Why Is My Faucet Spraying Water Everywhere? (And How to Fix It)
If your faucet is suddenly spraying water in every direction, don’t panic—it’s usually a simple fix. Whether it’s spitting, misting, or shooting sideways, the most common causes are easy to troubleshoot at home. This quick guide will walk you through why it’s happening and what to do to get your faucet working like normal again.
Common Reasons a Faucet Starts Spraying Water Everywhere
Most of the time, this issue comes down to one of the following:
1. Air Trapped in the Plumbing
When air gets stuck in your water lines, it disrupts the flow of water and can cause spitting, spraying, or even weird noises like banging or tapping behind the walls.
2. Clogged or Damaged Aerator
The small mesh screen at the tip of your faucet—called the aerator—can collect sediment and mineral buildup over time. If water can’t flow through evenly, it may spray sideways or spit in random directions.
3. Faucet Water Pressure Issues
Sudden spikes or drops in water pressure can also affect how your faucet behaves. If it only happens at one fixture, it’s probably a local clog. If it’s happening throughout the house, you may need a broader pressure adjustment or inspection.
How to Fix a Faucet That’s Spraying Water
- Make sure the water main has not been shut off. The valve should be turned completely counterclockwise, or if the handle is a lever, it should be fully moved to the open position.
- Find the fixture closest to the main water supply. Start there, and work your way clockwise around each fixture in your home, opening each faucet (both hot and cold) a half turn to let air and water escape. This should be done for all toilets, showers, and tubs, as well as the washing machine and dishwasher.
- Once water begins to flow without spitting, turn off all fixtures. Close each water source in the order that they were opened.
Allowing all fixtures, faucets, and appliances to run simultaneously will usually elicit enough force to push any residual air out of your plumbing — and voila!
No more spitting!
Still Spraying? Check the Aerator
If your faucet is still spraying water everywhere, the aerator might be the culprit. Here’s how to clean it:
- Unscrew the aerator at the tip of the faucet.
- Rinse it thoroughly under warm water or soak it in vinegar to remove mineral buildup.
- Use an old toothbrush or soft brush to clear out any debris.
- Screw it back on and test the faucet again.
If the aerator is cracked or worn, replacing it is quick and inexpensive.
When to Call a Professional
If none of these steps work and the faucet is still spraying water everywhere, there may be a deeper issue in the plumbing system, like corrosion, a broken valve, or inconsistent pressure regulation.
Calling in a licensed plumber is your best bet for diagnosing the problem fast and preventing bigger issues down the line.
Contact us today!
