How to Prevent and Treat Common Faucet Issues

Even the most luxurious and well-made kitchen fixtures can experience wear and tear over time. From reduced water pressure to persistent drips, faucet problems are a common inconvenience—but the good news is, most can be prevented or easily fixed with the right know-how.

Whether you’ve invested in a high-end unlacquered brass kitchen faucet or are exploring premium bridge-style options, this guide will help you diagnose, prevent, and treat the most frequent faucet issues. Understanding the causes behind common faucet malfunctions and learning how to care for your fixture properly will not only extend its lifespan but also preserve its appearance and performance.

What Are the Most Common Faucet Problems?

Faucets are exposed to constant water flow, temperature changes, and mineral buildup. Here are some of the most typical faucet problems homeowners encounter:

1. Dripping or Leaky Faucet

Cause:

• Worn-out washers or O-rings 
• Corroded valve seats 
• Loose parts 

Fix:

• Turn off the water supply 
• Disassemble the handle to access the valve 
• Replace washers or O-rings as needed 
• Reseat or replace the valve if corrosion is visible 

A leaking faucet can waste gallons of water per day and often signals a minor issue that’s easy to fix. If you’re working with a bridge faucet, consider checking out our detailed step-by-step installation guide a useful reference when disassembling or inspecting parts.

2. Low Water Pressure

Cause:

• Clogged aerator 
• Blocked or kinked supply lines 
• Sediment in the faucet cartridge 

Fix:

• Unscrew and clean the aerator with vinegar to remove mineral deposits 
• Inspect and straighten supply lines 
• Remove and flush out or replace the cartridge 

To reduce mineral buildup over time, regular cleaning is key—especially for brass kitchen faucets, which can develop limescale when not maintained.

3. Handle Stiffness or Difficulty Turning

Cause:

• Mineral deposits or grime inside the valve 
• Dried-out lubrication 
• Internal corrosion 

Fix:

• Disassemble the handle 
• Soak components in vinegar 
• Lubricate moving parts with a silicone-based faucet grease 
• Replace damaged cartridges if needed 

Pro tip: Periodic maintenance can prevent stiffness from developing in the first place. Learn more about how to care for brass components with our cleaning guide for household products.

4. Unusual Noises (Whistling, Banging, or Squealing)

Cause:

• High water pressure 
• Loose washers 
• Air trapped in the pipes 

Fix:

• Check your home’s water pressure (ideal is 40–60 psi) 
• Replace or tighten loose internal components 
• Turn on all faucets briefly to flush out air 

If the noise persists after these fixes, it might be time to upgrade to a better-engineered fixture. Explore our full collection of premium faucets for quiet, high-performance options.

5. Corrosion or Tarnish on Brass Faucets

Cause:

• Hard water exposure 
• Lack of regular cleaning 
• Use of harsh or abrasive cleaners 

Fix & Prevention:

• Wipe the faucet dry after each use 
• Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner like diluted vinegar or lemon juice 
• Avoid bleach or ammonia-based products 

Unlacquered brass develops a beautiful natural patina over time, but if you prefer to maintain its original shine, see our full guide on how to clean brass using household products.

How to Prevent Faucet Problems Before They Start

1. Perform Routine Inspections

Regularly check your faucet for leaks, unusual sounds, or changes in water pressure. Early detection of problems can prevent larger repairs later.

2. Clean Your Faucet Monthly

Especially for unlacquered brass kitchen faucets, routine cleaning prevents tarnish and buildup. Use natural, brass-safe products and avoid abrasive scrubs.

3. Use a Water Softener (If You Have Hard Water)

Hard water is a major cause of faucet wear and mineral deposits. Installing a softener helps extend the life of your faucet’s internal components.

4. Avoid Over-Tightening Handles

Excessive force can damage internal washers and cause leaks. Use gentle control when adjusting water temperature and flow.

5. Choose High-Quality Faucets From the Start

Many faucet problems originate from low-quality components. Investing in premium fixtures—like those from Insideast’s Bridge Faucet Collection ensures long-term performance and fewer issues down the line.

How to Extend the Life of Your Faucet With Pro-Level Maintenance

While fixing faucet problems as they arise is important, proactive maintenance is the true key to ensuring your faucet performs flawlessly for decades. Whether you’ve installed a traditional stainless steel fixture or a luxurious unlacquered brass kitchen faucet from Insideast, these advanced care tips will help preserve function, beauty, and value.

1. Deep Clean Internal Components Annually

Even if your faucet appears spotless on the outside, internal components like cartridges, aerators, and valve seats can silently accumulate debris and limescale.

What to do:

• Once a year, disassemble your faucet (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or your installation guide). 
• Soak internal parts like the aerator, cartridge, and washers in white vinegar or a brass-safe cleaner. 
• Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub buildup from screens and seals. 
• Rinse, dry thoroughly, and reassemble. 

If you’re unsure how your faucet is constructed, consult our Bridge Faucet Installation Guide for a visual reference.

2. Protect Your Finish With Natural Waxes or Sealants

If you have a brass bridge faucet—especially one that’s unlacquered—it will naturally develop a patina over time. While many homeowners appreciate this aging process, others prefer to maintain a polished look.

How to maintain shine:

• Apply a thin coat of carnauba wax every few months to create a protective barrier against moisture and air. 
• For quick shine, rub a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda onto the surface, then buff gently with a microfiber cloth. 
• Never use harsh abrasives or ammonia-based products, as they can strip away the protective layer or scratch the brass. 

For specific polishing methods, see our test-backed article: How to Clean Brass – 5 Effective and Easy Methods.

3. Upgrade Internal Parts With High-Quality Replacements

If you notice recurring faucet problems like leaking, squeaking, or reduced flow—even after cleaning—your internal parts may be wearing out. Instead of opting for generic replacements, upgrade to premium-quality cartridges, washers, and valves.

What to look for in replacement parts:

• Ceramic disc cartridges for smoother, longer-lasting operation 
• Silicone O-rings for better resistance to wear and heat 
• Solid brass or stainless-steel valve seats to prevent corrosion over time 

Premium internal components can transform even a budget faucet into a high-performance fixture. However, if your faucet is past its prime, consider exploring a replacement from our full kitchen faucet collection to match quality with longevity.

4. Use the Right Water Pressure Settings

Many faucet issues—like water hammer, inconsistent flow, or excessive spout wear—stem from poor water pressure management.

Pro-level tip:

• Use a pressure gauge to check your kitchen’s water pressure. Ideal levels fall between 40–60 PSI. 
• Install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) if your pressure exceeds 80 PSI. 
• A PRV not only protects your faucet but also helps prevent burst pipes and appliance wear. 

By optimizing water pressure and pairing it with high-quality fixtures—such as those found in our Best Bridge Faucets of 2025 you safeguard your plumbing and improve daily faucet function.

When to Replace Your Faucet

Sometimes, the best solution to ongoing faucet problems is to replace the fixture altogether—especially if:

• The faucet is more than 10–15 years old 
• Replacement parts are no longer available 
• You’ve had to repair it multiple times 
• There’s visible corrosion or structural damage 

In that case, consider upgrading to a unlacquered brass kitchen faucet or one of our expertly crafted bridge faucet models designed to last and look stunning for years.

Conclusion

Faucet issues are a common but manageable part of kitchen upkeep. Whether it’s a leaky handle, reduced water pressure, or tarnished brass, these problems can be treated or prevented with routine maintenance and timely intervention.

By following the tips above and choosing a high-quality fixture from Insideast’s unlacquered brass faucet collection, you’ll reduce the likelihood of common faucet problems and enjoy a kitchen that performs as beautifully as it looks.