Did you know that water wastage is a big problem in the United States? After all, the average American family can waste around 180 gallons each week. That equates to about 9,400 a year—enough to wash more than 300 laundry loads!
One simple sign you have a leak is if your faucet leaks.
If your faucet is making a squealing noise, it’s always better to address the problem fast. But a noisy faucet is a sign of different problems. How do you know what kind of issue it has and how do you deal with it before you waste time and water?
In this guide, you’ll learn the top reasons for your faucet noises. Read on and find out more:
1. Washer Problems
A noisy faucet might happen due to a dislodged washer. It also happens when you picked the wrong size of washer. If you suspect this is the reason, make sure to turn off the faucet’s water supply before you start investigating it.
Take note, your turn-off valve might be your home’s main water supply switch. In most homes, you can find this in your basement. But if you have an easy-to-access zone valve, you might find it underneath the sink.
As soon as you disengage the valve, try accessing the washer in your tap. Make sure to follow your manufacturer’s directions to finish it without incident. Here, you can either reseat the loose washer or replace it with the correct size.
2. Residue Issues
Another obvious reason for your faucet to make a squealing noise is the residue buildup. It often happens underneath or around the washer seat. It can also build up inside the faucet stem, hence the noise.
If your water has hard water, the faucet might also have some buildup of mineral deposit. The whistling noise happens when these buildups restrict the flow of water coming through.
If you think that’s the issue, you can use a moist cloth and clear out everything you can. For the more stubborn residue, you can use a cleaner that can remove limescale. Once done, you can reseat the washer and check whether the result is satisfactory.
For mineral build-ups, remove your faucet from the sink. Let it soak in vinegar water for a while. That will help dissolve the mineral deposit. It’s a cheaper way of fixing the issue, instead of replacing it with a new faucet.
3. Worn or Binding Threads
When you turn the faucet handle, it might make a high-pitched, squealing whistle. If this happens, the main cause of the problem might be with the metal threads of the faucet assembly. The most common situation is that the threads of the stem rub itself against the threads of your faucet.
A simple solution is to lather both threads with petroleum jelly. That helps give the right amount of lubrication to prevent the surfaces from binding. But to make the most out of your repair, make sure to check the quality of the threads.
If the threads look worn, you might need to get the parts replaced. Otherwise, lubrication will not be enough to solve the problem.
4. Pipe Problems
When you’re living in an old home, the whistling noise from your faucet might originate within your home’s plumbing lines. It’s also a possible problem when you’re using galvanized pipes since they tend to get a buildup of scale and rust.
Always remember that the water pressure that goes to your room should have a measure of fewer than 80 pounds per square inch. When the velocity exceeds this number, it will cause the whistling noise everyone can hear.
To get an accurate reading, get a pressure gauge. There are lots of inexpensive ones on the market, so a simple trip to the home improvement section will net you one. Make sure to screw it onto a hose bibb for it to give you the right reading.
You have two options to solve this problem: you can either get a plumber to install a pressure-reading valve or buy a new pipe as a replacement to the old, blocked one. Either way, you’ll solve the problem, but the latter is expensive but more effective.
How to Solve the Faucet’s Squealing Noise
In most cases, you’ll have problems with water pressure or clogging when you encounter these faucet noises. The problem is fixable even when you do it on your own. But with more than 500,000 plumbers in the country, you can rely on them to do the job and make the most out of it.
Regardless, here are some steps you should consider:
1. Check the Water Pressure
Before doing anything, make sure that you know the water pressure coming into the closet. Check the pressure from the shut-off valve. If the pressure is too low or too high, the sharp, high-pitched sound will be the result.
You can try setting the valve to the right pressure. If the squeaking ceases, then you solved the problem. Otherwise, you need to check for other problems.
2. Blow Air into the Faucet
When the water pressure isn’t the source of the problem, try blowing compressed air into the faucet. Doing this can help in dislodging any debris that settled within. To do this, you should remove the supply line first, and it’s often found under the sink.
With that, you’ll have easier access to the interior of the faucet. Start blowing compressed air into the faucet. Do this until all the debris that clogs it break free.
Get Your Faucet Fixed Today!
If the squealing noise doesn’t stop, it’s time to call in the help of professionals. It’s important to do it as soon as possible since this can lead to even more problems. The more you delay calling in for help, the more chances for your faucet to break down more, making your repair bill more expensive.
When calling for plumbers, make sure they have the right set of tools and expertise. With that, you can contact us today and we’ll help you out with your plumbing needs.
