The water flow from your faucet should be a steady stream.
If you start experiencing water surges that cause difficulties for you in the kitchen, it’s a sign that something more pressing is going on.
Usually, this is because there is trapped air inside the water supply to your faucet, causing all the faucets with a water connection to experience water surges. If it’s just happening when you turn on the hot water, it may be an issue with your water heater. It could be a clogged tank. However, if it’s happening with cold water as well, it is probably something else.
Common Causes of a Pulsating Kitchen Faucets
Water Pressure
If the water pressure in your home is too high, it will cause the pulsating faucets. The reason for this is that the air pressure is too high, causing surging water pressure.
It may seem like an issue you can ignore, but high water pressure can cause damage to your water supply lines if the issue is left unattended.
Fix pulsating water pressure before it becomes a drastic issue.
Insufficient Air Pressure in Water Tank
It is very common for you to have a pulsing water flow if the pressure in your water tank is insufficient.
There is an electric pressure switch and an internal air bladder within the water tank. These are the two components that control the water pressure throughout your home. If either of these devices fails, the water from your faucet’s spout will have a visible surge rather than flow continuously.
It is important to have enough air pressure, and issues with the water tank should be taken seriously and dealt with soon after discovery.
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Debris and Dirt in Pipes
This comes back to the water pressure issue. Dirt and debris in the pipes can build up over time and block the water flow.
To prevent dirt and debris from accumulating in your pipes, it’s important to practice good plumbing maintenance. This includes avoiding pouring grease or other substances down the drain and using drain filters to catch food particles.
Water Surging in Pipelines
Water surging within the actual pipes can happen because of a quick change in water pressure or a sudden demand for water coming from some other appliance within the house. This can be common with hot water because of all the appliances that use that hot water.
It can also be a supply valve malfunctioning which will get pockets of air trapped in your pipes.
Potential Leaks
Leaks anywhere along the water line could cause the kitchen faucets to pulsate.
Even a small leak is a disruption to the available pressure of water flowing within the pipes.
Signs that might indicate a leak include water stains on your ceilings or walls, water pooling in or around your appliances, the sound of running water when you have no appliances on, or, quite simply, an unexplainable hike in your water bill.
Quick Shutting Down of Valve
Quick shutting down of the valve can lead to your faucet pulsating. This is known as water hammer and occurs when the flow of water in the pipes is abruptly stopped.
The shock wave that this induces can cause the pipes to vibrate, which can lead to a banging or pulsating sound at the faucet.
Over time, a water hammer can cause damage to the plumbing system, including burst pipes and damaged valves.
Water hammer arrestors absorb the shock of the water before they travel through the other plumbing fixtures. They are a useful tool for preventing a problem before it has begun.
Inappropriate Pre-Charge on Pressure Tank
The pre-charge pressure on a tank refers to the amount of air inside the tank before it’s filled with water.
Being both over and under-pressurized will cause the water pressure in your home to fluctuate, which means the water from your kitchen faucet pulsates.
Loosened Connection of Pipe to Faucet
Sometimes, the problem is as simple as tightening a connection that’s causing irregular air pressure and, therefore, surging water.
Make sure each pipe connected to your plumbing system is secure.
Malfunctioning Pressure Switch
Even normal wear and tear can lead to a corroded or damaged pressure switch.
If this is the case, the water pressure will not be monitored and can lead to either not enough pressure or too much. It can also lead to the system shutting on and off too often, making the kitchen faucet pulsate.
Fixing an issue with the pressure switch can be simple, or it can be very complicated.
It is best to contact a plumber and relay the issues with your pressure switch before you attempt to take on the job yourself.
Loose Washer in Valve
If you have a loose washer, the entire connection is loose.
If the connection on your valve is loose, it won’t affect other faucets besides just the one, but it will make the water surge from that faucet.
Pressure Surge Caused by Faucet Diverter
The faucet diverter, in the case of your kitchen faucet, diverts water from your regular spout to a sprayer.
Not all of the faucets have a diverter, such as your bathroom sink, but malfunctioning diverters can cause pressure surges, which will make your kitchen faucet pulsate.
Faulty Pressure Gauge
The pressure gauge is a component that measures the pressure in the water tank.
If the pressure gauge is malfunctioning, it may not accurately measure the air pressure in the tank, which can lead to pulsating water at the kitchen faucet.
How to Fix a Pulsating Kitchen Faucet
Check Your Water Pressure
Yes. Sometimes, it is as easy a fix as adjusting the water pressure.
If you have the correct level set for your home, the water pressure regulator should take over and give you a steady stream of water without all the air bubbles.
Inspect and Clean Your Faucet’s Aerators
Faucet aerators can get full of minerals from the water and partially clog, which can cause air pockets in the water flow, which will lead to the kitchen faucet pulsating.
Cleaning the aerator is simple enough and will get rid of all that trapped air in your kitchen faucet.
Check for Leaks and/or Build-Up
You can check for build-up by watching your drains. If they’re sluggish and noisy, that’s probably a good indicator that you’ve got a clog along your water supply.
You can also make sure your water is clear and has no odor. Dirty water can indicate dirt and debris in the same line as your drinking water, which is definitely something you want to be resolved.
As for leaks, keep a close eye on your water bill for any increase and watch for water stains growing around your home. The issue with leaks is much bigger than just your kitchen faucet pulsating.
Check and Adjust Your Bladder Pressure Tank
- Turn off the electricity to the water pump system.
- Drain all water from the tank by opening the nearest faucet until the water stops flowing.
- Use a tire gauge to check the air pressure in the tank. The pre-charge pressure should be set to 2 psi below the cut-in pressure of the pump. (This information should be found in the owner’s manual or on the pressure switch.)
- Adjust the pre-charge pressure by using an air compressor to add air pressure or release air from the tank until the air pressure is at the appropriate level.
- Turn on the power to the water pump and run a normal cycle to see if there is an air pressure difference.
If this does not fix the problem, it is important that you address it quickly. Issues with the bladder pressure tank can lead to premature pump failure and should not be taken lightly.
Replace Faulty Valves and Other Components
Before replacing anything, turn off the water supply to the affected areas. The easiest way of doing this will be to find the main shutoff valve. The shutoff valve is usually located by the water meter.
Please keep in mind that replacing valves of any kind (mixing valve, check valve, water valve, etc…) will vary in difficulty depending on location and the severity of the issue. If you’re not comfortable, it is best to consult a licensed plumber.
Need to Call in an Expert?
It isn’t just internal water supply factors that can make your kitchen faucet pulsate.
Sometimes it involves issues with the automated sprinkler system throughout your entire lawn. The water supply to your sprinkler system is another common cause of water surges.
If you’re not comfortable with something of this nature, you can research your local plumbers on sites such as Yelp and Angi’s. Professionals can keep you advised and confident in whatever decision you think is best to move forward with.