Do you sometimes hear weird chattering sounds or whistles whenever you turn on your faucet? That is a sign that there is a part you should replace. When you have used your faucet for years, it is possible that the rubber washer is flattened or the screws and threads on the faucet stem are corroded. Whenever water flows past any damaged part, you can expect a noise.
There’s no need to panic, though, as things like this can easily be repaired. All you need are some tools and of course, replacement parts. It would be best to get the exact match of the original parts to ensure that you’d get a good result. If you are a bit unsure about what the parts are called or their model, you can always bring them with you to the hardware store for comparison.
Here are the simple steps to address your noisy faucet:
- First unscrew the aerator and check it for any mineral deposits. Run the faucet without the aerator to check if there is any noise. If none, you just need to install a new aerator, but if it’s still noisy then you will have to take the faucet apart and look at the other parts.
- Before starting to repair the faucet, make sure that you turn the water off at the shut-off valve. You would probably find it under the faucet or at the main shut-off in the crawl space or basement. Don’t forget to shut off the hot water, too.
- Unscrew and remove the decorative cap. Before proceeding with anything else, protect your faucet with either electrical tape or cloth, in case you’d be needing pliers.
- Lift the faucet handle and unscrew the nut under the handle. Turn the stem, working towards “open” to unscrew it. Wipe all the debris from the stem using a clean cloth.
- Remove the screw that is holding down the washer. Once you have removed the washer, check it for any signs of deterioration like cracks. If there is damage, or you notice that it is flattened or loose, just get a new washer to replace it. Make sure it’s the correct fit for your faucet. Replace old and damaged screws, too.
- Reinstall the stem and then move it up and down a bit to see if there are signs of corrosion. If it moves even the slightest, it will be safer to install a new stem.
- Screw in the nut and put back the handle. Finally, screw in or snap on the decorative cap.
If there is still a noise even after replacing all the worn parts, the problem may be with the pipes. It could be they are too narrow or were not properly installed. It’s also a possibility that there are mineral deposits. To know for sure, it’s better to call Hayes Plumbing so a professional can check it for you.
