Last updated: 2026-05-01
🔧
Faucet Water Spraying Sideways
Water sprays in odd directions from the faucet
45%
45% chance this is caused by:
Damaged aerator or misaligned spout O-ring
🔧 The Exact Part You Need
Total parts cost: $13. Same-day shipping available on most items.
🔨 Tools You'll Need
Easy · 5-10 minutes
Parts: $13 vs $$50-300 to replace
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Remove and clean the aerator first
2
If aerator is cracked or deformed, replace it
3
If spray comes from the base of the spout (not the tip), the O-ring is bad
4
Turn off water, remove spout (usually pulls straight up after removing handle)
5
Replace O-rings on the spout body
6
Reassemble and test
Other Faucet Problems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fix a faucet that's water spraying sideways?
The part costs about $5. If you do it yourself, that's your total cost. A professional service call would add $100-200 in labor, bringing the total to $155.
How long does this faucet repair take?
This repair is rated "easy" and typically takes 5-10 minutes. The most time-consuming part is usually accessing the component, not the actual swap.
What if this isn't the problem?
Our diagnosis is 45% likely based on the symptom you described. If replacing this part doesn't fix it, the next most common cause for "water sprays in odd directions from the faucet" would be related to the wiring harness or control board. In that case, consider calling a professional.
Should I just replace my faucet instead?
A new faucet costs $50-300. If yours is well under 15-20 years old, a $5 repair is far more cost-effective. If it's near end-of-life and has had multiple issues, replacement starts making more sense.