Why Is My Faucet Sputtering?

It can be jarring when the faucet sputters. Rather than a nice, steady stream of water flowing out, the water comes out with varying pressure and sounds, well, not great. The simple explanation is that air got into the water line, which is usually not a cause for concern. 

If the sputtering goes away after a few seconds, it’s probably nothing to worry about. If the sputtering continues, call a local plumber to check it out. Here are some common causes of water sputtering at the faucet.

You Turned Off the Water Main 

If you’ve recently gone on vacation, installed a new hot water tank, or completed some minor plumbing repairs, you might have turned off your water main. When the pipe is turned back on again, water will sputter out of the faucets. This is to be expected and not a problem

There’s nothing you need to do. Use the faucets as you normally do. The air bubbles will work their way out as you do your water-related tasks. Just be aware that each faucet might have a few sputters.

The City Is Doing Maintenance

If your city is performing water line maintenance or working on the neighborhood fire hydrants, your home faucets might sputter a bit. Again, this is nothing to worry about—just air bubbles working through. 

Heat waves can spike neighborhood water use.  Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to expand and contrast, leading to air in the line. 

The Aerator Is Clogged

The faucet aerator is a little metal screen that attaches to the end of your faucet just before the water comes out. When it gets a layer of dirt and grime, the water will come sputtering out. The fix is easy: clean or replace the aerator yourself. 

You can replace your aerator in about an hour for about $30. Other times, a good scrubbing could do the trick. Each aerator is different—you should be able to unscrew the attachment, wash it in soapy water, and reattach it. If yours isn’t removable, you might need to brush it clean in place. Even if your faucets aren’t sputtering, you should do this a couple times a year.

You Have a Faulty Faucet Cartridge

A faucet valve cartridge is a piece inside the sink or shower faucet that directs the water flow. They can wear out or get grimey. In this case, take the handles off and use pliers to pull the old cartridge out and replace it. (All models differ, so follow the manufacturer's instructions.)

There is no standard cartridge, so a replacement might not be available at your hardware store. This means you might need to call the manufacturer to replace it. 

If you’re comfortable with some light plumbing work, this is a project you can DIY. If not, find a local plumber. The cost to replace a faucet cartridge is usually between $200 and $300 on average.

The Water Heater Is Malfunctioning

If you notice water sputtering at the faucets and weird noises at the water heater, it might be malfunctioning or installed incorrectly. If the unit isn’t working properly, the flame could be inconsistent, leaving the air in the pipes that leads to sputtering at the faucet.

Your water heater can last between 10 and 15 years, but if you’re concerned about your unit, call a plumber. This isn’t a DIY project.

A malfunctioning water heater is not safe. It might overheat, making the water you and your family use to wash your hands too hot to touch. If the pressure builds up in the water heater, it can leak or burst.

You Have a Cracked Pipe

Another reason for sputtering water could be that air gets in through a cracked or damaged pipe. You might notice signs of a water leak that indicate a broken pipe such as:

• Water stains on the wall 

• A musty smell

• Loose faucets

• Sputtering in more than one pipe 

You might be able to put a temporary fix on a leaky pipe. If you’re unsure, call a plumber to assess the situation. You should repair a damaged water pipe quickly to prevent further damage— especially if it’s more than one pipe.