Troubleshooting Kitchen Faucet Problems and How To Resolve Them?

Kitchen faucets are used countless times daily for cleaning produce and dishes or for filling pots and pans. When they start to leak, make strange noises, or the water turns an odd colour, it disrupts everything. Even top-tier models can break down over time due to hard water, high usage, or improper installation.

In this article, we’ll cover real-world kitchen faucet troubleshooting, from worn cartridges and low pressure to no flow at all. We’ll show you what causes the issues and how to fix them.

But if your valve is shot or your diverter fails, don’t risk it. Call a WaterMart technician before attempting a DIY solution, as it may worsen the issue and void your insurance.

Common Kitchen Faucet Problems & Their Solution!

Most faucet issues stem from worn parts, mineral buildup, or corrosion, particularly in older models. Learn how to fix a faucet step-by-step, with both DIY tips and guidance on when to bring in professionals like WaterMart.

Leaky Faucet

Why it Happens:

Leaks are from worn washers, corroded valve seats, or cracked O-rings inside the valve, or incorrect installation of the faucet. Even a simple loose screw or faulty connection can cause water to escape around the handle or base.

How to Resolve:

1. Shut off the water supply under the sink. 
2. Remove the handle and housing to inspect the O-ring, washer, and valve assembly. 
3. If anything looks cracked, flattened, or corroded, replace that part. 
4. Use a matching replacement part (O-ring size matters). 
5. Tighten every connection and screw during reassembly or else it won’t be fixed. 

Still leaking? It may be time for a new faucet. If water damage is a concern, book a repair with our certified technicians.

Low Water Pressure

Why it Happens:

In Canadian households, mineral-heavy water can leave residue inside faucet components (aerator). Mineral buildup inside the aerator (the fine mesh screen at your faucet’s tip) is the main reason for restricted flow. 

But in older homes with hard water, corroded pipes, or clogged supply lines, it also reduces pressure. If you suspect hard water may be causing the issues, get a free water test from WaterMart to identify mineral levels and protect your plumbing system.

How to Resolve:

1. Unscrew the aerator, soak it in vinegar overnight, and scrub off residue. Rinse and reinstall. 
2. If water flow is still low, flush the lines by shutting off the valves, disconnecting supply hoses, and running water into a bucket. Check and clean internal valves if needed.

Still stuck? Get WaterMart faucets with a RO system to reduce mineral buildup, the root cause of the issue.

Rust and Corrosion

Why it Happens:

Wondering what causes faucet corrosion? It’s a mix of rust, hard water minerals, and poor faucet material quality. Constant exposure to moisture causes metal parts to corrode. Limescale buildup from high-iron water speeds this up, especially on cheaper models with untreated internals.

How to Resolve:

1. Use a soft brush and a baking soda paste to scrub light corrosion. 
2. Rinse thoroughly and dry. 
3. For heavy rust, try a descaling solution, but don’t leave it on long. 
4. If you see pitting or flaking metal in internal parts, faucet replacement is needed. We recommend investing in a quality corrosion-resistant model from WaterMart’s selection.

Stiff or Hard-to-Turn Handles

Why it Happens:

When handles won’t budge, the usual culprit is mineral buildup or worn cartridges, classic bad faucet cartridge symptoms. Over time, internal parts corrode or seize up due to a lack of lubrication or debris in the valve.

How to Resolve:

1. First, shut off your water supply. 
2. Take off the handle cap and remove the screw. Take apart the handle assembly and inspect the cartridge. 
3. Clean the components with a vinegar soak or apply food-grade, silicone-based lubricant. (Never use petroleum-based lubricants!)
4. If the cartridge is cracked or stripped, replace it. 
5. If everything is in optimal condition, reassemble and test for smooth operation.

No Water Flow at All

Why it Happens:

Zero flow means a fully blocked faucet, it could be sediment-clogged supply lines, failed cartridges, or jammed internal valves. We’ve often seen dirt collected in circular valves in many older models. In newer multi-chambered designs, buildup is still a risk if filtration is poor.

How to Resolve:

1. Start by checking your shutoff valves under the sink. Are they fully open?
2. Disconnect the supply lines and run them into a bucket to test the water flow.
3. If the flow is good, disassemble the faucet body.
4. Remove and inspect the cartridge and aerator for clogs.
5. Soak parts in vinegar or scrub away debris.
6. Replace damaged components.
7. Still stuck? Book a WaterMart technician for full diagnostics.

Sprayer Head Problems (Pull-Out Faucets)

Why it Happens:

Low pressure or an uneven stream from a pull-out faucet usually traces back to a kinked hose, mineral buildup, or a worn sprayer button. In some older Toronto homes, sediment can clog the nozzle, especially in hard water zones. 

