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12 Reasons That Water Isn’t Coming Out of the Faucet

12 Reasons That Water Isn’t Coming Out of the Faucet

It is always frustrating to realize there is not any water coming out of your faucet. This is usually the sign of a problem that needs to be taken care of immediately.

However, you cannot take care of the problem if you do not know what is causing it. This is why it is important to find the underlying cause because water is a daily essential.

Reasons To Find Out Why Water Is Not Coming Out of The Faucet

While you may be anxious to repair the problem immediately, you need to find out why water is not coming out of the faucet for the following reasons.

1. Fix The Problem

You need to find out why water is not coming out of your faucet, so you can address the problem. Making inaccurate assumptions may land you back at square one.

You may need to work with a plumber to determine if the problem is coming from inside or outside your home.

2. Prevent It Reoccurring

Another reason to determine the cause of the problem is to keep it from happening again. For example, you may have accidentally closed the shutoff valve this time. Next time, you know to be more careful around the shutoff valve.

3. For Future Reference

It is also good to determine the problem because it may be easier to address it in the future.

If accidentally closing the shutoff valve has caused an issue this time, you know to check the shutoff valve the next time water is not coming out of the faucet.

12 Top Reasons That Water Isn’t Coming Out of The Faucet

There are at least 12 top reasons that water is not coming out of your faucet, and learning all the reasons gives you an idea of what to look for when determining the problem!

1. Shutoff Water Valve

It is not difficult to accidentally close the shutoff valve while searching for something under the sink. You can check the shutoff valve by locating the knob or lever under the sink and turning it counterclockwise.

However, you may notice the shutoff valve is open but damaged. A damaged shutoff valve may need the immediate expertise of a plumber.

2. Dislodged Tap Washer

If the water in the faucet trickles and stops running, the issue may be a dislodged tap washer.

You can determine if it is an isolated issue by checking the other taps in your home. If the issue is only with this faucet, you may need to inspect and replace the tap washer.

3. Spray Nozzle Interference

Does your faucet feature a separate spray nozzle? There is a chance your spray nozzle’s stutter valve is stuck and cannot redirect the water to the nozzle.

You can check this problem by attempting to run the water through the spray valve several times. If the water is coming out of the spray nozzle but not the faucet, you know the issue is with the spray nozzle.

You can repair the issue by using the shutoff valve to turn off the water in the sink. The next step is to turn on the faucet and the spray nozzle at the same time to disengage the vapor lock.

Finally, open the shutoff valve. The water should come out of the faucet again.

4. Water Purifier System

The automatic shutoff feature of a purifier system may be disrupting the flow of cold water to your faucet. This happens when the water pressure becomes too high.

You can manually set the water to bypass the purifier system, but this means your water is not going to be filtered. It is best to inspect the purifier system and water pressure to find the issue.

5. Defective Faucet Cartridge

Whether it is the shower or kitchen sink, you may find the issue is isolated to just one faucet. If this is the case, the problem may be a clogged or defective faucet cartridge.

You need to remove the faucet cartridge to clean or repair it, or you may need to replace a defective faucet cartridge altogether.

6. Airlock Bubble In Plumbing

The issue may also be an airlock bubble in your plumbing system, which can cause water to stop flowing to your faucet. It is important to address an airlock bubble before the issue becomes worse.

It is difficult to break up an airlock bubble because you need to clean the waterline. Therefore, it is best to hire a plumber to take care of the problem.

7. Clogged Water Pipes

Issues such as debris, residue, and metal deposits can clog your water pipes. Clogged water pipes lead to little-to-no water coming out of your faucet. You want to call a plumber to inspect and clear the clogged pipes.

8. Rusted Water Pipes

Rusted water pipes can also lead to your faucet not working properly. You may notice orange-colored water, low pressure, or no water at all.

Pipes that are old or poorly installed can rust over time, and it is best to leave the inspection and repairs to a plumber.

9. Frozen Water Pipes

If you have not prepared your pipes for winter, they may become frozen solid. Pipes that thaw after being frozen may leak and cause water damage.

You can prevent frozen water pipes by opening the cabinet doors to let some heat flow around the pipes. If your pipes are already frozen solid or leaking, you need to call a plumber.

10. Water Leaks From Damaged Pipes

Water leaks in general can keep the water from coming out of the faucet. It may be caused by dents or damage to your plumbing pipes.

You may notice punctured pipes, water drips, and wet areas near or under your faucet. It is important to hire a plumber to inspect and repair your plumbing pipes.

11. Old Plumbing Components

If you live in an older home, your water pipes and plumbing components may be old, worn down, or incorrectly sized. Older plumbing components can lead to lower water pressure, clogged pipes, or no water at all.

You want to ensure other water sources in your home are working properly. If multiple water sources are making strange noises or not working properly, old pipes and plumbing components may be the issue.

In this case, you may want to contact a plumber about upgrading your pipes and components.

12. Damaged Waterline

There is also a chance of a widespread problem caused by a damaged waterline. You may notice your house does not have any water at all, or maybe your neighbors are also having issues with their water.

If the issue is with the waterline, you need to contact your water supplier immediately. They may need to send someone to inspect and repair the waterline.

Should I Repair The Water Problem On My Own?

There are some issues that can be repaired without a professional plumber, such as a shutoff water valve, clogged faucet cartridge, or spray nozzle vapor lock.

Of course, you should only repair the faucet if you can absolutely figure out the underlying issue. You also want to ensure you have the experience and tools necessary for the job.

When To Call In A Plumber To Take Care of The Problem

If you cannot determine the issue or how to fix it, you need to call in a professional plumber to address the issue. You should especially contact a plumber for major issues, such as airlock bubbles, water leaks, and clogged water pipes.

For a widespread waterline issue, you want to contact your water supplier to discuss the next step.

Water Should Always Come Out of The Faucet

It is no secret that water should always come out of your faucet. If you are experiencing problems with water coming out of your faucet, it is important to determine and repair the underlying cause immediately.

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Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.