm the supply connections match the angle stops. Matching these lets the new faucet install without drilling or modifying the sink.

 Is a side spray faucet or a pull-down faucet better for a busy kitchen?

Both handle heavy use. A pull-down faucet puts the spray head in the spout and installs in one hole. A side sprayer keeps the spout fixed, adds a separate rinse tool, and reuses an existing sprayer hole on replacement jobs.

What is the difference between single handle and two handle kitchen faucets with side spray?

Single handle kitchen faucets with side spray set flow and temperature with one lever. Two handle models use separate hot and cold valves, typically on 8-inch centers, and take a fourth hole for the sprayer.

Which kitchen faucet finishes hold up best on a faucet with a separate sprayer?

Durability depends on the finish type and coating process, not the sprayer itself. Common kitchen faucet finishes include chrome, stainless, oil-rubbed bronze, and matte black. Follow the manufacturer's care instructions and avoid abrasive cleaners.

Why does my kitchen side sprayer have low pressure when the spout works fine?

The usual causes are a clogged sprayer head, a kinked hose under the sink, or debris in the diverter. Clean the sprayer head first, check the hose routing, then inspect the diverter.

Why does water keep coming out of the spout when I use the side sprayer?

The diverter is likely worn or stuck and is not fully redirecting flow to the sprayer. Clean the diverter or replace it with a part matched to the faucet model.

How do I cover an extra sink hole when replacing a side spray faucet?

Use a deck plate (escutcheon) that spans the faucet holes, or install a hole cover. The open hole can also hold a soap dispenser, a filtered-water faucet, or a dishwasher air gap.

How do I check whether a side sprayer hose will reach across my sink before installing?

Measure from the sprayer hole to the far corner of the farthest basin and compare that distance with the hose length listed in the manufacturer's specifications. Reach depends on the hole location and sink layout.

Does a side sprayer hose interfere with a garbage disposal under the sink?

It can be routed poorly. Run the hose so it moves freely and stays clear of the disposal, drain trap, and supply lines, and check cabinet clearance before installation.

How does a kitchen faucet with a separate sprayer work?

On kitchen faucets with a separate sprayer, a hose connects the sprayer to an outlet on the faucet body. When the trigger opens, a diverter valve channels water from the spout to the sprayer. Releasing the trigger sends flow back to the spout.

Which kitchen faucet configurations include a side sprayer, and how do I match one to my sink?

Side sprayer kitchen faucet configurations commonly fit two, three, or four holes, depending on handle type and deck plate. Layouts are not interchangeable, so match the faucet's listed hole count and spacing to the sink.

What flow rate limits apply to kitchen sink faucets with side spray, and do they vary by state?

The federal maximum for kitchen sink faucets with side spray is 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. Some states and local codes set lower limits, such as 1.8 gpm in California. Confirm the product's rated flow against local requirements.

Can I add a side sprayer to my existing kitchen faucet or do I need a full set?

A sprayer only works on a faucet built with a diverter and a sprayer outlet, and it must match that faucet's diverter and mounting arrangement. Faucets without a diverter need a complete replacement from side sprayer kitchen faucet sets.

What kitchen faucet mounting options should I check for a deck-mounted faucet with a side sprayer?

Check the kitchen faucet mounting options in the specifications: sink deck or countertop mounting, maximum deck thickness, hole count, and whether the faucet installs with or without a deck plate.