Kitchen Sink Making Noise But No Water? Here's How to Fix It

Is your kitchen sink making strange noises but failing to produce any water when you turn on the faucet? This frustrating issue is common in many households, but the good news is that it's usually caused by a minor problem that you can often fix yourself without calling a plumber.

Humming, buzzing or grinding noises coming from a non-functioning kitchen faucet typically indicate a clogged garbage disposal or an obstruction in your sink's plumbing that's preventing normal water flow. With some basic DIY troubleshooting and repairs, you can get your noisy kitchen sink working properly again.

Diagnosing the Source of the Noise

Strange noises without water flow suggest that something is stuck, clogged or mechanically malfunctioning in your faucet or plumbing. Here are some of the most common culprits:

Clogged Garbage Disposal

If food particles, grease or other debris has gotten trapped in your garbage disposal, it can jam the spinning blades and cause a humming or buzzing noise when you turn on the sink. Resetting or manually turning the disposal blades can usually clear out the obstruction.

You may need to dislodge debris that's wedged between the blades by inserting an Allen wrench in the bottom of the unit. Always unplug the disposal before attempting this. Running cold water while operating the disposal can also help clear out gunk.

Blocked Faucet Aerator

Mineral deposits and sediment can build up in the aerator screen at the tip of your faucet, restricting water flow. This causes buzzing or dripping instead of a steady stream. Unscrewing the aerator to remove debris or soak it in vinegar usually solves this.

If the aerator is damaged beyond repair, replacing it with a new one is an easy fix. Make sure to select the correct replacement size and style for your existing faucet.

Obstructed Shut-Off Valves

Partially closed or corroded shut-off valves under your sink can cut off enough water flow to reduce pressure at your faucet. If you hear buzzing along with very low flow, try opening valves fully to restore pressure.

Inspect valves for leaks too - worn out washers may cause drips and flow issues. Replacing old valve washers resolves this.

Unclogging a Jammed Garbage Disposal

If your disposal emits a humming noise when turned on, chances are something is lodged in the blades preventing them from spinning. Follow these steps to clear the obstruction:

Locate the Reset Button

Unplug the disposal unit and locate the tiny reset button on the bottom. Use an Allen wrench to push the reset button, which should disengage the jam.

Remove Foreign Objects

Insert the Allen wrench into the bottom of the disposal and rotate it back and forth to manually dislodge anything trapped. Avoid putting your fingers inside the disposal. Don't insert objects like silverware either.

Running cold water while turning the wrench helps wash away debris. Repeat if needed until the clog is cleared and blades spin freely.

Prevent Future Clogs

To avoid future garbage disposal jams:

• Run plenty of cold water while operating the disposal to flush away particles.
• Avoid putting husks, peels, grease, bones or rice down the drain as these can get stuck.
• Clean regularly by grinding ice cubes or baking soda to scour the blades.

Troubleshooting Clogged Faucet Aerators

Sediment buildup in your sink's aerator screen can gradually block water flow causing low pressure and noises. Fixing a clogged aerator is fast and easy:

Remove the Aerator

Locate the aerator at the tip of your faucet spout. Unscrew it counterclockwise to remove. Rinsing under water may dislodge some debris.

Clean Out Deposits

For mineral deposits, soak the aerator in vinegar overnight then scrub with a pipe cleaner. For sediment, use a thin object to gently pry particles from the screen. Rinse thoroughly.

When to Replace Your Aerator

If the plastic is cracked or screen mesh is damaged, replace the aerator. Continued clogging issues after cleaning also indicate replacement is needed.

Replacing Faulty Shut-Off Valves

If your shut-off valves are leaking or unable to completely stop water flow, replacing the internal washers should restore full function:

Assess Extent of Damage

Test valves by attempting to turn off water supply - stiffness, persistent drips or water still flowing indicate washer failure. Corroded, cracked or loose valves likely need replacing entirely.

Swap Out Old Washers

After shutting off main water supply, detach supply tubes and remove valve. Slip on new washer, reassemble and test. Ensure no drips are present before reopening supply.

Consider Replacing Whole Valve

For extensive valve damage, replacing the entire unit may be easier than repairing it. Choose durable, metal-constructed valves over cheaper plastic models.

Dealing with Low Water Pressure

In addition to blocked aerators and bad valves, other issues like kinked pipes or problems with your home's main water supply can also reduce faucet pressure and cause noise:

Check Water Pressure

Attach a pressure gauge to your faucet spout and turn on cold water. Pressure below 45 PSI may cause noise and flow problems.

Inspect Supply Valves and Pipes

Partially closed supply valves under the sink are a common cause of low pressure. Also check for cracked, damaged, or kinked pipes.

Contact Your Utility Provider

For system-wide pressure drops, your local water company may need to investigate and resolve issues with area supply levels and water towers.

In some cases, it's prudent to contact a professional plumber for assistance:

• If supply pipes are inaccessible in walls or ceilings.
• For very old galvanized piping that's corroded and needs replacement.
• If you are unable to locate or turn off your home's main water shut-off valve.

Otherwise, take the DIY approach to quiet your noisy kitchen sink first. With a little persistence, you can likely get your sink's water flowing smoothly again and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.