Pull-Out Kitchen Tap Not Retracting
Pull-out kitchen taps are wonderfully convenient — until they stop pulling back. It's one of the most common complaints we hear, and the good news is that nine times out of ten, it's fixable without calling a plumber. The retraction mechanism relies on either a counterweight or an internal spring, both of which can fail or slip out of position after years of regular use. Wear and tear, a trapped hose, or simple gravity working against you are usually to blame. This guide walks through the most common causes and shows you exactly how to diagnose and fix the problem yourself — whether that's repositioning a weight, straightening a kinked hose, or replacing a worn spring. If you're handy under the sink and comfortable with basic tools, this is very much a DIY job; if you'd rather not venture into the cupboard, a local plumber can sort it in half an hour.
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Most likely cause & what to check
Pull-out kitchen taps — popular brands include Grohe, Hansgrohe, Franke, and budget options from Screwfix own-brand, Bristan, and IKEA — retract their spray head using one of two mechanisms: a counterweight (a small metal weight clipped to the hose under the sink) or a spring coiled inside the tap body. Both are simple to diagnose and fix. The first step is to open the under-sink cupboard and watch what happens to the hose as you pull out the spray head and release it.
If the tap uses a counterweight (you will see a cylindrical or disc-shaped metal weight clipped to the hose, typically 100–200g), check whether the weight has slipped down the hose, become detached, or is caught on the drain pipework or supply hoses. The weight works by gravity — it hangs down and the hose wraps around the tap body above the sink. Reposition the weight to its correct location on the hose (usually about 200–300mm below the tap body when the head is retracted) and secure it with the clip provided or a cable tie. Replacement hose weights cost £5–10 and are available from Screwfix, Amazon, and plumbing merchants.
If the hose is kinked — a sharp bend that prevents the hose from running smoothly — this is often caused by the hose being routed too close to the cabinet wall or around a drain pipe. Pull all the hose out and re-route it so it hangs in a smooth curve with no kinks. Cable-tie it loosely to the drain pipework to keep it out of the way of the isolation valves and waste pipe.
If the tap uses a spring mechanism (usually internal to the tap body, common on Grohe and Hansgrohe pull-out taps), the spring can fatigue and lose tension over time. On some models the spring is user-replaceable: unscrew the base cap of the tap body from under the sink (the hose runs through this), pull the hose through, and inspect the spring. Replacement springs are model-specific — check with the manufacturer. On many budget pull-out taps the spring is not serviceable and the hose assembly must be replaced as a unit.
Check that the hose itself is not damaged. Pull-out hose assemblies are made from braided stainless steel over a flexible inner tube, and they can develop small leaks at the connectors after several years. If the hose is damp or there is evidence of a slow drip under the sink, replace the hose assembly. Most pull-out tap hoses use standard 3/8" BSP or M22 connections at the tap body end and a push-fit or screw connector at the spray head — measure or photograph both ends before ordering a replacement.
After fixing the retraction, check the magnetic docking mechanism at the spout. Many modern pull-out taps have a magnet in the spout and a metal disc in the spray head that clicks the head into position when retracted. If the magnet is weak or the metal disc has moved, the head will retract but not stay docked. This is purely cosmetic but annoying — a small rare-earth magnet glued to the spout interior (using waterproof epoxy) can restore the docking function.
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Frequently asked questions
Why has my pull-out tap suddenly stopped retracting?
The counterweight has likely slipped down the hose, or the internal spring has lost tension. Occasionally a kinked hose or the spray head catching on something under the sink can also prevent smooth retraction. Start by opening the cupboard and watching the hose as you pull and release the head to see which is happening.
Can I fix a pull-out tap myself, or do I need a plumber?
Most non-retraction issues are straightforward DIY fixes — repositioning a weight or straightening a hose takes ten minutes. However, if the internal spring is fatigued or the hose is damaged, you may need to order a replacement part or have a plumber fit it for you.
How much does it cost to replace a pull-out tap hose?
Replacement hose assemblies typically cost £30–80 depending on the brand and quality. Counterweights are much cheaper at £5–10. If you're replacing the hose yourself, it's a straightforward job; a plumber will charge call-out plus labour on top of the part cost.
Is a pull-out tap still worth keeping if the retraction is broken?
Yes — the tap still works perfectly for daily use; the spray head just won't pull back automatically. However, most people find a non-retracting head annoying long-term, so it's worth spending an hour troubleshooting before deciding to replace the whole tap.
What should I do if the spray head retracts but won't stay in the docked position?
This is usually a weak magnet in the spout or a misaligned metal disc in the spray head. It's purely cosmetic and doesn't affect function, but if it bothers you, a rare-earth magnet glued into the spout interior with waterproof epoxy will usually restore the magnetic click.
Can a kinked hose damage the tap or cause a leak?
A kink prevents smooth retraction but shouldn't damage the tap itself. However, if the hose remains kinked for months, the inner tube can develop stress cracks and start to weep, so it's best to straighten it as soon as you notice the problem.