How to stop a noisy tap
Isn’t it funny how you only notice when your tap is making too much noise, and you never thank it for being wonderfully quiet every time you fill up the kettle or refill your water bottle after a big workout? Well, it is safe to say that when your faucet does start to make a racket, it can be one of the most irritating noises that your home makes, especially when you are trying to stay quiet when getting a 1am glass of water.
The good thing is however that a noisy tap does not necessarily mean a complicated plumbing fix - there are some things that you can check yourself before bringing in the professionals. In saying this, if you feel uneasy about doing any of these things yourself, call your local plumber for help and they can let you know what the issue is!
Why is my tap noisy?
There are a few reasons your tap may be making noise, including :
- Water pressure
- Aerator
- Washers
- An insufficient system
The above are common causes of a noisy tap, however they are not the only reasons as to why your faucet may be making a commotion. If you have checked the above and none of them seem applicable, or if you are unsure of anything, give your plumber a call.
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Things to check when fixing a noisy tap
The following points are recommended when looking for the cause of your noisy tap :
Take a look at the washers
The first stop when looking for a noisy tap culprit is the washers. When washers become worn out or aren’t the correct size, they can cause a pretty rowdy faucet but luckily they are easily fixed. In order to check your taps washers, turn off your water supply at the main (not just the tap!) and dismantle your tap. After removing the tap handles you will see the washers and whether they need replacing - take them to your local hardware store and they will be able to help you out. Once you have replaced the washers and put your tap back together, turn your main water back on and try your tap - hopefully it isn’t making noise anymore!
Examine the aerator
If replacing the washers didn’t work, the next stop is taking a look at the aerator. The aerator is located on the tap’s tip and is a small screen, however if it needs replacing it can cause a noisy tap. To see if your aerator is the problem, remove your aerator (unscrew it!) and turn your tap on - if it is quiet, you need to replace your aerator which can easily be purchased at most hardware stores and installed yourself. If it’s still noisy however, you may have a water pressure issue.
Inspect the water pressure
High water pressure can cause a tap to make quite a bit of unnecessary noise, however can be tested with a pressure gauge to see if it is the underlying problem. If the gauge reads about 80 psi, there is a chance you have found your reason behind the noise which can be addressed by a plumber. They will install a quality pressure regulator on you main water line, which will hopefully stop your noisy tap and avoid any future occurrences - it helps your appliances too! Just remember, this isn't a DIY fix so bring in a licenced plumber to complete the works.
Is your current system inadequate?
If your home is a little older, it is a common occurrence that the system just isn’t big enough for your household or something has become jammed in it, meaning the water isn’t getting through like it should. If you think your system might fit these criteria, this is not something you can address yourself and you will need to call in the professionals. Your local plumber will be able to fill you in on what needs to be done to get your system up and running again, and make sure it’s quiet too.
If you have any questions regarding noisy taps, plumbing issues or how Pure Plumbing can help you, give us a call on 0488 801 003 or complete an online booking form today.
Disclaimer : This page is for informational purposes, and each individual is accepting full responsibility for any damages that occur should they undertake any of the above suggestions. It is strongly recommended that any and all plumbing works undertaken in your home or workplace are completed by an appropriately qualified and licenced professional at all times.
