Your faucets play a vital role in your day-to-day life. You rely on them if you need to brush your teeth, wash your hands, and do the dishes. Your day may severely be affected by any tap issues. Understanding typical tap issues and knowing how to fix them will allow you to solve the issue right away.
Here are 9 of the most common tap problems and how to resolve them on your own:
- Rust forming on your faucet
Never allow rust to form. Most metals when subjected to moisture will create rust. You might not realize it but perhaps the inside of your tap is rusting as well, which is why a thorough inspection of your faucet is a must.
Although rust is a common faucet issue that happens due to frequent use, you mustn’t allow this corrosion to spread even further. By thoroughly checking your tap, you can determine where the rust is coming from.
Once the source has been identified, you can now try to scrape the rust off if possible or replace the corroded section. Additionally, you can opt for corrosion-resistant faucets to avoid tedious faucet repairs due to rust.
- Water is too hot or not hot at all
Water heaters have to be properly maintained if they are to function well. If something happens to them, the worst-case scenario is you hurting your hand by running it under boiling hot water.
Excessive heat or no heat at all indicates that there is something wrong with the water heater, not the faucet. Damage to the many water heater components, like the thermocouple, the burning heater, and the control valve, might be the reason for the water not heating up properly. If one of them is damaged, you can simply replace them.
Note that the safe temperature range for water heaters is usually between 120°F to125 ⁰F. Not only is it safer to put it in a low setting, but it is also energy efficient.
- No water coming out
If no water flows out of your tap when you turn it on, there may be a significant problem with the nozzle and inner compartments of the faucet itself.
When this happens, always check the main water valve or water meter. If the main valve is fine but the faucet still doesn’t release any water, you must disassemble it and thoroughly clean each chamber.
If this process is complicated or bothersome for you then you can simply hire someone to remedy the issue. At this point, you can get in touch with reputable plumbers near you for professional help.
- Leaking faucet
Not only is it frustrating to hear the sound of a leaking tap, but it also wastes water and increases your water bill. Dripping taps need to be fixed right away for these reasons. A washer that is loose or has a tear often results in faucet leaks.
Over time, these silicon-based gaskets can stiffen and will easily have a tear where water can pass through. Replace them as soon as possible to avoid having the water pressure destroy the washer completely.
However, if you have some spare washers you can still save money by repairing them yourself. When your faucet leaks, the first thing you should do is remain calm and quickly turn off the main valve. This prevents a flood from happening when you remove the tap.
Remove the tap and disassemble it. Replace the worn-out washer and reassemble the faucet.
- ow water pressure
Weak water flow makes it difficult to perform various chores, especially if you live in a huge household where many are trying to use water simultaneously. This will make the water flow slow down to a trickle or none at all. This is often caused by a clogged-up aerator, which is the screen screwed onto the faucet head to regulate the stream of water.
Here’s a straightforward fix:
- The blocked or jammed aerator should be removed.
- You must remove the calcium deposits from the aerator. Use vinegar and a brush to do this.
- Dip the brush in vinegar and brush the deposits away.
- If the problem persists, contact a plumber. The cause of the problem may be something else.
- Inconsistent water flow
The most common cause of a faucet’s inconsistent water flow is a blocked aerator. Simply remove the aerator carefully and clean it. However, if it is completely blocked or crusted, it’s easier to just replace it.
- Squeaky handle
The faucet stem’s threads can wear out over time. The simple solution is to disassemble the faucet, remove the handle, apply the plumber’s grease (also called thread-cutting oil) to the threads of the stem and then reinstall the faucet.
- Making a clanking sound
A mechanical clanking or clicking noise indicates an issue. You must check the tap by disassembling and reassembling it if the sound is originating from the faucet rather than the pipes.
You must check each component for damage and ensure that the workpiece is securely fastened. However, if there is nothing wrong with your tap, then the sounds might be coming from your plumbing system. For this, you need to contact a plumbing company servicing your location.
- Making a screeching or hissing sound
The hissing or screeching sounds might have something to do with the washer. Rubber washers can produce a distinct sound when water rushes quickly over especially if the washers have aged and hardened over time. Replace the washer with a kit from a home improvement store or simply buy a new tap.
The tap controls the water flow from a source. They are subject to plenty of wear and tear since they are exposed to fluctuating temperatures and are in constant use.
If you prefer the DIY route then these handy tips on tap problems will come in handy. However, if you want peace of mind and your tap problems to be resolved immediately, then contact Tom Day Plumbing and Drains. We can install and repair your faucets for you. Call us now at (416) 480-0622 for any drain or plumbing concerns.
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