Since we use our bathroom faucets for washing hands and for other tasks that’s why they are one of the most important fixtures in a bathroom.
This is the reason we need our faucet to work properly and if by chance it stops working, it will disrupt the daily household work.
So the first question that comes to mind is why does my bathroom faucet suddenly stop working?
If your bathroom faucet suddenly stopped working, the reason could be a water supply issue, blocked aerator, damaged cartridge, clogged pipe, frozen pipe, check for rust, or dislodged or damaged tap washer.
In this article, we explained the reasons why your faucet stopped working and how you can fix it.
Reasons Why Your Bathroom Faucet Suddenly Stopped Working
Water Supply Issue
If your bathroom faucet has suddenly stopped working, the reason could be a water supply issue.
The first thing you should do is examine other faucets in your house to see whether they are working properly or not.
If all the other taps are working properly except the faucet in your bathroom, you can assume there is a problem with only one tap.
But if you are facing issues with other faucets then it can be a deep plumbing concern.
The other possible reason could be, the area you live in is facing a water supply problem.
To confirm whether it is true or not you should ask your neighbor to see if they are also facing a similar problem.
If they are also facing the issue, the problem is with the water supplier and main water line. This is a rare case but it is still something you should check out.
However, you should consistently check the water supply to make sure that water is flowing as it is supposed to.
This can be done by inspecting other faucets in the house and also checking the linked faucets that are connected to the same piping.
This will help you to confirm whether the problem is big or small. Chances are high, it is not going to be a water supply issue but it is the fastest way to check the possibility.
Damaged Cartridge
If no water is coming out of your faucet then cartridge might be the reason.
With time faucet gets old and the parts inside the faucet get damaged. That’s why it is suggested to replace the cartridge once every few years.
In case if you have not replaced the cartridge for decades then it might be the cause of the problem.
Below we have mentioned the steps to replace the cartridge:-
Step 1: Turn off the Water Supply Valve
First, turn off the water supply valve which is located under the bathroom sink. One valve is for hot water and the other is for cold water.
Turn off both valves by rotating them in a clockwise direction. If you don’t have shut-off valves under your bathroom sink then turn off the main water supply line of the house.
At last turn on the faucet to drain the remaining water in pipes.
Step 2: Cover the Sink Drain
Before removing the faucet parts, make sure to cover the sink with a stopper or towel so that you don’t lose any parts in the drain.
Step 3: Remove the Faucet Handle
If you pay attention to the faucet handle, you will see an index button on the top of the faucet handle. Remove the button with the help of a flathead screwdriver (or Knife).
Once the button is removed you will be able to see the screw. Remove the screw with the help of a screwdriver.
If your faucet doesn’t have an index button then there will be a decorative cap at the side of the faucet handle. Remove the cap with the help of your nail or use a knife.
After removing the cap, you will see a set screw hidden inside there.
To remove the set screw you will need an Allen Key. Turn the Allen key in the anticlockwise direction. This will loosen up the faucet handle.
Step 4: Remove the Cartridge
Once the faucet handle is removed, you will be able to see the cartridge. To remove it you will have to first remove the cartridge nut with the help of a wrench.
If it is stuck or hard to remove then take the help of pliers for extra leverage.
Once the cartridge is out, make sure to keep aside all the pieces in the same order so you easily put them back together once the task is completed.
Step 5: Replace the Cartridge
Install the new cartridge in the same manner as you removed it before. You can buy a new cartridge from a hardware store or home depot store.
Make sure to check the cartridge model and the faucet brand to get the exact replacement.
Then, reinstall the faucet handle. Once you are done with the installation process, turn on the water and check if the faucet is working properly or not.
Blocked Aerator
The aerator could be a reason your faucet is not working. You will find the aerator at the tip of the faucet spout. With time debris and sediments build up inside it and create blockages for water.
Although this problem is mostly found in old faucets. So, to fix the problem you will have to unclog the aerator.
Follow these steps to fix the issue:-
Step 1: Plug into the Sink Drain
Before starting the process make sure to cover the sink drain with a stopper or towel. It will help you to not lose any parts in the drain.
Step 2: Remove the Aerator
Now remove the aerator with your hand by rotating it in the anticlockwise direction. If the aerator is hard to remove with your bare hand, then take the help of pliers.
But make sure to wrap the pliers’ teeth with plumbing tape to avoid scratches.
Step 3: Check the Faucet before replacing the Aerator
Turn on the faucet without an aerator and see if the water is coming through the faucet. If the water is coming then the aerator is the reason your bathroom faucet suddenly stopped working.
Now, you can move to the next step.
Step 4: Disassemble and Clean the Aerator
Disassemble the aerator with the help of a toothpick or needle.
While removing the parts make sure to note down the sequence or take a photo of it so that you can reassemble the parts in the correct order.
Now, take each part and clean it with a toothbrush, but make sure to scrub it gently, or else the parts will get damaged. Then, leave the parts in vinegar for 10 to 15 minutes.
If the deposit is overspread around the aerator, leave the parts overnight. This will dissolve the debris and gunk which is stuck inside the aerator.
After that, rinse all the parts under high water pressure. So that the remaining debris gets flushed out.
Step 5: Replace the Aerator
If the aerator is still not working even after putting in vinegar solution then replace the aerator with the new one.
Clogged Pipe
If your faucet has stopped working, the reason could be a clogged pipe. Pipes can get clogged due to many reasons such as sediment buildup, heavy metal deposits, or limescale buildup.
There could be a possible situation where the pipes can burst. As a result, water spills inside the walls causing huge damage to walls.
So, make sure to call a plumber if your pipe is clogged. They will identify the cause by checking each part of the pipe.
Check for Rust
Rust is another reason, your faucet has stopped working. If you can see the rust outside the faucet, it means the internal parts of the faucet are also rusted.
Rust can come from daily wear and tear on the faucet and it also creates blockage that stops the flow of water. So, if you see any rust then you should replace the faucet with a new one.
Frozen Pipe
If you are living in a cold or subzero area, then water inside the pipe may have got frozen due to which water is not coming from your bathroom faucet.
So, first, you should check the pipe which is connected to the faucet. If it is frozen, use a hairdryer to unfreeze it. Once the pipe gets unfreeze, the faucet will start working again.
The Tap Washer is Dislodged or Damaged
If your faucet has suddenly stopped working then it could be due to a dislodged or damaged washer.
When this happens, water trickles from the faucet in an inconsistent motion and then stops coming completely when the faucet is turned on.
Also if there is a whistling or chattering noise coming then it is due to a dislodged washer.
Although, check the other taps in your house. If they all are working properly, the washer might be the reason your faucet has suddenly stopped working.
Remove the faucet parts and inspect the washer. See if the washer is in good condition or not; if it’s dislodged or damaged then replace it with a new one.
Before replacing the washer make sure to cover the sink with a towel or stopper and turn off the water supply.