The faucets in your home play a critical role in your household’s daily routine. You can keep them working optimally by learning about the most common faucet issues and what to do when they appear.
Leaking and Dripping
After so many years of daily use, the faucets in your home can develop leaks and drips. Drips typically occur because of simple problems like worn-out washers and O-rings. Leaking around the base may indicate a more serious issue like a corroded valve seat or broken cartridge. You can usually replace the washers and O-rings yourself, but if that doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to call a plumber to disassemble the faucet and replace the worn-out parts or the entire faucet.
Low Water Pressure
If only a single faucet produces low water pressure, the problem can stem from clogged aerators. Removing and cleaning the aerator to restore normal water pressure could help. You can do this by soaking it in vinegar and using a brush to remove debris before putting it back in place.
However, if all your faucets have low water pressure, you likely have a more serious problem. You could have a water line leak, a problem with the water pressure regulator, or other systemic issue. In these cases, you need a professional plumber to resolve the issue.
Excessive Faucet Noise
Your faucets may occasionally make whistling, squeaking, humming, or banging noises. Whistling sounds are usually washer-related; reseating or replacing the washer can help. Other noises may require a plumber’s help. Squeaking when you turn the handle often indicates worn or encrusted threads. Humming may be caused by high water pressure.
A water hammer is a loud banging noise that you hear when you turn on the faucet. High water pressure causes it. The solution involves installing a water hammer arrestor to absorb the shock waves when you turn on the faucet. A plumbing repair service can install this component for you.
Hard-to-turn Handles
Sediment buildup and worn-out parts can make your faucet handles hard to turn. To make them easier to turn, clean out the sediment and lubricate the handles. You might also want a plumber to inspect for worn-out parts or replace the faucet.
Rust and Corrosion
Minerals in hard water can accumulate in and on your faucets and lead to rust and corrosion. These elements can make your tap water taste metallic or look yellow or brown. They can also wear out your faucets. To remove rust and corrosion, use rust-removal products. If the rust and corrosion are extensive, hire a plumber to replace the faucets. If yellow or brown water comes from multiple faucets, you will need a more systemic inspection to discover the source.
Loose Faucet Base
Daily use can cause the base of your faucet to come loose. A loose faucet base can cause water to leak and slime to accumulate under the base. A plumber can tighten the faucet base, clean under and around it, and then use mounting nuts to firmly secure your faucet.
Faucet Sprayer Problems
A clog can cause the faucet sprayer to malfunction. If the sprayer stops working as it should, try cleaning the nozzle. If necessary, you may need a professional for some kitchen plumbing service to replace the faucet sprayer if cleaning it does not resolve the issue.
Diverter Valve Problem
The diverter valve is the part that switches the flow of water between the bathtub and the shower head. If it malfunctions, you can first try cleaning it. If that does not work, you will need to replace the diverter valve with a new one.
At Midstate Plumbing & Air , we take pride in providing exceptional plumbing services to our customers in the Bridgeport, WV area. We offer a full range of plumbing services, including working on gas lines, repairing slab leaks, cleaning drains, and repairing or installing plumbing fittings, fixtures, and appliances. Our team additionally provides same-day and emergency plumbing repair services. Contact us to learn what solutions we have to resolve any issues you experience with your home’s faucets.
