How do I Eliminate Squeal & Hammering From Faucet?

If your faucet is squealing, the noise should be addressed immediately.

If your faucet is making a squealing or hammering noise when the water is turned off, you are likely experiencing a water pressure discrepancy that is affecting the faucet. If the noise is occurring all over the home, it may be a serious plumbing condition known as water hammer. However, if only one faucet is at fault, the problem is likely simpler and easier to fix yourself. Eliminating a squealing or hammering noise from a faucet requires some diligence.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Warm water
• Soap

Instructions

1. Unscrew the aerator at the end of the faucet, which is the metal ring at the faucet tip. You may need a wrench to loosen it.

2. Check the aerator for mineral buildup and clean it out with warm soap and water. Deposits in the aerator sometimes interrupt water flow and result in the squealing and hammering noise.

3. Run the faucet with the aerator still off. If the noise has stopped, the aerator is the likely issue and can be replaced easily if necessary. If the noise continues, reattach the cleaned aerator and continue troubleshooting.

4. Tighten the screw to the washer in the faucet stem to see if the washer itself is at fault.

5. Adjust the water pressure under your sink to see if the pressure adjustment fixes the problem.

6. Talk to your neighbors to see if they are having similar issues. If they are, call your water company and ask them to come check your water pressure since the settings may be too high for the faucet to handle.

References

• Builder's Web Source: Water Hammer
• K+B Faucets: Fix or Repair a Noisy Kitchen or Bathroom Sink Faucet