The function of the faucet is to control the flow of water coming from a source so that it can be dispensed in your home efficiently. Depending on the size of your household, the faucets in your homes can experience a lot of wear and tear. It is almost impossible to go about your day without touching a faucet. Buying a sub-standard brand is your one-way ticket to future indoor shower problems and other messy encounters. Knowing how to choose the right faucet for your home is critical for saving money and conserving water. 

Familiarize yourself with the common problems you may encounter in dealing with household faucets. Know why they are acting up and what are causing these problems.

Rust and General Wear and Tear

When you notice rust forming from your faucet’s exterior, it has likely formed on the inside as well. Rust can affect the quality of your tap water, and it’s not a good idea to drink water from that faucet. Rust, just like limescale, is a standard faucet problem that comes from continuous use. You can’t stop it from forming unless your faucet is rustproof. It’s a sign that you need to replace your faucet with a newer, and hopefully better, model.

Low Pressure

A common problem that occurs for older faucets with an aerator at their opening. These tiny holes can get clogged with dirt and debris and inhibit the flow of water. Leaking pipes and plumbing blockages can also cause low water pressure. If the pipes are working properly, the constrictor valve inside your faucet is more likely the cause.

No Water Coming Out of The Faucet

The problem can also be attributed to the valves inside older faucets. Standard faucet designs in recent years include a circular valve inside the faucet to trap dirt. Newer models have several chambers and more efficient but still prone to sediment buildup. Troubleshoot your faucet by checking if the shut-off valve is open. If there’s still no water coming out, you must take the faucet apart and clean each chamber.

Dripping Faucet

A dripping or leaking faucet is the most common and annoying household faucet problem. Aside from wasting water and raising your water bill, water pooled in the sink may overflow and damage furniture and electronic equipment when left unattended. It is commonly caused by a dislodged or torn washer. These silicon-based seals can become stiff and corroded over time, and damaged washers will initially create a tiny trickle of water. It’s best to replace them immediately before the water pressure destroys them completely. For the DIY enthusiast, we recommend reading our article on how to stop a dripping faucet for good, helping you conserve water and save on your monthly bill. 

Installation Problems

Problems regarding improper installation are now more common–thanks to DIY aficionados. Unleashing your inner handyman is not an issue, but make sure you’ve read and understood the instructions thoroughly, and that you have all the necessary tools before you start the installation. If the instruction guide is not clear, search online or ask someone who is knowledgeable about the installation process. Problems in the installation can cause leaks due to loose parts. You can also damage or lose the small parts of the unit which may require buying a new set. The simplest solution is to have a plumber reinstall the faucet.

Excessive Faucet Noise

Your home faucet may create whistling, screaming, or chatter like noises. This signals a problem and requires consulting plumbing experts like Orange Coast Plumbing to investigate the root of the problem. A loose washer is often the one to blame, but if tightening the washer or replacing it with the right size doesn’t fix the problem, there could be other issues with the pipes.

Faulty Faucet Sprayer

Modern faucets may come with a spray hose unit that makes washing food, dishes, and cleaning a lot easier. However, this will also start to malfunction over time and become a source of problems. The unit may leak, become loose, or simply stop functioning. Unscrew the parts and check for possible buildup. If lime and other mineral deposits are in the sprayer, soak it in vinegar for a few hours. Check if it’s thoroughly clean before putting it back in place.