The Top 5 Faucet Problems & How To Fix Them

It can be rather frustrating when your faucets stop working the way they should. Fortunately, most common faucet problems are fixable and don’t require replacing the unit. All it takes is a little patience, the right tools, and some guidance, and you can solve the following five faucet problems that our plumbers most commonly take care of for homeowners in Tampa and the surrounding communities.

1. Dripping Faucets

Dripping faucets won’t raise your water bill overnight, but they can cause your blood pressure to rise. Faucets can drip because of broken washers, bad o-rings, valve seats that have deteriorated, and changes in water pressure. To fix it, turn off the shut-off valve. Then, disassemble the faucet handle, detach the valve stem, and inspect the parts. If you find any that are damaged, replace them with an identical replacement. Once the new components are installed, reassemble the faucet and turn the water back on.

2. No Water

If there is no water coming from the faucet and you have hard water, it is a good bet you have a sediment buildup problem. As sediment builds up within the chambers, it can bring the flow of water to a trickle. Follow the same steps to repair a dripping faucet, but instead of replacing components, focus on thoroughly cleaning each chamber and removing the buildup. A toothbrush and some white vinegar should be sufficient to remove the sediment quickly and without damaging the faucet.

3. Loose Installation

If your faucet is loose and wobbly, this is a problem you want to take care of as soon as possible. If you don’t, you could damage the faucet and sink, and water can leak all over, damaging counters and cabinets. To tighten the faucet, you will need to remove everything from under the sink, turn off the shut-off valve, and crawl under there with the right-sized wrench or socket. Beneath the faucet is one, but sometimes two or more nuts that will need to be tightened. This should fix a wobbly faucet in your kitchen or bathroom sink.

4. Malfunctioning Sprayer

Sink sprayers are a godsend for modern homes. They make cooking and cleaning a lot easier for the whole family. It is a real inconvenience when it stops working, and you will want to replace it as soon as you can. If it is a stand-alone sprayer, you will need to close the shut-off valve, then loosen the mounting nut and remove the sprayer. Next, apply a little plumber’s putty to the bottom of the sprayer base and screw it into position. Once positioned, attach the new sprayer hose to the hose nipple, tighten the hose nut, and turn the water back on.

5. Rusty Water

Rusty water is never a good sign, and it can indicate that internal components have rusted away. If this is the case, a faucet replacement is the right course of action. If you take your faucet apart and see rust everywhere, it is best to replace your faucet rather than trying to repair it. If you don’t, the rust can eat through the metal and cause the faucet to leak all over your kitchen or bathroom.

Are your faucets not delivering the performance you desire and the reliability you require? Reach out to the team at All American Home Services by calling 813-486-4038. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you quickly resolve the problems with your faucets and plumbing systems.