If your water pipes sound like the New York Philharmonic Orchestra when you turn a faucet on or off, don't despair there's a good chance that you're only a few cents away from a simple repair.
When a humming or vibrating-noise occurs for the first time in an established plumbing system, the problem usually is inside the faucet that is being used even though it may not seem so.
Most water faucets contain a rubber washer for a water-tight seal in the off position. Eventually (sometimes 20 years or more), the washer will dry out and become brittle - sometimes causing the faucet to leak.
Once in awhile, a dried-out valve-washer reacts to the flow of water the same way that the reed in a clarinet reacts when air is passed over it. The dried washer can cause a reverberation in the plumbing system that sounds like the first rumblings of an earthquake.
If vibrating occurs, the cause can usually be attributed to the washer in the main inlet valve where the main water line enters the home.
If a newly replaced washer or the washer in a recently installed faucet is defective (or not properly lubricated) the same sound can occur.
In older homes, vibrations can result from a loose pipe support, but more often a thump is heard. In a new home, vibrations in the plumbing system can usually be attributed to loose pipe supports.
Replacing a faucet valve washer can be a chore if the fixture hasn't been worked on for several years. Almost invisible leaks can cause mineral build-up and corrosion that can freeze screws and nuts in place - making parts almost impossible to remove. We hate to be bearers of bad news, but if this is the case, be prepared to replace the entire faucet.
A brass brush and a good solvent (such as WD-40) can be used to remove corrosion and loosen frozen fittings. Don't force retaining screws and fittings. Most water faucets are made of brass. And although brass resists corrosion better than most metals, it is very soft making it highly susceptible to damage from force.
To make the repair, first turn the water off from beneath the sink or at the main control outside the house. Once you've removed the faucet handle and gotten past the grit on the exposed valve stem, the rest is easy. Remove the valve stem by unscrewing the valve stem retaining nut, and you'll find the nasty washer at the end of the valve stem. A small screw holds the washer onto the end of the valve stem. Unscrew it, replace the washer and reverse the process to reinstall the assembly.
Some valve assemblies include a removable valve-stem-washer seat. It is wise to check with your local plumbing supply store to determine if this is the case. A special wrench (that for some unknown reason is referred to as a valve seat wrench) is used to make the 30-second replacement.
Most single-lever valve-replacement kits include detailed instructions on how to make the repair. However, when repairing a single-lever valve we strongly recommend that you consider replacement of the entire assembly as opposed to just the washers. It is difficult for the untrained eye to detect defects in this kind of valve. An entire assembly can be purchased for under $10.