How to Resolve:

1. Twist off the spray head. Soak it in white vinegar for 30 minutes to clear out mineral buildup. 
2. Next, check the hose for knots, cracks, or leaks. Inspect the valve nut and tighten if loose.
3. Run water through the hose while detached to check for blockages. Don’t yank the hose; that’s how most of these issues start.
4. If the nozzle or hose is damaged, replace them yourself as both are low-cost and simple DIY fixes.

Diverter Issues

Why it Happens:

If water won’t switch from spout to sprayer (or gets stuck mid-switch), the diverter valve is probably clogged, worn, or jammed. This is common in older faucets or when sediment collects around the diverter seat inside the body.

How to Resolve:

1. Remove the spout to access the diverter. 
2. Flush out debris and scrub parts using toothpicks (no metal tools). 
3. If it’s still acting up, replace it with the same model, and take the old part to match. 

This is a more advanced repair, so we recommend letting a professional install a new, OEM-matched diverter to reduce future clogs.

This is a more advanced repair, so we recommend letting a professional install a new, OEM-matched diverter to reduce future clogs.

Squeaky or Noisy Handles

Why it Happens:

A squeaky faucet handle means friction from dry or worn-out internal parts. Over time, the packing around the stem dries out, or the threads grind due to a lack of lubrication.

How to Resolve:

Searching “how to fix a squeaky faucet handle” won’t help unless the source of the friction is addressed. For that, remove the handle and apply silicone-based grease directly to the stem. Don’t use WD-40, it evaporates too fast. 

Reassemble and test for noise. If the noise continues, replace the handle or cartridge. A squeaky handle may also signal that your valve or pipes may need professional attention.

Water Temperature Doesn’t Adjust Properly (Single Handle Faucets)

Why it Happens:

The mixing valve cartridge controls the mix of hot and cold water, so if the water jumps from cold to hot, the issue is in that part. This is a classic sign of a clogged cartridge or jam in the anti-scald mechanism.

How to Resolve:

1. Turn off the water supply and remove the faucet handle by loosening the screw.
2. Pull out the mixing valve cartridge.
3. Rinse the cartridge under water or soak it in vinegar to clear the buildup.
4. Check the anti-scald limiter ring (usually a notched plastic ring behind the cartridge). Adjust it if possible to allow more hot water.
5. Reinstall the cartridge and handle, then turn the water back on and test the temperature.
6. If the cartridge looks worn or cleaning doesn’t work, it’s time for a replacement.

This usually restores proper temperature control without needing a plumber. If the temperature still fluctuates, the entire valve assembly may need replacing.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Faucet Problems

Keeping your kitchen faucet in top shape only requires regular maintenance. Here are the top tips for reducing the chances of common faucet problems: 

• Clean the faucet and aerator regularly: Mineral deposits build up fast and choke water flow. Wipe the faucet with mild soap and water to stop grime and buildup. Every few months, unscrew the aerator and soak it in vinegar to avoid clogs that slow your water pressure.
• Install a water softener: Hard water is a real problem in many Ontario cities like Guelph, Kitchener, and Waterloo. It leaves behind minerals that damage faucet parts over time, so adding a water softener or reverse osmosis system can help. 
• Replace washers and O-rings every 3-5 years: These small parts are usually the first to wear out. Replacing them before they fail keeps your faucet leak-proof and working efficiently.
• Book annual checkups: A professional plumber can inspect your faucet’s internal components, catch early signs of corrosion or hose failure, and clean parts you might miss. 
• Buy quality from the start: Cheaper faucets often mean frequent breakdowns. WaterMart carries durable models that resist corrosion, perform well long-term, and come with expert support if anything goes wrong.

When to Call a Professional From WaterMart?

Understand that some faucet problems signal larger plumbing issues needing expert attention. The top three tell-tale signs of pipe damage or hidden leaks are:

• Seeing leaks under the sink? Call a professional, as a few drops can turn into mold, warped cabinets, and structural damage if the source isn’t fixed properly. 
• Low water pressure in multiple fixtures is a red flag. It’s rarely a faucet issue and usually means there’s a blockage or leak deeper in your system.
• Notice musty smells, bubbling paint, or mold? That could mean water has been leaking behind the walls for a while. At this point, professional help isn’t optional.

WaterMart offers installation of faucets and also helps troubleshoot, fix, and upgrade your plumbing with expert service and top-tier parts across Canada.

Conclusion

Most faucet issues don’t appear out of nowhere. They’re the result of skipped faucet maintenance, mineral buildup, or poor installation. Drips, weak flow, and squeaky handles usually trace back to worn seals, clogged aerators, or cheap components that just weren’t made to last. All of these are avoidable with regular upkeep and solid products. Call WaterMart for dependable faucets and the right advice to keep them that way.