Why Did My Kitchen Faucet Stop Working Suddenly?
It can be deeply frustrating when your kitchen faucet, which you rely on constantly throughout the day, suddenly shuts off without warning. No flow from the faucet means dirty dishes pile up, cooking and cleaning become more difficult, and every task that requires water is affected.
But while a non-working faucet is undoubtedly inconvenient, the good news is that in many cases, the problem can be easily identified and fixed yourself without waiting days for a plumber. This DIY troubleshooting guide will walk through the common causes and solutions step-by-step.
Check For Disrupted Water Supply
The first thing to check when your kitchen faucet won't work is whether you have water flow anywhere else in your home. Try turning on the bathroom sink, checking the shower, or flushing the toilet. If water flows from these fixtures as normal, then the issue is likely isolated to just the kitchen.
However, if no water comes from any faucet or supply line, you likely have a whole-house water supply problem. This could indicate:
- A burst main water line coming into your home
- A malfunctioning main home valve that cuts off water
- A municipal water supply disruption
For whole-house water issues, contact your local water company to learn about any service advisories. You may also need to arrange for a plumber to inspect your home's buried exterior water lines or interior main valve.
Single Fixture Issues
If other water sources in your home work fine, focus troubleshooting efforts solely on your kitchen faucet:
Remove and Clean Clogged Faucet Aerator
The small aerator screen on the end of faucets helps regulate water flow. But over time it can become clogged with mineral deposits and sediment. To clean a blocked aerator:
- Unscrew the aerator from the faucet spout (by hand or with pliers).
- Soak it for 30 minutes in white vinegar or CLR to break down deposits.
- Rinse thoroughly under hot water while scrubbing screen.
- Replace and test faucet flow.
Flush Debris from Faucet Lines
Trapped gunk in the supply lines can also cut off a faucet's water. To flush debris:
- Remove the aerator. Turn faucet handles to full hot and cold.
- Let water run for 3-5 minutes.
- Turn off handles, reattach aerator, and test.
Repeated flushing may be needed to fully clear clogged lines. If low flow persists, move down the troubleshooting checklist.
Inspect Faucet Cartridge and Internal Parts
The faucet's internal cartridge controls water flow and temperature mixing. Over time, cartridges wear down, allowing debris to foul operation. To inspect:
- Turn off water lines and remove faucet handle.
- Identify cartridge make and model.
- Remove cartridge and check for cracks or corrosion.
- Replace cartridge if damaged. Reinstall all parts.
Inner hoses, washers, and O-rings should also be checked for cracks or leaks that could disrupt water delivery. Tighten any loose connections before retesting.
If you've systematically tried all troubleshooting steps without resolving low or no water flow, it's best to call a professional plumber at that point. Pay attention to any gurgling sounds, as this may indicate:
- A corroded galvanized pipe
- A major clog deeper in supply lines
- Malfunctioning shutoff valves
A plumber has specialized video cameras to identify hard-to-reach clogs stuck far down pipes and drains. They can also replace severely corroded lines and angle stop valves hidden behind sinks and cabinets -- repairs that may otherwise require tearing up walls for DIYers. While inconvenient, a non-working kitchen faucet ultimately leads to bigger headaches down the road if left unaddressed. In many cases though, a few strategic troubleshooting steps can get your water flowing again.