Low water pressure, corrosion, and leaks are among the most common faucet problems homeowners face. While some of them require professional attention, others can be fixed with DIY methods.
A faulty faucet isn't just a convenience issue. It could waste water and affect your utility bills dramatically. With the right approach to faucet maintenance and repair, you can save time and money while enjoying quality water flow.
Let's take a look at common faucet problems and respective DIY solutions.
Why Addressing Faucet Problems Quickly is Important
Faucet problems don't go away on their own. While you can ignore some of them for a while, the issue will just keep getting more serious. With time, you will notice higher water bills, leaks, and corrosion. The longer you put off addressing the problem, the more expensive the resolution is likely to be.
If you notice a faucet problem and react quickly, you can save money by addressing the issue on your own. Waiting for the problem to worsen usually means paying extra to the plumbing professionals.
Common Faucet Problems and How to Solve Them
Here are some of the most common problems you could face with a faucet:
Leaky Faucet
A leaking faucet causes persistent drips that waste water and inflate utility bills. The most common causes of this issue are worn-out washers, O-rings, and cartridges.
To solve this problem, follow these steps:
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Shut off the water supply to the faucet.
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Take apart the faucet and carefully examine the washers, O-rings, and cartridges for damage.
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Replace any faulty parts and reassemble the faucet
If this doesn't help, you should check for structural damage to the faucet. You may need to replace the entire fixture.
Low Water Pressure
When the water pressure from your faucet is unusually low, it can disrupt daily tasks like washing dishes or cooking. The main causes are blockages in the faucet aerator, mineral buildup, or debris inside the faucet.
To solve this problem, follow these steps:
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Remove the aerator from the faucet spout.
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Soak it in a vinegar solution to dissolve mineral deposits.
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Reattach the aerator.
If cleaning doesn't help, it's time to replace the aerator. You can find a wide variety of replacement aerators here.
Hard-to-Turn Handles
Stiff handles make it frustrating to operate your faucet and often indicate internal issues. The problem could lie in mineral deposits, corroded parts, or a worn-out cartridge.
To solve this problem, follow these steps:
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Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
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Remove the handles and clean the internal components using a vinegar solution
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Test the handle
If the handle works, reattach it. However, if cleaning doesn't fix the issue, you may need to replace the faulty cartridge.
Whistling or Squealing Sounds
A noisy faucet often signals a deeper issue with water flow or internal components. The common causes include loose washers, blocked pipes, or worn parts disrupting water flow.
To solve this problem, follow these steps:
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Check and replace any damaged washers.
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Adjust the water pressure to see if the noise subsides.
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Inspect the aerator for blockages and replace it if necessary.
If this doesn't help, you may need to invite a professional plumber to check the pipes for blockage. Sometimes, you can handle the clogs on your own, but it's always better to consult an expert first.
Rusty or Corroded Faucet
Corrosion can lead to leaks and negatively impact your faucet's appearance and functionality. The main causes of faucet corrosion are hard water, inadequate cleaning, or prolonged exposure to moisture.
To solve this problem, wipe down the faucet with a mixture of vinegar or lemon juice. If the damage is extensive, consider replacing the faucet. Otherwise, corrosion can lead to links and other breakdowns.
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Faucets and Aerators
Once you finish addressing the faucet problem, you can implement a maintenance routine to prevent similar issues in the future:
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Clean the faucet aerator once a month to prevent clogging and avoid water pressure issues
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Replace aerators timely
If you live in a hard water area, consider using natural descalers. Make sure to clean the sink faucet head at least once a month to avoid corrosion and other damage.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you can't handle faucet problems on your own, always ask for professional help. If you need to replace complex plumbing components like valves, have to deal with severe clogs, or fight extensive corrosion, DIY methods won't help.
Consider trying the above five tips on your faucet first. If none of them work, it's time to speak to the expert.
Dealing with Faucet Problems Effectively
Many seemingly complex faucet problems can be addressed with DIY efforts. For example, cleaning and replacement of aerators takes only a few minutes. Doing this regularly can prevent more serious faucet issues.
At Aerator.com, we have extensive experience with high-quality faucet aerators. Contact us for guidance about adding aerators to your faucet maintenance routine.