4 Possible Reasons Why Your Water Faucet Is Sputtering
Sputtering faucets are often attributed to air in the pipes and ignored. If your faucet sputters only now and then, this is probably true and is harmless. Aerators and other devices are used to reduce water usage and these sometimes get clogged and cause sputters as well, but persistent, continuous sputtering may indicate serious issues in your plumbing or with your water heater.
1. Clogged Aerator
The aerator on the tip of your faucet filters the tap water and as a result, bits of debris such as dirt and sediment can collect behind it and clog the aerator over time. This results in sputtering when you turn on the faucet. The amount of debris coming through your pipes may increase occasionally due to water main breaks or material dislodging from plumbing joints.
2. Damaged Valve Cartridge
When cleaning the aerator doesn't fix the sputtering, then you may have a problem with your faucet's valve cartridge. The process to removing the valve cartridge may be different, as designs vary between manufacturers.
3. Air in the Water Lines
A common problem of sputtering water from faucets is caused by air in your water pipes. This is caused by air bubbles in the water and usually occurs in the winter because of extremely cold temperatures, or during periods of high demand, such as summer heat waves, where the water is moving at high volumes to accommodate demand. It may also be the result of silt stirred up by hydrant maintenance.
If you fill a glass with water and the water clears first at the bottom of the glass, you have air in your water lines. This may cause temporary sputtering at the faucet.
4. Faulty Water Heater
Sputtering from hot and cold water taps that occurs even when you've replaced valve cartridges and cleaned aerators may be a good reason to call a plumber. Typically a water heater operates safely and because of the safety devices that must be installed by the manufacturer, it rarely poses a risk to homeowners. However, a sputtering faucet can sometimes indicate that your hot water heater is overheating. This can result in the tank exploding if not immediately repaired.