Sink noise can make it sound like your problem is worse than it is.
A whining faucet is typically more of an annoyance than a serious plumbing problem. The whining sounds you hear are caused by a faulty or damaged washer in your faucet. As water squeezes past the washer, it causes whistling noises. To fix the noise and return your faucet to normal operation, you must replace the washer that's at fault. Replacing your faucet washer will require a bit of plumbing skill and some basic plumbing tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Locate the wall-mounted water supply shutoff valves behind your sink. Turn both the hot and cold valves in a clockwise direction until they are completely closed. Turn on your faucet to test that the water supply has been stopped and to drain any remaining water from the fixture.
2. Use your flat head screwdriver to remove the caps at the center of your faucet knobs. Slide the screwdriver blade beneath the edge of the plastic or metal cap, and apply pressure to pry the cap out of its seat and off the knob.
3. Use your screwdriver to loosen and remove the screw exposed beneath the plastic cap, and lift it out of the knob. Lift the knob off the valve. Use your pliers to grasp the top end of the valve, and pull it gently upward until it is released from the slot in which it sits.
4. Turn the valve over so the bottom faces upward. Use your screwdriver to remove the screw at the base of the valve. With the screw removed, the rubber washer causing your whining noise should come loose. Use your flat head screwdriver to pick out the old washer, and replace it with a new washer of the same size.
5. Replace the washer and use your screwdriver to tighten the set screw. Slip the valve back into its sleeve, and press it down until it sits firmly in place. Slide the faucet knob back over the valve and check to see if the noise has ceased. Open the wall-mounted water supply shutoff valve, and turn on the faucet. If the noise is gone, reinstall the faucet knob mounting screw, and replace the plastic knob caps. Move to the other faucet knob and repeat the process.
Tags: your faucet, faucet knob, water supply, your screwdriver, flat head, flat head screwdriver
