why is my faucet making noise

Why Is My Faucet Making Weird Noise? [Solved]

Exactly why is my faucet making noise all of a sudden for so long? That’s what I was thinking after dealing with the weird sounds for a while. Just like anyone else, it was getting on my nerves.

I found quite a few causes for these mysterious faucet noises. Some are quite serious concerns that you better take early.

The most common reasons for faucets to make noise are related to worn-out threads, irregular water pressure changes, and component damage.

Let’s dig deep into the matter.

Key Takeaways

  • High-pitched faucet noise originates from metal threads rubbing against each other or improper water pressure.
  • Faucets that make whistling noise might have problems with washers, build-up, or plumbing issues.
  • The water hammer problem causes faucet noises that take place from sudden water pressure alteration and needs immediate attention.

Determining Why the Faucet Is Making Noise Based on the Sound Type

Based on whether the faucet is making a high-pitched noise, whistling sound, or scary hammer-like noise, I’ll discuss the causes and solutions in different segments.

Faucet Making Noise that Is High Pitched

Once I discovered that my faucet makes a high-pitched noise when off. It was a squealing whistle-like sound, and it also occurred whenever I turned the handle on. The thing caught my attention, and I was all out for the cause.

Exactly why does my faucet make a high-pitched noise? That’s what I researched right after. And it was the metal threads of the faucet assembly responsible for such sound.

This type of noisy faucet usually has some sort of binding or worn threads. There are stem threads and faucet threads that rub against each other, resulting in this painful sound.

To Fix Metal Threads Rubbing Against Each Other −

  • Consider using petroleum jelly on both threads so that there’s no binding of surfaces.
  • Check the quality of the threads, and if it’s too worn out, a replacement will be necessary.
  • If the body threads are worn out, then you’ll need to buy a new faucet.

Another cause behind such high-pitched noise comes from a faucet with too high or low water pressure. You want to check the pressure that arrived from the shut-off valve. There are multiple causes for low water pressure of faucets, and each needs a different solution.

However, for a faucet experiencing too high water pressure, consider getting a  pressure-reducing valve for it. Some offer the flexibility of adjusting the pressure. The squeaking sound will cease once the right water pressure is set.

Faucet Making Whistling Noise

This is usually a common problem with kitchen faucets. Some issues can cause a weird noise, like a whistling sound. But exactly why is faucet whistling? That reason can depend on a few factors.

If your faucet whistles when turned off, then these are the most likely causes

fixing the water pressure
  • A dislodged, wrong size or damaged washer can make the faucet vulnerable and noisy.
  • Build-up on the faucet stem can cause a whistling or squealing sound.
  • Problematic home plumbing lines can also result in such noise in faucets.
  • The water pressure is more than 80 pounds per square inch.

Starting with the washer, it can be just misplaced from its seat. And if that’s the case, you simply need to reseat it.

Washers can get loose and then shift from their position. However, in case of a worn-out washer, you need to change it.

About build-up, you need to look around the washer seat or underneath it. It can also take place in the faucet stem. Hard water can cause such build-up, and then it reduces the faucet’s water flow causing such whistling noise.

Or it could be the third reason, which happens mostly in an old property. Using galvanized pipes can encourage scale or rust build-up. This later transforms into the noise issue of the faucet.

And if the water pressure is more than the standard, the whistling sound will be the outcome. You can use a pressure gauge to get an accurate reading and screw it to the hose bib.

Now, Exactly How to Fix a Whistling Kitchen Faucet? Here’s What You Got to Do

Fixing the faucet washer
  • If the washer is the main culprit, then start by turning off the faucet’s water supply line using the turn-off valve. You can access it in the basement or underneath the sink.
  • Access the washer in the tap following the manufacturer’s instructions given in the manual. Then get the right size washer to replace the old one.
  • Get a moist cloth and clean all the build-up from underneath and around the washer. You may need a limescale cleaner to get rid of stubborn residue. In case of mineral build-ups, detach the faucet and let it sit in a bowl with a vinegar and water mixture.
  • Finally, check the plumping and, even better, get help from a  professional plumber to install a valve for reading pressure. You may also need to replace any odd or blocked pipe.

Faucet Making Jackhammer Noise

This is often the case with a faucet making noise when turned on. It sounds like a jackhammer in the walls. And it can cause a lot of damage if actions are not taken appropriately.

I’ll go there but first, let’s talk about exactly why does a faucet sound like a jackhammer when turned on?

A faucet that sounds like a jackhammer when you turn it on is having water pressure issues. The pressure is suddenly altering in the pipes. This problem is commonly known as a water hammer.

The faucet makes noise when turned on as the water pressure experiences an unpredictable increase or decrease. And this is quite a serious problem that may need expert handling.

To be aware of the consequences, you must know what happens if you don’t fix the water hammer.

If you don’t fix the water hammer problem, then the pipes will be damaged in no time. The pipes will go loose or even burst due to excess force. Not to mention the damage to taps and faucets. It will also harm any appliance used through the lines. Rattling-like sound is a clear sign of a pipe coming loose.

Now to fix water hammer noise, there are a few devices that provide a compressible air cushion. These act as absorbers of shock. And helps to reduce waterline pressure spikes.

Consider installing a water hammer arrestor. You can check the Watts Water Hammer Arrestor for this purpose. Some people also get water expansion tanks to solve this problem.

why is my faucet making noise

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! So why is my faucet making noise? Are you still hanging there? I hope not.

If you cannot manage to conclude what is causing the particular weird noise, then it’s best to contact a professional.

I will see you soon in my next piece.

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