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Fix a faucet that makes noise

We'll identify whether the noise is water hammer, loose parts, a worn cartridge, or a clogged aerator—then fix or replace the cause, or tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
10–30 min
What you'll need
  • Hex key or screwdriver (to remove the handle)
  • Wrench (for mounting nuts and supply lines)
  • Replacement cartridge (if needed; match the model)
  • Water hammer arrestors (optional; if water hammer persists)
Step 1 of 7

Quick triage — pick your path

Quick triage — pick your path

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Identify the noise type and fix water hammer, loose parts, cartridge, or aerator.

  • Note when the noise occurs—at turn-on/turn-off (water hammer) or while water is running (loose parts, cartridge, aerator).
  • Good: You have a clear pattern. Proceed to Water hammer or Loose parts and cartridge based on when the noise happens.
  • Bad: Unclear—run the faucet several times and observe.

Water hammer

Goal: Confirm and fix water hammer (banging when you close the valve).

  • Turn the faucet on fully, then close it abruptly. If you hear a loud bang in the pipes, water hammer is the cause.
  • Close the valve slowly instead of snapping it shut. If the bang reduces or stops, water hammer is confirmed.
  • For a lasting fix, install water hammer arrestors on the supply lines under the sink. Shut off the main water, drain the lines, and install per the manufacturer instructions.
  • Good: No banging when closing quickly.
  • Bad: Bang persists after arrestors—call a plumber.

Loose parts and cartridge

Goal: Fix squeaking or grinding by tightening loose parts or replacing the cartridge.

  • Remove the decorative cap and tighten the set screw that holds the handle. Check the mounting nuts under the sink and tighten with a wrench if loose.
  • If squeaking persists, shut off the hot and cold supply valves. Remove the handle and extract the cartridge. Replace with an exact match. Reassemble and turn the water back on slowly.
  • Good: Smooth, quiet operation when turning the handle.
  • Bad: Noise persists—call a plumber.

Aerator

Goal: Fix humming or vibration by cleaning the aerator.

  • Unscrew the aerator from the spout. Rinse it under running water and clear debris with a pin or small brush. Reinstall and run the faucet.
  • Good: Smooth flow with no humming or sputtering.
  • Bad: Humming persists—check for loose mounting or call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • Pipes bang loudly and repeatedly and water hammer arrestors do not help.
  • You have replaced the cartridge and the noise continues.
  • You are not comfortable working with supply lines or disassembling the faucet.

Verification

  • The faucet runs quietly when you turn it on and off.
  • No banging when closing the valve quickly (or arrestors are installed).
  • No squeaking, grinding, or humming when turning the handle or while water runs.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Confirm the noise type Note when the noise occurs—at shutoff (water hammer) or when running (loose parts, cartridge, aerator).
  2. Water hammer Close valves slowly; install water hammer arrestors if needed.
  3. Loose parts Tighten the handle set screw and mounting nuts.
  4. Cartridge or aerator Clean the aerator; replace the cartridge if squeaking persists.
  5. Call a plumber Loud repeated banging, fixes do not help, or you are not comfortable.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • When the noise occurs (on/off vs. while running)
  • Type of noise (bang, squeak, hum)
  • Steps already tried
  • Faucet model (for cartridge replacement)

When does the noise occur?

Note whether the noise happens when you turn the faucet on/off or while water is running.

Run the faucet and turn it on and off. Bang at shutoff: water hammer. Squeak when turning: loose parts or cartridge. Hum while running: aerator or loose parts.

At turn-on or turn-off While water is running

You can change your answer later.

Does closing the valve slowly reduce the bang?

Water hammer occurs when water stops suddenly. Closing slowly can confirm the cause.

Turn the faucet on fully, then close it slowly. Good: bang reduces or stops—water hammer confirmed. Install water hammer arrestors for a lasting fix. Bad: bang persists—call a plumber; pipes may need professional attention.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Install water hammer arrestors

Shut off the main water, drain the lines, and install water hammer arrestors on the supply lines per the manufacturer instructions. Turn the water back on slowly. The faucet should not bang when closed quickly.

Done

Is the handle loose or does it squeak when you turn it?

Loose parts or a worn cartridge cause squeaking or grinding when turning.

Check the handle set screw and mounting nuts. Tighten if loose. If squeaking persists, replace the cartridge. Shut off the water, remove the handle, extract the cartridge, and install an exact match.

Yes No (humming or vibration)

You can change your answer later.

Did tightening or replacing the cartridge fix it?

Tighten the set screw and mounting nuts. If squeaking continues, replace the cartridge. Reassemble and test. Good: smooth, quiet operation. Bad: noise persists—call a plumber.

Done

Is the aerator clogged?

A clogged aerator can cause humming or vibration while water runs.

Unscrew the aerator from the spout. Rinse and clear debris with a pin or small brush. Reinstall and run the faucet. Good: smooth flow, no humming. Bad: humming persists—check for loose mounting or call a plumber.
Question

Was the aerator clogged?

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if pipes bang loudly and repeatedly, water hammer arrestors do not help, you have replaced the cartridge and the noise continues, or you are not comfortable working with supply lines. Persistent banging can damage pipes.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my faucet make a banging noise?
Water hammer—water stops suddenly when you close the valve, causing a pressure surge in the pipes. Install water hammer arrestors at the supply lines or close valves more slowly. Loud banging that persists may need a plumber.
Why does my faucet squeak when I turn it?
Usually a worn or dry cartridge. Shut off the water, remove the handle, and replace the cartridge with an exact match. Check the aerator for debris—a clogged aerator can cause humming or vibration.
When should I call a plumber for a noisy faucet?
Call a plumber if pipes bang loudly and repeatedly, water hammer arrestors do not help, or you have replaced the cartridge and the noise continues. Persistent banging can damage pipes and fittings.

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