Imagine turning on your bathroom faucet first thing in the morning, anticipating the refreshing sound and flow of water, only to be greeted with silence. There’s no water.
So, why is there no water coming out of the bathroom faucet?
There’s not a single answer to this question. It could be due to clogged, leaky, rusted, or frozen pipes, or something as simple as a shut-off valve.
Whatever the problem might be, there are quick and easy fixes you can do to resolve it. In this post, we will look into the causes of this baffling issue and the different ways you can get your faucet working smoothly again.
Possible Reasons a Faucet May Not Run Water
There are various reasons why a faucet may not be running water, including:
Issues With One Individual Tap
When one of your bathroom faucets is not running water, it could be due to a few reasons. This may include issues like a broken handle or knob in that faucet. So when you on turn the faucet, there’s no water coming out.
Another problem could be a dislodged tap washer or faulty valves. Make sure to check the O-ring tap washer on the inside and replace it as needed.
Issues With the Main Water Supply
So, if there is an issue with your tap’s water supply to your building or city, it can affect not just one but all the faucets in your home. This might be due to routine maintenance, an intermittent water shut-off for repairs, or an interruption in water service.
It won’t hurt to call your city’s water supplier and have them fix the problem. If you didn’t get any notice from them, it’s usually a good idea to ask about the schedule of repairs and when they will turn it back on.
Do Your Neighbors Have the Same Problem?
If one morning you wake up and you couldn’t wash your face, it may be the occasional interruption with your city’s water supply line. Check with your neighbors to see if they are having the same issue. If they do, then the water supply company may have shut off.
There may be some maintenance or onsite repairs going on, or you may have simply forgotten to pay your monthly utility bill.
Frozen Pipes
A frozen pipe is one of the common reasons why a bathroom faucet may not run water. This is especially a major headache for those living in colder regions or during winter. And when the ice starts to melt, it can rupture your plumbing pipes, causing expensive damage.
It can get worse, though, since the freezing can affect your main water line. So, this means that the faucets throughout your home won’t run water. Or, it could just be a problem with the water heater. If you’re getting lukewarm instead of hot water, it will take some time for the pipe to warm up so be patient.
The best possible remediation is to unfreeze the affected plumbing pipes with a hair dryer or heat gun. But you need to be careful and prepare for possible flooding.
Clogged Pipes
Mineral deposits, debris, or limescale can accumulate in your water pipes over time. The buildup will eventually clog the pipe, and when this happens, the water won’t reach your faucet. It’s best to call in a plumber to inspect the water pipes and clear any clogs.
Rusted Pipes
Rust generally comes from the usual wear and tear, but it can be a pain to deal with. So, if you see any traces of rust on the exterior of your bathroom faucet, chances are that your pipes are rusted as well. And this can result in low pressure or no running water. This is also very common on old pipes and fixtures.
When there’s rust in your water lines, it’s usually best to contact a plumber to have it checked. You may also need to replace the entire plumbing depending on the severity of the problem.
Old Plumbing
For older homes, the existing plumbing may not be able to sustain your demands in your household. The old plumbing system may be worn and not the most suitable size for your home. This can bring in potential problems like low water pressure, and clogged pipes, or it can keep water from flowing out of your faucets.
Water Leaks
Damages in the plumbing system can cause water leaks in your water supply lines or pipes so get under and check. Leaks in the plumbing will suck the water pressure and this can cause major problems if you don’t repair it soon. Again, the worst-case scenario is that you need to call a plumber to replace or patch up your plumbing.
Airlock in the Plumbing
Do you hear any odd, kind of coughing noise when you turn on your faucet and it’s not running water? If yes, then there’s probably an airlock bubble in the plumbing system. It can prevent a smooth water flow bathroom faucet smoothly, which is why sometimes, there’s barely any water coming out.
Depending on how big the airlock is, it can be tricky to break apart. You will need to clean the waterline or let a plumber take care of it.
How Do I Fix No Water Coming Out of My Faucet?
When there’s no water coming out of your tap, it could be due to a number of reasons. But there are some ways you can try to troubleshoot and fix the issue:
Check Other Taps in Your House
Maybe the problem isn’t limited to that one individual faucet, so check the rest of the faucets in your household just to verify. If the other faucets are working, then it means that the problem is in the faucet. In this case, you might have to replace your faucet or have a plumber take care of the problem.
