Symptoms
- Rattling or buzzing sound when water runs
- Vibration you can feel through the faucet handle
- Chatter is worse at certain flow rates
- Sound stops immediately when the faucet is closed
Likely causes
- CommonLoose washer or worn stem assemblyA loose part vibrates rapidly against the seat, creating a chattering sound.
- PossibleWorn valve seatAn uneven seat surface can cause a washer to bounce.
- PossibleHigh water pressure in the homeExcess pressure can make loose parts chatter more noticeably.
- PossibleLoose aerator or spray headCan buzz if not screwed on snugly.
What to do
- Check that the aerator or spray head is screwed on snugly, since a loose one can buzz on its own.
- Turn off the water supply and open the faucet to relieve pressure.
- Remove the handle and stem or cartridge and inspect for looseness, wear, or an uneven valve seat.
- Tighten or replace the washer, stem, or cartridge as needed, following the same process as a standard drip repair.
- If the valve seat looks worn or pitted, resurface or replace it.
- Reassemble and turn water on slowly, testing flow at different levels to check the chatter is gone.
- If chatter persists and other fixtures in the house also make noise, ask a plumber to check overall water pressure.
Tools and parts
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Seat wrench
Faucet washer/stem kitSearch: “faucet stem washer replacement kit”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if the chatter continues after replacing worn parts, since it may point to house-wide water pressure that's too high.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.