Does it sound like your faucet is pushing out more air than water when you turn it on? This sputtering, spitting faucet is often the result of one or more factors, from a simple clog to a more complex issue with your plumbing lines. The good news is that our Baltimore plumbers are here to explain what might be happening so that you will know how to get your faucet flowing freely once again.
Air in the Water Lines
One of the most common reasons a faucet spits and sputters is that air is trapped in the water lines. This can happen after plumbing repairs, water main breaks, periods when your water supply has been shut off, or when there’s a water line leak. When air becomes trapped in the pipes, it mixes with water as it travels to your faucet, resulting in that uneven, spurting flow.
How to Fix It
You can often clear the air yourself by bleeding the lines. Simply open all the faucets in your home (both hot and cold), starting with the highest faucet (usually an upstairs bathroom) and working your way down to the lowest (like a basement sink). Let them run for several minutes until the sputtering stops and all you have is a smooth, clear stream. If the problem quickly returns, it could mean there’s a leak, and you will need to call a professional for a plumbing repair.
A Clogged Faucet Aerator
The aerator is the small, screened cap at the very tip of your faucet spout. Its job is to mix air with the water stream to create a steady, splash-free flow.
Over time, this tiny screen can become clogged with mineral deposits, tiny particles of sediment, or even rust flakes from older pipes. When the aerator is partially blocked, it can’t mix the air and water correctly. Instead, water pressure builds up behind the clog and forces its way through unevenly.
How to Fix It
In many cases, you can simply unscrew the aerator by hand (or with a pair of pliers cushioned by a cloth to prevent scratching). Once it’s off, rinse it from the inside out and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the screen.
For stubborn mineral buildup, soaking the aerator in a small bowl of white vinegar for an hour should dissolve the deposits. After a final rinse, screw it back on, and your water flow should return to normal.
A Dirty Cartridge or Valve
If cleaning the aerator doesn’t help, the blockage might be deeper inside the faucet itself. Modern faucets (and even older models) use an internal cartridge or valve assembly to control the flow and temperature of the water. Just like the aerator, these intricate components can get clogged with sediment or hard water scale. A clog here restricts the water’s path, and the pressure forcing its way through a tiny opening can cause a faucet to spit water (as well as drip and make it hard to turn the handle).
How to Fix It
Replacing a faucet cartridge is a more involved DIY task. It requires shutting off the water under the sink, disassembling the faucet handle, and pulling out the old cartridge. You must also find the exact replacement part for your faucet’s make and model to ensure it performs correctly in the future. If you’re unsure about the process, a plumber can replace your faucet quickly to restore smooth, even water flow.
Water Heater Problems
Does your faucet only sputter when you run the hot water? If so, the problem is likely your water heater.
Over time, sediment settles at the bottom of the water heater tank. This layer of mineral gunk can get stirred up and drawn into the hot water outlet pipe, sending a slug of sediment and air bubbles to your faucets. This is a major sign that your water heater is overdue for a flush. The sputtering, spitting faucet may also be a result of a faulty dip tube (the component that directs cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating).
How to Fix It
Flushing a water heater involves draining the tank to clear out the sediment. It’s a critical maintenance task that improves efficiency and extends the life of your unit, but it’s best left to a professional plumber to avoid the risk of scalding or damaging the unit.
Water Pressure Fluctuations
Sudden changes in water pressure can also make your faucet spit and splutter. What causes these dips in pressure? Municipal water supply fluctuations, failing pressure regulators, or partial obstructions in your pipes may all be to blame.
How to Fix It
Attach a pressure gauge to an outdoor spigot and check the reading. Normal household water pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi. If it’s significantly higher or lower, call a professional plumber to inspect your system and make any necessary adjustments.
We’re Here to Clear the Air (and Your Pipes)
Even a sputtering faucet can be a frustrating problem to resolve. Fortunately, our plumbers in Baltimore, MD, are here any time you need help troubleshooting and resolving plumbing issues, no matter how seemingly minor.
Our family-owned company has been in business for four generations and knows exactly how to get to the bottom of plumbing problems, whether that involves clearing a clogged faucet aerator, repairing piping, or installing a new faucet entirely. Trust us to accurately diagnose the issue, explain your options, and get your faucet flowing freely once again.
If you’re tired of a sputtering, spitting faucet, get in touch with Saffer Plumbing today, and let our family help yours.