Common Faucet Issues and How To Fix Them
We often take the convenience of working faucets for granted. It's only when they start leaking or showing weak water pressure that we realize how much we rely on them. Explore some of the most common faucet issues that homeowners encounter, and learn how to fix them on your own. Soon, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any minor faucet issue in your home!
A Persistent Drip
A persistently dripping faucet can quickly become annoying. It also wastes water and can increase your utility bills. The culprit is often a worn-out washer. To fix this, turn off your water supply, and remove the handle of the faucet and the packing nut to reveal the stem. Remove that to locate the washer. If it's damaged or worn out, replacing it with a new one should solve your problem.
A Mix-Up of Hot and Cold Water
Have you ever turned on your faucet expecting cold water, only to be met with hot water, or vice versa? Warm water coming out of the cold tap can be quite surprising, and you may not know the cause. This issue is common if the faucet was installed incorrectly.
You'll need to rotate the cartridge by 180 degrees to fix this issue. Start by turning off the water supply, and remove the handle and the retaining nut. Then, you can pull out the cartridge, turn it around, and reassemble the faucet. This should make hot and cold water come out of the faucet when turning the corresponding knob.
A Rogue Nozzle
A rogue nozzle that sprays water everywhere can turn washing dishes into a messy ordeal. This issue is often due to a dirty or faulty aerator—the device on the end of the faucet that controls the stream of water. Mineral deposits can build up over time and interrupt the flow of water, causing it to spray in different directions. To fix this common faucet issue, unscrew the aerator from the faucet, then clean away any debris or mineral deposits. If cleaning doesn't solve the issue, consider replacing the aerator altogether. Remember to turn off the water supply before working on the faucet to prevent any unwanted messes.
Poor Water Pressure
There's nothing more frustrating than dealing with poor water pressure when you're trying to wash dishes with baked-on food. Clogged aerators, leaky pipes, or issues with the local water supply are common causes. If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, check the aerator. If unscrewing the aerator from the faucet and thoroughly cleaning it doesn't solve the problem, you might have a leaky pipe. Check for any visible leaks, and repair them promptly. If these steps don't resolve the issue, it might be a larger problem with your local water supply or plumbing system. In such cases, it's best to call in a professional plumber for a thorough inspection and diagnosis.
