8 Common Kitchen Tap Problems & How to Fix Them

Your kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in your home that depends on the tap for water. So when you experience a problem like a dripping faucet, low water pressure, or loud noises that erupt when you turn it on, it could become a hassle in your daily life. Trying to find the source of why your kitchen tap is malfunctioning is like trying to find a needle in the haystack. 

The problem could lie within your plumbing system or with a part of the tap that needs to be replaced. In any case, calling a plumber in Toronto is recommended to save time trying to figure out where the problem is coming from. A professional plumber can always diagnose the problem and have the tools and expertise to fix the problem. 

Meanwhile, let’s take a closer look at the eight common kitchen tap problems and how to fix them. 

1. Low water pressure

Nothing’s worse than turning on the kitchen tap and getting a low-pressure trickle of water. Low water pressure is a common problem with older taps with an aerator placed at the opening because tap aerators are meant to reduce the flow of water from your tap. 

The idea is that tap aerators help you reduce your water usage. But over time when the tiny holes on the tap aerators get clogged with dirt and debris, this could slow down the water flow and lower the pressure of water coming out.  

To troubleshoot low water pressure, first, make sure your pipes are working properly. Sometimes clogged or leaky pipes can cause low water pressure. If your pipes are operating properly, you should contact the professional services of a plumber in Toronto and they will be able to dismantle the tap and replace the faulty diverter with a new one. 

2. Dripping tap

A dripping kitchen tap is probably the most annoying kitchen tap problem to encounter. Not only does that non-stop dripping sound drive you up the wall, but a dripping tap also raises your water bill and could potentially overflow your sink and spill onto your kitchen counters and floor.

Dripping taps are usually caused by a dislodged or worn-out washer. Tap washers are silicon-based seals that eventually become corroded over time and once they are damaged it causes water to drip. To troubleshoot a dripping tap, you should call your local plumber and they can replace them immediately. 

3. Loud noises coming out of the tap

When you turn on your kitchen faucet and it starts making loud noises like hissing, screeching, high-pitched whistling or chatter-like sounds, there are several causes that could be the source of the noisy tap. 

Usually, the main cause could be a loose washer, but once it gets tightened or replaced and the noises are still occurring, it means there could be problems with your pipes. We recommend that if any loud noises are occurring on a daily basis from your kitchen tap, troubleshoot it by booking the services of a professional plumber to fix it. 

4. Spraying or spitting water 

If you turn your kitchen tap on and all of a sudden it sprays or spits out water uncontrollably, instead of a normal water flow, the aerator could be clogged up with limescale deposits. Along with a clogged-up aerator, there could be a water pressure change, whereby air could be trapped somewhere in your pipes. The result? It causes the mixer tape to spray water out. We don’t recommend tackling this issue on your own as it could get worse and you’ll have a stronger spray of water on your hands. Get in touch with a professional plumber to fix it. 

5. No water coming out of the tap 

When you turn on the kitchen tap and no water comes out of it, this problem could be caused by the valves inside your tap. If your taps are older designs, no flowing water means it needs to be replaced. Newer tap models have several chambers inside which keeps the flow of water steady.

However, if you have a newer tap model and water still isn’t coming out, there could be issues with your water line, corroded or clogged water pipes, or airlocks in your plumbing system. In any case, where water isn’t coming out of your tap, we recommend contacting the services of a plumber to fix it. 

6. Corroded tap

Over time taps get corroded caused by water and natural wear and tear. When pipes get rusted, it breaks down into particles within the water your tap spouts. You’ll notice right away if you have a corroded tap because the water coming out of it will not be clear and will contain rust particles. Do not drink this kind of water as it’s bad for your health and could make you sick. We recommend contacting a plumber to check it out and replace your tap. 

7. The tap sprayer is leaking

Newer model taps sometimes come with an extractable water spray that makes washing dishes and food convenient. However, if you use it too much, it could potentially become an issue as the unit might become loose and start leaking. If it stops working altogether, troubleshoot the unit by unscrewing it and checking for lime and other mineral deposits that could be clogging it. 

If it contains build-up, we suggest soaking it in vinegar for two hours or until the scaling dissolves. Rinse it thoroughly with soap and warm water then put it back in place. If it still isn’t working after cleaning it, contact your local professional plumber in Mississauga to inspect your water line. 

8. Tap handle is hard to turn on

If your kitchen tap has hard-to-turn faucet handles, this could be the cause of mineral deposits, debris, and sediments damaging the seal within the cartridge. This is a difficult task to do on your own as the cartridge probably needs to be lubricated with WD40 or silicone-based grease. 

Avoid petroleum-based lubricants like vaseline or mineral oil, as this could make the rubber seals even harder to turn. In the case of hard-to-turn faucet handles, it’s best to seek the assistance of a plumber who knows exactly how to disassemble and replace the faucet handles properly.  

Contact Brothers Plumbing

If you would like a free quote on our plumber services in Toronto and the GTA, our professional plumbers at Brothers Plumbing are here to help with fixing common kitchen tap problems. Call us at 800-741-8471 or contact us here.