How to Fix a Whistling Kitchen Faucet

Having a kitchen faucet that shouts at you anytime you turn it off or on can be very disconcerting. Hearing a whistling noise from your kitchen faucet is the faucet’s way of telling you there is a problem. What’s more disturbing is that this whistling noise usually indicates an underlying problem that needs to be fixed urgently.

How to fix a whistling kitchen faucet. Some of the simple and effective ways to fix the whistling noise issue in your kitchen faucet are to; adjust the water pressure, replace the worn-out valve, clean up the aerator, replace the faucet and blow air into your faucet.

We will discuss this in detail, the causes of the whistling noise, and other solutions to help you remedy this problem.

Potential Cause of the Whistling Noise in Your Kitchen Faucet

Residual Problems

One of the primary reasons why your kitchen faucet will make noise is the buildup of residue inside it. The buildup of residue usually occurs around the seat of the washing machine and the stem of the faucet, the residual accumulation around these components parts result in the whistling noise. However, if the water passing through is hard water, it can also create mineral deposits within your tape and restrict the flow of water through it, thus causing the whistling noise.

Problems with the Pipe

The whistling noise you hear from your kitchen faucet may be from inside your home plumbing line. However this problem is common in galvanized pipes as they tend to rust, the rust and scale will accumulate within the pipe and induce the whistling noise.

High Water Pressure

If you observe a whistling noise coming from more than one tap, then it is a sign that the water pressure is too high. However, if the water pressure is too low there will be sharp and high-pitched noise from the pipe.

Worn-Out Binding Thread

If you turn the faucet handle and you notice a squealing whistle noise. This is usually caused by the metal threads of the faucet assembly. This occurs when the thread of the stem rubs out against the threads of your faucet.

Problems with the Washer

The whistling noise from your faucet may be due to a loose or dislodged washer. The noise will also occur if you use the wrong size washer.

Problems with the Valve

Your kitchen faucet can make whistling noise due to a broken or dislodged one. However if also notice that the noise is strayed to one of the handles, either the cold water or hot water handle, this means that the noise is caused by the cold or hot valve and not both.

Clogged Aerator

The aerator is one of the common causes of the whistling noise in your kitchen faucets. The aerator is usually designed to restrict the flow of water, which serves as a screen to sieve out the flowing water. The aerator is generally fitted onto the tip of the spout, however, the aerator may become clogged with calcium or mineral deposit over time. The whistling noise happens when the mineral deposits do not allow free movement of water causing the water pressure to rise, thus making the internal washer vibrate.

How to Fix the Whistling Noise in Your Kitchen Faucet

Clean Out Residues Within the Faucet

The whistling noise in your kitchen faucet may be caused by the buildup of residue. To get in noise the whistling noise, you need to first clean out the faucet. Use a damp cloth to clean out all the residue from the faucet.

However if you are finding it difficult to clean out the residue, you a detergent that can remove the scale. Once you are done reinstall the gasket and check out if the noise has stopped.

To clean mineral deposits from your faucet, take out the tap from the sink and soak in vinegar water for a little while. The vinegar water will help break down the mineral deposits.

Adjust the Water Pressure

You can test the pressure of water that flows through your faucet by clamping an inexpensive gauge onto one of your outdoor spigots. Once you are done check out the pressure reading on the pressure gauge. The normal water pressure should fall between 50 and 60 psi (that’s pounds per square inch). So if your water pressure exceeds this normal range you need to adjust the pressure regulator.

You can also lower the pressure pump’s cut-off pressure to help keep the water pressure within the normal range. However, if the pressure rise is caused by bad plumbing then you need to replace the pipe to avoid rapture pipe in the future.

Replace Worn-Out Valve

It is possible the whistling noise in your kitchen faucet is caused by a clogged valve.

First, you need to find out if the valve is the cause of the noise. To find out you will have to disassemble your faucet and look out for any worn-out gasket, or O-strings and replace worn-out, cracked, or damaged valves.

Here is what you need to get going:

A wrench
A screwdriver
Vinegar
Gasket springs

Before you begin, ensure to turn off the water supply to your faucet before disassembling it.

Use the wrench to take out the valve retaining nuts. If you realize the nut is loose, that could have caused the noise, so you need to tighten it.

However, if the nut is not the cause of the noise, then the rubber gasket inside the water inlet holes around the housing may be the possible cause.

Use the screwdriver to take out the valve.

Replace the O-strings, gasket and gasket springs, and any other worn-out rubber you see.

In case you notice your valve has been overshadowed with mineral deposits, then you need to soak it in vinegar overnight before you reinstall it together.

Clean Up Your Aerator

One of the reasons why your kitchen faucet will make whistling noise can be due to the blockage of the aerator by mineral deposits. To remedy this issue you need to clean the aerator.

Here are the items you need:

A rubber glove
Vinegar
An adjustable plier
A correct-sized washer

Before beginning to fix the issue, ensure to turn off the faucet water supply before you take out the aerator. The shut-off valve might terminate the water supply to the entire house, ensure your household is aware of it in advance to prevent someone from being stranded in the shower.

Now to fix the aerator, use the adjustable plier to unscrew the piece from the spout. look out for any calcium or accumulation of mineral deposits on the aerator. Householders with hard water may need to clean their aerators thoroughly.

To clean up your aerator soak in a fifty-fifty solution of water and vinegar for about two hours. Then rinse it off and scrub it up with a brush.

Once that is done, reinstall the aerator and examine to see if the whistling noise has stopped, if the accumulation of mineral deposits was the cause of the issue it is necessary to establish a regular cleaning routine to prevent the occurrence of the noise in the future.

However, if you realize the washer is the cause of the whistle noise, then replace the washer and reattach the aerator.

Lubricate the Metal Threads in Your Faucet

The handle of your faucet may make high pitched whistling noise anytime you turn it, this happens as a result of the threads of the stem rubbing against the threads of your faucet.

A simple remedy for this problem is to apply petroleum jelly on both threads. This lubricant will help prevent the surface from binding. Also, ensure examine the quality of the threads is. However, if you notice the threads are worn-out then you need to replace them s the lubricant may not adequately remedy the problem.

Blow Air into Your Faucet

The noise from your kitchen faucet may be due to the buildup of debris inside it. So blowing compressed air into your faucet will help remove the all debris that has settled inside. To o do this you need to take out the supply line which is usually found below your sink. Once you remove the supply line you can easily get access to inside the faucet. Next blow compressed air into the faucet. Continue to blow air into the faucet till the debris that clogged it breaks away.

Replace Your Kitchen Faucet

If cleaning up the aerator, changing the gaskets and the other approaches don’t get rid of the whistle noise then is time to change your entire faucet assembly. This problem may be particularly common to homes that have used their kitchen faucet for a very long time, which has resulted in the wear out of components within the faucet. This will lead to water flow issues and thus create a whistling noise.

Final Thoughts

A whistling kitchen faucet can be bothersome, but the above do-it-yourself procedures will help you fix the issue effortlessly. Study the causes and choose a suitable method to fix the problem. However, if you try all the above methods and the whistling noise doesn’t stop, call up a professional for a quick fix.

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Josephine

Josy is a soundproof enthusiast who enjoys quiet and peaceful environments. Here, I share some of the soundproofing tips, quiet products, etc that work for me. Hopefully, they help you too.