Did you know that your average American family wastes around 180 gallons a week? One way that people waste water is if their kitchen or bathroom faucet isn’t working properly.

You’ll know your faucet isn’t working if you hear a hissing sound coming from it. 

But what causes that? Keep reading to find out!

Aerator

If you hear a hissing noise coming from your tap, it could be the aerator at the spout. These are devices that are meant to save water by controlling the flow.

They mix the water with air so that you lose a smaller amount of water but still have a good flow and air pressure. So if your kitchen is making a sound, this should be one of the first problems that you investigate. 

An aerator could be weak or even move out of the proper position. It could even block up holes, and the water won’t be able to flow through it properly. 

Also, water might end up getting stuck behind the device. Some flow might have to try and force itself through a small space. This will create a hissing noise that you hear.

If this is the problem, you can take the aerator off and clean it. However, it might be worn down or broken, so you’ll have to replace it. 

Worn Washer

If a worn washer is your problem, you’ll have to listen closely to the hissing sound. If you also notice that there is hissing with slight vibration, then it could be a worn washer. It could be broken, but it could also just not be screwed on tight enough.

To replace the washer, you’ll need to turn the water off at the source. Then, remove the faucet’s stem and take off the nut and washer.

Replace the washer and then make sure that it’s properly tightened before you turn on the water again. 

Internal Problem

Sometimes there is a problem with the internal part of the faucet. If there’s anything that’s broken, out of position, corroded, or worn in the faucet, this will slow the water flow. 

You could have threads that are loose or stuck. Instead of coming directly out of the tap, the water gets stuck, making the hissing sound.

Just like with the washer, there might be a small vibration when you turn it on. To fix this, you’ll just need to replace the broken part. 

If you can’t find a broken part, you could also try replacing the faucet to have working parts where the water can flow freely.

Water Pressure

You might be having a problem where the water pressure is too high or low for that faucet. Even if that isn’t a problem, you’ll start to notice that the pressure is different when it comes out of the tap.

You’ll want to compare the pressure now with how it was in the past. If you think that the water needs to be adjusted, you’ll have to call a plumber to inspect it. 

The main symptom of bad water pressure is when there isn’t enough or too much water coming out of the tap. It should come out at a specific pressure, and if that pressure is right, there should be no hissing sound.

Attachments

You might also be having problems with a bad faucet assembly or poor attachments. For example, many people have an extended faucet that they added to the end of their tap.

Sometimes there will also be a water filter or a spray attachment. But if you have those, make sure that they’re securely connected when the water is flowing. 

When the water is on, you shouldn’t feel any small sprays of water or air coming from the area where the attachment fits. If it’s not fitted properly, the escaping air could be creating the hissing sound that you hear.

Residue Buildup

You also could have residue building up in the faucet stem. When this happens, it will make it harder for the water to come out of the faucet. 

To fix this, use a moist cloth and clear out as much as you can. You may even want to use a cleaner that can get rid of limescale. 

Pipes

If you’re living in an old home, it’s probable that the pipes are actually the problem. In this case, you’ll need to call a plumber to fix the situation.

The pipes could have a buildup of scale or rust and need proper cleaning. This could also affect the water pressure in the entire house. 

The water pressure in each room should be fewer than 80 pounds per square inch, and if it’s higher than that, you’ll hear the whistling noise. 

If you want to measure the water pressure, you can get a pressure gauge. There are many different ones on the market, and all you have to do is screw it onto your tap. 

If none of the other solutions have worked, it’s likely that your pipes are the culprit. A plumber will be able to rule out and fix any situation.

Learn More About Why Your Kitchen Faucet Is Making a Hissing Sound

These are only a few reasons why your kitchen faucet is making a hissing sound, but there may be other causes. 

When in doubt, call a plumber so that you don’t waste any more water and drive up your utility bill.

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