Why Is My Faucet Sputtering? Explained

If you find your faucet acting weird whenever you attempt to turn it on, you may wonder, “Why is my faucet sputtering?” There are many possible reasons why your faucet may start to sputter and malfunction. With simple troubleshooting, you can get to the bottom of your sputtering faucet problems and apply the correct fix to keep your system in proper working order.

In this blog post, the plumbing professionals at Blanton’s Air, Plumbing & Electric discuss some of the most common reasons for a sputtering faucet, offering some troubleshooting tips and tricks to help keep your system running smoothly.

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Reasons Your Faucet Is Sputtering

There are several reasons why your faucet may start sputtering when in use, including:

Air in Water Lines

Your faucets may begin sputtering if air is trapped inside your water lines. This usually happens when the water supply is turned off and switched back on, pushing air through your pipes.

Dirty Faucet Parts

Another reason why your faucet may start sputtering is if its components are dirty or clogged, particularly the aerator at the tip of the faucet. When this feature becomes clogged with mineral deposits and other debris, it can restrict the water flow and lead to sputtering.

Malfunctioning Water Heater

If your faucet only sputters when you’re using hot water, there may be an issue with your water heater. There may be excess sediment buildup in your water heater system, hindering water flow and causing your faucet to behave abnormally.

Low Water Pressure

When the water pressure in your home gets too low, it can cause your faucet to start sputtering. This can happen when the pressure regulator in your home fails, malfunctions, or is tampered with.

Plumbing Pipe Problems

Sputtering can also arise when there are issues with your plumbing pipes, such as corrosion or severe deterioration. Problems with your pipes should be addressed promptly to protect against severe water damage and further damage to your plumbing system.

Solutions To Fix Faucet Issues

While a sputtering faucet might cause frustration, there are plenty of ways to troubleshoot the problem to regain total functionality quickly. Some simple ways to fix a sputtering faucet include:

• Run the faucet: If you suspect air is trapped in your water lines, simply running your faucet is the best way to resolve the problem. Once the air is thoroughly flushed out of your system, the sputtering should stop on its own.
• Clean the faucet: If your faucet is sputtering due to a dirty or clogged aerator, try cleaning or replacing the component to restore proper functionality and eliminate sputtering.
• Adjust pressure regulator: Check if the water pressure in your home is too low by inspecting and adjusting the pressure regulator to ensure it’s set at the proper level.
• Flush water heater: Scheduling a routine maintenance visit can help eliminate sediment buildup, improve water flow, and reduce the risk of sputtering in your faucets.
• Schedule plumbing repair: If you suspect a problem with your pipes may be to blame, it’s best to consult a professional plumber to diagnose and fix it.

Choose Blanton’s for Faucet & Plumbing Services

If you’re struggling with a sputtering faucet and have tried all the troubleshooting techniques mentioned to no avail, Blanton’s is here to help. Our expert plumbers have more than 70 years of service experience and are well-versed in all the possible underlying causes that might lead to a sputtering faucet. We offer speedy repair services with a deep commitment to always doing the right thing, so you can rest assured that your sputtering faucet will be fixed in no time.

Book your plumbing repair services by calling Blanton’s in Fayetteville at (910) 822-2866 or in the Triangle at (919) 298-2105 today!