But if multiple faucets aren’t working, then the issue may be in the main water supply. What you can do is inspect the main valve. Check that it is fully open. It might be partially closed or turned off, so you need to fully open it and see if water starts to flow.
Clean Sediments off Water Pipes
One of the most common causes of the issue is clogged pipes due to heavy metal deposits, corrosion, mineral, and sediment buildup. Sediments, especially, can ultimately cause the same issue with flow and pressure on leaks and clogged valves. Luckily, it’s easy to mitigate such problems.
You can clear your water pipes of sediment buildup by turning on the cold water for all your taps and turning them on full force for at least 30 minutes. You should be able to see water clearing out.
For mineral build-ups, it may be best to have a professional plumber look at the problem. Since it’s an internal issue with the pipe, they can use hydro jetting equipment to clear all the gunk out of your water pipes. But if your pipes are heavily rusted and corroded, replace them.
Clear the Airlock
Air can become stuck in water pipes, which can disrupt the water flow. You can release that air by connecting a hose to the faucet with the airlock. Then, connect the other end of the hose to a functioning faucet. You need to securely seal the hose around the faucets, making sure that no air escapes as you turn it on.
Next, put the faucet without the airlock on full blast. This will encourage the needed pressure within the hose, which will break up the airlock. You may hear coughing or spurts before a steady flow. Sometimes, an airlock can clear itself, though bigger airlocks will need some manual work.
Should You Call In a Plumber?
When it comes to dealing with anything that involves household fixtures and plumbing, it’s usually best to leave it to the pros.
However, you may attempt a few troubleshooting. You may want to do simple and quick fixes like cleaning sediments or opening the shutoff valve on the main water supply. Just make sure you have the know-how and have the right tools to perform them.
But for airlocks, clogged pipes, and leaks, you definitely should hire a professional plumber. Such issues require specialized tools and knowledge to resolve effectively.
In addition, if the lack of water flowing from your bathroom faucet persists despite easy fixes, it only means that you’re in for a bigger problem that requires expert care. A plumber will assess the situation so they can figure out what to do about it. If it’s the actual fixture, learn how much replacing a faucet typically costs.
FAQs
Why Would Only One Faucet Not Work?
One of the most common reasons is that the faucet itself may be damaged or clogged. Sediment or mineral deposits can build up within the faucet over time, blocking the water pipes and restricting flow. You can clean your faucet’s aerator, or replace damaged or worn-out internal parts like the valve or cartridge.
How Do You Unclog a Faucet Aerator?
Another reason why water flow may be restricted is due to a clogged aerator. You may soak it in vinegar overnight to dissolve mineral deposits. Then, scrape away debris, and reconnect it to your tap.
How Do I Fix No Water Pressure in My Bathroom Sink?
When there is low pressure or when water isn’t coming out of the bathroom faucet, you can fix it by cleaning the aerator. Doing so removes any buildup that may be blocking water flow.
You may also want to check the shut-off valves under the sink because if it’s partly open, then of course, there will be a decrease in water pressure. If the faucet cartridge or valves are worn or damaged, try replacing them. Also, check for any leaks or pipe damage under the sink and fix it as needed.
Does Vinegar Unclog Faucets?
Vinegar is one of the common ways to clear clogs when the blockage is caused by mineral deposits or limescale buildup. Just fill a bag with equal parts water and white vinegar, soak your kitchen faucet in it, and let it sit for an hour or so. Your kitchen faucet should be clear of dirt and start running water smoothly.
Should You Leave Faucets Open When Water Is Turned Off?
You can leave them open if your purpose is to winterize or drain the entire plumbing system and the fixtures. But it’s generally not a good idea.
Leaving your faucets open while the water supply is cut off can attract contaminants. It can also cause potential damage to the plumbing system and reduce water pressure.
Final Thoughts
A lack of water flow from your bathroom faucet can be one heck of an inconvenience and can interfere with your daily routine. But just like anything in life, if you know the possible causes behind the problem, it makes it easier to tackle the situation and get the necessary help to fix it.
When no water is flowing from your bathroom faucet, make sure to check the basics or do simple troubleshooting. But don’t hesitate to hire a professional to really evaluate the situation. You may want to plan regular plumbing inspections with them to treat leaks immediately and/or replace old or worn-out components.
But most importantly, caring for your fixtures and plumbing systems is the key.
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help you. Thanks for reading!
