A noisy tap
A noisy tap can drive a family crazy. The tense feeling you get when you turn the tap knowing there will be a whistle or screech is a common problem. Fortunately, noisy taps can be a relatively easy repair that you may be able handle without calling in a plumber. Here are a few tips on how to quieten your taps.
There are a few different reasons why you could have noises coming from your plumbing. Try the following steps to root out the problem and bring peace to your bathroom:
Check on the Aerator: The cause of your noisy tap could be mineral deposits in the aerator — the screen that screws into the tip of the tap. This is an easy plumbing repair, so it’s the first thing you should check. Simply unscrew the aerator and run the tap. If the noise is gone, purchase a new, clean aerator, screw it on the tap, and you should be good to go.
Install New Washers: Worn out or incorrectly sized washers are a common cause of tap noises. To replace the old washer, turn off the water supply and take your tap apart. When you have the handles off, swap out the old washers for new, intact models that are a perfect fit for the fixture. With luck, that may solve the problem.
Put a Brake on Water Pressure: High water pressure is another common cause of strange sounds in your plumbing. If you think this might be the culprit, you can test your plumbing with a pressure gauge. Anything over 3 bar can potentially cause a problem. If this is the case, you should install a pressure regulator on your main water line to protect your pipes and appliances while also putting a stop to the racket.
Replace Your Plumbing System: One cause of noisy taps in older homes is when the pipes themselves are too small or have been so blocked by scale and debris that water has trouble getting through. In these cases, you might need to have your pipes replaced outright, which is a complicated plumbing repair that may be beyond the skills of the average amateur plumber.
Not everyone is comfortable with a wrench, and your noisy taps may be more complicated to fix. In that case, there’s no shame in asking for help.
If you need help fixing a noisy tap, or for any other plumbing repairs call 020 7350 2511.
1 What to Do About a Noisy Faucet Accessed online 18 January 2016 http://www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/blog/what-to-do-about-a-noisy-faucet