Prevent Clogged Faucets: 10 Tips for Homeowners in 2025

Clogged faucets are one of the most common service calls we handle in California homes, and the good news is that most clogs are completely preventable. Understanding how to prevent clogged faucets can save you money, protect your plumbing system, and improve your home’s water pressure.

As licensed plumbers who work in homes across the Bay Area and Sacramento, we see the same causes behind faucet clogs every week. These ten tips are based on real field experience and practical solutions that work.

1. Clean Your Aerator Every 3–6 Months

Hard water minerals, sand, and debris collect inside the aerator and restrict water flow.

Simply unscrew it, rinse it, and reinstall it.

In California especially in San Jose, Sacramento, and Pleasanton hard water makes aerator cleaning essential.

This alone prevents 70% of faucet flow issues we see.

2. Install a Water Filter or Sediment Filter

Sediment from older pipes or municipal supply lines enters faucets and clogs cartridges.

A whole-home filter or under-sink filter reduces debris and prevents clogging long-term.

To help homeowners better understand how water use and filtration impact household plumbing, the Environmental Protection Agency offers detailed guidance on water efficiency and conservation. You can read more here: EPA WaterSense – How We Use Water

3. Never Pour Grease, Oils, or Lotions Down the Sink

Even if it doesn’t clog your faucet directly, grease hardens in the drain line and slows all plumbing flow.

We often find kitchen faucet pressure issues caused by grease buildup several feet down the pipe.

4. Flush Your Faucet to Remove Sediment

Remove the aerator and run hot water for 30–60 seconds.

This pushes out loose sediment before it settles inside the faucet.

This is especially important in older homes with galvanized pipes.

5. Clean or Replace the Faucet Cartridge

Inside every faucet is a small cartridge that mixes hot and cold water.

When minerals fill the chambers, your faucet starts clogging and losing pressure.

Most homeowners don’t know cartridges should be cleaned or replaced once a year.

6. Use a Drain Strainer to Stop Debris

Hair, toothpaste caps, food particles, and other debris get washed toward your faucet’s internal mechanisms.

A simple drain strainer prevents debris from entering the plumbing system.

7. Treat Hard Water Before It Damages Your Fixtures

California has some of the hardest water in the country. This causes:

• Mineral scale
• Clogged faucet cartridges
• Low water pressure
• White crust on faucet heads

Installing a softener or descaling system dramatically reduces clogs.

8. Wipe Away Soap and Toothpaste Residue

Residue around the faucet base hardens over time and can move into the spout or internal chambers.

A quick wipe after each use prevents buildup.

9. Schedule Yearly Plumbing Maintenance

A licensed plumber can inspect:

• Faucet cartridges
• Shutoff valves
• Aerators
• Water pressure
• Internal buildup

Most major faucet problems begin as small clogs that could have been prevented.

For homeowners dealing with slow drains or frequent blockages, check out our Drain Cleaning service page.

10. Replace Old Faucets Before They Fail

Once a faucet is over 10 years old, internal components begin wearing out.

If you’ve cleaned the aerator and cartridge but still have poor pressure, replacement is usually the smartest option.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

Call a licensed plumber if you notice:

• Water pressure drops suddenly
• Rust or debris in the water
• Repeated aerator clogs
• Leaks around the faucet
• No improvement after cleaning

These signs point to deeper issues inside your plumbing lines.

For expert faucet repair or replacement, or contact us

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