Troubleshooting Noisy Faucets: Aerator vs. Valve Issues
There are few things in this world as annoying as a noisy faucet. Many people leave noisy faucets unfixed, assuming they’ll need a plumber for a simple issue. These issues commonly come from one of two sources: the valve or the aerator. If either goes unchecked, the issue can lead to expensive repairs over time. For builders, homeowners, maintenance teams, and facility managers, knowing how to identify and address the root cause quickly can save time, resources, and improve overall satisfaction with the home. This article explains how to tell whether the issue lies with the aerator or valve—and how to fix each.
Identifying Faucet Noise
Not all noisy faucets are the same, and identifying what type of noise a faucet is making is the first step in identifying the cause of the sounds. These sounds vary from high-pitched squealing, whistling, sputtering, hissing, and vibrations. Each sound points to a different underlying issue, with a hissing, whining, or sputtering faucet being linked to aerator issues, and whistling, screeching, and hammering noises being linked to issues with a faucet’s valves.
Aerator Issues
An aerator issue is among the most common and most easily remedied causes for a loud faucet. The aerator is located in the very tip of a faucet, and looks like a series of mesh screens on the end of a faucet. These aerators can get clogged over time with mineral deposits, especially in parts of the country that have hard water issues. This can result in an irregular water stream that sprays in odd directions, and may reduce perceived water pressure. A quick way to test to see if the issue stems from the aerator is to unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet while the faucet is turned off. Use a towel to unscrew the aerator by hand and avoid scratching the finish. Once it is removed, run the faucet, and if the noise is gone, then the aerator was the issue. This leaves you to only need to replace by screwing a new aerator onto the end of your faucet like this one from Central Brass.
Valve Issues
If removing the aerator did not fix your issue, the next likeliest culprit is the sink’s valves. These issues will usually result in far more alarming noises coming from your sink, like whistling, screeching, and hammering. If the noise changes when you move the faucet handle, or if the noises vary depending on how far open your faucet is, the cause likely stems from an issue with the sink’s valves. These problems are usually caused by worn or damaged rubber washers or ceramic discs in the sinks, loose or degraded valve seats, or buildup of sediment. To test for valve issues, it is suggested that you open a faucet fully then slowly close it. If the noise changes or disappears in certain positions, the valve is the likely culprit. If the noise only occurs with hot or cold water, the problem likely originates from the cartridge or valve on that line, which a confident DIYer might be able to replace on their own by simply turning off the water supply, disassembling the faucet and replacing the damaged cartridge with a new one like this one from Olympia. But for all other valve-related issues, it’s best to call a licensed plumber.
Wrapping Up
Noisy faucets are often simple to fix with proper diagnosis. Whether it’s a clogged aerator or a faulty valve, quick attention can restore quiet and extend the life of the fixture.
Pioneer, Olympia, and Central Brass
With over 100 years of combined experience, Pioneer, Olympia, and Central Brass offer faucet solutions engineered for long-term performance—even under demanding conditions. Their commercial-grade faucets feature durable valves and precision-crafted aerators designed to reduce noise, resist wear, and simplify maintenance. Whether it’s a sensor-operated model or a manual lever-handle design, these brands provide dependable options that help minimize common faucet issues like whistling or sputtering. For facilities looking to reduce disruptions and improve fixture longevity, their products are a smart, long-term investment.
We’ll Save You Money and Time
There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.
Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money. Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.
Some of Our Top Cartridge and Aerator Replacements:
