The taps in your kitchen are unlikely to suffer a problem. However, now and again something may go wrong. The good news is that many problems with kitchen taps do not require you to replace the entire tap. Below is a guide to some common problems that can occur that can be easily fixed using DIY techniques or by calling a professional plumbing service.

The flow of water is intermittent

If the flow of water coming from your kitchen tap is intermittent, this could be due to a clogged aerator. An aerator is a screen which screws onto the mouth of the tap which helps to add air to the water as it leaves the tap. Mineral deposits and lime scale can build up on the surface of the aerator and interfere with the flow of water as it leaves the tap. To fix this problem, you should remove the aerator and soak it in warm water before brushing the surface with wire wool to remove the any build up on its surface.

The water trickles out of the tap

If the water trickles out of your kitchen tap in one steady stream, this is likely to be caused by a build of limescale and mineral deposits within the workings of the tap or the connecting pipes. It can be difficult to locate and clear the problem without the help of a plumber, as the blockage is often in an inaccessible place. Unless you are highly skilled at plumbing, it is best to call a professional plumbing service and request that they service the tap and any connecting pipes.

The tap makes a screeching sound

If the tap in your kitchen makes a screeching sound when you turn it on, it is likely that the rubber washer has failed. As time passes, rubber washers can begin to harden with age. This prevents the washer from forming a complete seal when water flows through the tap, resulting in an unpleasant screeching sound. If you feel confident in your own plumbing abilities, you can dismantle the tap and replace the washers yourself. You should be able to buy a pack of rubber washers from your local hardware store. If you don't feel confident completing the job yourself, or if your kitchen tap continues to make a screeching sound after you have installed a new washer, you should contact a professional plumbing service.

If you are experiencing any problems with the plumbing in your home, you should contact a plumbing service today.