Among the hardest working elements in the kitchen is the faucet. If a problem arises that prevents efficient use of the tap, the room’s function can come to a halt. Since the kitchen is the hub of the home, inactivity there can snowball into a disruption of a homeowner’s daily routine.
Finding the source of the problem with the kitchen water faucet quickly becomes a priority, but troubleshooting the issue can prove challenging. The cause could lie within the plumbing system, the pipes, or the tap could need a repair or, depending on age and condition, to be replaced.
Reaching out to a qualified professional plumbing company can ensure a prompt diagnosis and that the problem is fixed right without further complications.
But before scheduling a service call, you want to know what to look for to determine whether the problem lies with the faucet. Let’s look at a few common tap problems and the signs that give them away.
Typical Kitchen Water Faucet Problems
When the kitchen water faucet acts up, it can be a source of frustration and inconvenience, often disrupting the daily household routine. While the tap can present several symptoms to let you know there’s a problem, narrowing it down to the specific issue can prove daunting. Go here for facts on kitchen faucets.
Before calling for help, you want to try to determine if the issue is related to the faucet since many common problems are relatively simple and straightforward to take care of without the expense of a service call. Here are some signs to pay attention to.
Corrosion and rust
Before rust appears on the exterior of a faucet, it will have already developed on the inside. For most people, rusty water doesn’t present as a health hazard, but a discolored glass of water is less than appealing. This tint can also cause stains on many items that come in contact with it, such as the sink and kitchen linens.
The common cause of rust in the tap is age. If your water supply is higher in iron, it can lead to premature aging. Hard water also produces limescale, a corrosive byproduct.
An encrusted faucet would ideally need to be replaced. If you want to preserve the faucet as a treasured part of your kitchen, you can try descaling or rust-removal solutions. These products shouldn’t be left on the metal for an extended time, and all residues should be rinsed away when through.
Decreased water pressure
The kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators commonly accumulate settlement, resulting in clogging. The bathroom has a lower water pressure, so this problem is not as prevalent in those taps.
When the water pressure is unusually low, you can remove the aerator for cleaning and replace it for a simple and straightforward fix.
For those living in an older home, low water pressure can also be attributed to corroded galvanized piping. This, however, not only decreases the pressure but will also produce a metallic taste with the drinking water.
A professional specializing in repiping will need to inspect the corrosion and replace these pipes.
Dripping around the base
Dripping around the spout or handle is often due to a worn-out O-ring. This is a quick and easy fix with no special skills needed and no tools. You just need to know the O-ring size and type to ensure you buy the right piece.
For older taps that use rubber washers, these can become worn also and need to be replaced.
Leaks can also be attributed to a connection or screw that’s come loose. The recommendation is to tighten the screws as a first step, and if the problem persists, move on to replacing the appropriate parts.
The handle
The lever can become difficult to turn or stick when you try to turn it often because of a mineral buildup in the stems and valves restricting the handle movement. Sometimes, this buildup can make turning the lever virtually impossible.
The faucet will need to be removed, and the parts disassembled to clean these using a mineral-removal solution. You can also replace the cartridge or valve stem.
The faucet doesn’t produce water
A standard faucet is designed with a circular valve that traps debris. A more modern model is comprised of several chambers for an efficient design, but these can still accumulate sediment.
In order to clean the valve, the tap will need to be disassembled; however, if this doesn’t resolve the issue, consider replacing the faucet.
Excessive noise
Typically, when there’s a lot of chatter coming from what appears to be the faucet, the issue is actually related to piping. Sounds can correlate to a severe plumbing issue. Instead of attempting a variety of easy fixes, it’s wise to reach out to a qualified plumbing professional for a swift diagnosis.
While a loose washer can occasionally make a whistling sound, more times than not, these noises are pipe related.
Improper installation
A growing problem plaguing faucets is the trend for homeowners to DIY installation following online tutorials and videos. Proper installation is critical not only to maintain the faucet’s integrity but also to ensure proper function.
When attempting a DIY installation, it’s vital to research in-depth instructions and read these carefully. Before moving forward, collect the required tools. A botched installation can lead to a destructive outcome, including pressure issues or leaks.
If the process seems more complex than anticipated, contact a plumbing professional for an efficient and effective result, a more cost-efficient option in the long run. Visit The Facts on Faucets: A Comprehensive Guide – for a guide detailing faucets.
Final Thought
When you try multiple troubleshooting methods and make several corrections only for the kitchen water faucet problem to persist, it’s wise to reach out for a professional plumber’s help. The issues could be more complex, such as needing a major part replacement or a deep-seated leak that is better handled by the pros.
Many tap problems can be prevented by taking proactive measures, such as routinely inspecting for worn parts or leaks and cleaning components like the aerators.
With adequate knowledge and the right tools, many tap problems can be easily resolved without making a service call. These few tips can help save time and cost while maintaining the optimal condition of the faucet.
