Plumbing whistles? Valve may be calling

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

March 2, 2006

We hear a loud whistling sound when we turn on our kitchen faucet. The Delta model was installed about 15 years ago. No other faucet makes such a sound. How can I stop the whistling?

-- Sunita Kelkar, Syosset

Water running through a restricted supply line often causes such whistling. You also might hear it in a toilet or a bathroom sink. It usually means the shutoff valve for one of the supply lines is blocked with sediment or a buildup.

Inside the cabinet and under the sink, two supply lines, one hot and one cold, feed water to the faucet. The supply lines should be connected to shutoff valves. Turn off both valves (clockwise), then open them up to the full-on position. Let the faucet run again - both hot and cold - while feeling the supply lines underneath. If you feel a small vibration in the line, this could be what's making that sound. Mineral deposits at the valve could mean it needs replacing. Opening and closing the valve several times and running the water might flush the debris. If that doesn't work, try replacing the valve.