What To Do If Your Faucet Stops Working

What to Do If Your Faucet Stops Working: A Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

A working faucet is something we take for granted—until it suddenly stops flowing. Whether it’s a kitchen sink, bathroom faucet, or an outdoor spigot, losing water access is frustrating. But don’t panic! Before calling a professional, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and possibly fix the issue yourself. Here’s a guide to help you determine why your faucet isn’t working and what to do about it.

Step 1: Check Other Faucets in the House

If your faucet stops working, the first thing to determine is whether it’s an isolated issue or a whole-house plumbing problem. Try turning on other faucets in your home:

• If other faucets are also dry: You may have a main water supply issue, such as a shut-off valve being closed, a municipal water outage, or frozen pipes in cold weather.
• If only one faucet is affected: The problem is likely localized to that specific fixture, making it easier to diagnose and fix.

Step 2: Inspect the Shut-Off Valves

Under most sinks, you’ll find shut-off valves that control the water flow to the faucet. If your faucet suddenly stops working, someone may have accidentally turned one off.

• Locate the shut-off valves (usually under the sink or near the fixture).
• Turn them counterclockwise to ensure they are fully open.
• Test the faucet to see if water starts flowing.

If the valves were already open, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Check for a Clogged Aerator

Over time, mineral buildup can clog the aerator—the small screen at the tip of the faucet—reducing or completely stopping the water flow.

• Unscrew the aerator using pliers (wrap the pliers in a cloth to avoid scratching the fixture).
• Rinse and soak the aerator in vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup.
• Reattach the aerator and test the faucet.

If water still isn’t flowing, there may be a deeper blockage.

Step 4: Examine the Faucet Cartridge or Washer

Inside your faucet, a cartridge or rubber washer helps regulate water flow. If these components wear out or become clogged with debris, the faucet may stop working.

• Turn off the water supply before dismantling the faucet.
• Remove the faucet handle (this typically requires a screwdriver or Allen wrench).
• Check the cartridge or washer for signs of wear, cracks, or debris.
• Replace the damaged part and reassemble the faucet.

If your faucet still isn’t working, you may need professional help.

Step 5: Check for Frozen Pipes (in Winter Months)

If temperatures have dropped significantly and your faucet suddenly stops working, frozen pipes may be the culprit.

• Check for frost or bulging pipes under the sink or near exterior walls.
• Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Use a hairdryer or heating pad to gently warm the affected pipe (never use an open flame).
• Leave the faucet open so that when the ice melts, water can start flowing again.

If you suspect a major freeze, call a professional plumber immediately to prevent burst pipes.

Step 6: Contact a Professional Plumber

If you’ve gone through these troubleshooting steps and your faucet is still not working, it’s time to call in a professional. A licensed plumber can quickly diagnose and fix issues such as:

• Major pipe blockages
• Internal faucet damage
• Broken water lines
• Water pressure problems

At Golden Rule Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, our expert plumbers are ready to help with any faucet or plumbing issue. We believe in treating our customers with honesty, integrity, and excellent service—just like we’d want our own family to be treated.