Quick guide to work out why taps are noisy

If you have ever experienced a noisy tap you know just how annoying and frustrating that whining sound can be every time you turn on your tap. Thankfully the majority of noisy taps boil down to a few reasons with a couple you can fix yourself. In some cases, however, you will have to phone your local plumber.

Reasons for your noisy tap

There are numerous reasons that can cause your taps to be making noise. Some of the most common reasons are:

• Aerator
• Washers
• Water Pressure
• Dying System

Below we explain how to fix the issues listed above. Some you will be able to do yourself and some you will need a professional plumber for.

Noisy tap due to blocked aerator

What is a tap aerator?

The aerator is the mini gauze that you typically see on the spout of the tap. The gauze is there to catch any mineral deposits that can make their way through the water stream.

How to fix a tap aerator problem?

To test if this is the problem simply unscrew the aerator and turn on the tap.

• If the noise is gone then you know you just need to replace your aerator.
• If the noise is still there then continue through the list of issues.

Noisy tap due to faulty washer

What is a tap washer?

The tap washer is located on the inside of the tap casing. It works by being screwed firmly against the water inlet stopping any water flow from coming out of the spout.

How to fix a tap washer

If this is the problem you will be able to tell if due to the washer being worn out or having the wrong size washer. Please Note: To avoid flooding you will need to turn the water supply off at the mains of the property before dismantling your taps.

• Once you have replaced the washers and the noise is gone then it was the washers.
• If the tap continues to make noise after the washers have been replaced then continue through the list of issues

Noisy taps due to high water pressure

How to fix water pressure issues

Water pressure in a premise should be no greater than 80 psi. Any higher can cause strange noises to make their way through your taps. This is an issue that needs the attention of your local plumber.

Noisy taps due to ageing mains water systems

How does noise come from my water system?

In older homes, it is quite common that the water system is no longer adequate to keep up with the demands of the household. Over time the pipes can become blocked with either scale or debris. All of these contributing factors can result in noisy taps.

How to fix a water system?

In the event that your water system is the reason behind your noisy taps then you will need to seek professional assistance from a local licenced plumber.

• In extreme cases, this is the only solution to stopping noisy taps.
• If in the oddly extreme case that this doesn't fix your issue then speak with your local plumber about other things that can be checked.

Regular plumbing maintenance

A lot of problems including noisy taps can be avoided with regular plumbing maintenance. This is the only way to properly find problems before they become issues. You can contact our team on 0488 801 008 to organise a time to come out and fix your noisy tap or to schedule regular maintenance.

Disclaimer

Please note: Everyday Plumbing provides this guide for informational purposes only and strongly suggests that any plumbing work be conducted by a licensed plumber.