Quick Answer:
A vibrating faucet is usually a sign of moving water parts, high pressure, or a loose component. Start by reproducing the sound across the flow range and isolating hot and cold. If the shaking is inside a finished wall or you can’t stop it with simple checks, have a plumber find and secure the pipe run before cutting into surfaces.
Why This Happens
Common causes include:
- Loose valve internals or a worn cartridge that oscillates under certain flows.
- High supply pressure or water hammer creating resonance in the pipes or fixture.
- Unsecured supply lines or missing pipe straps inside walls or cabinets.
- Mineral buildup in the aerator or mixing valve that changes flow patterns.
Some vibration issues appear after a change in the system—pipework, pump adjustments, or pressure changes. If the shaking started after recent work on the water system, consider the possibility described in Vibration started after pressure change. Similar flow-resonance problems can make shower fittings move; see Showerhead shakes under pressure for how that looks and what to check next.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Reproduce the vibration across the flow range
With the faucet open, slowly move the handle from very low flow to full flow. Note where the vibration begins and where it stops. Record the exact positions (very low, slightly open, half, full). This helps isolate whether the problem is a specific flow point or any non‑full condition.
2. Isolate hot-only vs cold-only
Run hot-only, then cold-only, and compare. If only one side causes vibration, the issue is likely on that supply side (valve, cartridge, or supply line). If both sides vibrate, look for shared items like the aerator, mounting, or main supply pressure.
3. Hold the fixture to feel resonance
Grip the faucet body and feel where the vibration transmits. If the shaking is strongest at the fixture and dies down toward the supply lines, the issue may be the cartridge or spout. If the vibration travels into the cabinet or wall, the pipe run may be loose.
4. Check the aerator and visible fittings
Remove the aerator and run the faucet at the problematic flow point. A clogged or damaged aerator can cause turbulence that leads to vibration. Also check for visible loose fittings, flex lines, and the shutoff valves under the sink.
5. Test shutoffs and supply lines
Gently operate the shutoff valves (open/close slightly) and see if the vibration changes. If you have flexible hoses, look for kinks or unsupported runs. Tighten loose mounting nuts at the sink—but don’t overtighten internal cartridge screws (see What Not to Do).
6. If vibration is inside a wall or keeps returning
If the sound or movement originates inside finished walls, stop and call a plumber. A professional can locate and secure the pipe run, add straps or insulation, or replace a failing valve without causing unnecessary damage to finishes.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overtighten cartridges or jam shims behind trim to stop movement; this can break parts or create leaks.
- Don’t cut into a finished wall or ceiling if you feel vibration inside the cavity; let a plumber locate the pipe before opening surfaces.
- Avoid striking the pipe or fixture with tools to stop noise—this can hide the problem and cause further damage.
When to Call a Professional
- The vibration is coming from inside a finished wall or ceiling.
- The shaking is loud, accompanied by banging (water hammer), or continues after simple checks.
- You cannot isolate or stop the vibration, or you find leaking or loose fittings you don’t feel comfortable repairing.
- Replacement parts may be required (cartridge, valve, or pipe support) and the repair requires access inside walls or beneath floors.
A licensed plumber can locate the run, add proper supports or cushions, replace worn valves safely, and test the system without creating unnecessary damage.
Safety Notes
- Turn off the appropriate shutoff valves before removing cartridges or disassembling fixtures. If unsure, shut off the main water supply.
- Be careful with hot water when testing the hot side; scald risk can be immediate when running high-temperature water.
- If you suspect a loose pipe in a wall, do not open the wall yourself—unsecured pipes under pressure can move and damage other systems.
Common Homeowner Questions
- What causes sudden faucet vibration? Sudden vibration is often from a pressure change, a failing cartridge, or a loose support that lets a pipe or valve resonate.
- Can I tighten something myself to stop it? You can tighten accessible mounting nuts and remove the aerator, but don’t overtighten cartridges or force shims behind trim.
- Is a vibrating faucet dangerous? Not usually immediately, but it can lead to leaks or pipe damage over time—call a plumber if it comes from inside walls or if you can’t stop it.
For more related articles, see the Vibrating Faucets or Showerheads hub.