Quick Answer:
If fixtures stick, stall, or won’t flow after you restart the water, it’s usually trapped debris or partly closed valves. Start by verifying stop valves are fully reopened, remove aerators to check for sediment, and clean or inspect cartridges. Flushing the lines before swapping parts clears most issues.
Why This Happens
When water is shut off for repairs or maintenance, scale, sand, and loose mineral deposits can be dislodged and pushed through the pipes when service resumes. Those particles collect in small openings: aerators, cartridge seats, and valve ports. You may also see pressure swings or brief odd meter readings. If you want more background, see Sediment clogging fixtures post repair for common sources and patterns.
Step-by-Step What to Do
1. Verify stop valves are fully reopened
- Locate the stop valves under each sink and behind toilets. Turn each valve counterclockwise until it stops to make sure it’s open.
- If a valve is stiff, don’t force it hard — try gentle back-and-forth turns. A stubborn valve can be opened with a second wrench, but if it won’t move, stop and call a pro.
2. Remove and inspect aerators
- Unscrew aerators from faucet spouts by hand or with a cloth and pliers for grip. Expect some resistance.
- Rinse screens and housings with water. Use a small brush or soak in vinegar briefly to dissolve mineral buildup. Reinstall or replace if damaged.
3. Flush the lines
- Open the highest and lowest fixtures in the house (for example, an upstairs bathtub and a basement hose spigot) and let water run for several minutes. This helps push debris out of the system.
- Flush both hot and cold lines so any sediment trapped on one side is removed.
4. Check and clean cartridge-style fixtures
- Shut off the local stop valve before removing a cartridge. If no local valve, shut off the main water supply.
- Remove the handle and trim to access the cartridge. Inspect for grit, torn seals, or blocked ports. Rinse the cartridge and its seat; replace worn O-rings or seals if you have them.
- Reassemble and test. If the cartridge is damaged or flow doesn’t improve, note the model and consider replacing the cartridge only — not the entire fixture.
5. Look at the meter and pressure behavior
- If pressure seems unstable or the meter behaves differently after restarting work, check for ongoing leaks or a partly closed main. For more detail on what the meter may show, see Meter behaving oddly after plumbing work.
- Record what you see so a plumber can diagnose persistent issues faster.
What Not to Do
- Don’t replace fixtures before flushing. Replacing a whole faucet or valve often won’t fix a problem caused by debris in the lines.
- Don’t remove cartridges or work under pressure without turning off the water first.
- Don’t use strong chemical cleaners in cartridges or aerators — they can damage seals and finishes.
When to Call a Professional
- Low or no flow persists after you’ve flushed lines and cleaned aerators and cartridges.
- Valves are seized or you can’t isolate a leak.
- The meter shows continuous flow with all fixtures off (possible hidden leak) or pressure is dangerously high or erratic.
- You’re uncomfortable disassembling fixture internals or you find broken parts that need replacement.
Safety Notes
- Turn off the appropriate shutoffs before disassembling fixtures. If in doubt, shut off the main supply.
- Protect finishes with a cloth when using pliers and wear gloves to avoid cuts from metal edges.
- Avoid electrical contact: don’t work on fixtures near live outlets or appliances without taking proper precautions.
Common Homeowner Questions
- Why did this start right after the water was turned back on? Most often because sediment and mineral debris that settled while the system was idle got pushed into small openings when pressure returned.
- How long should I flush the lines? Run water for several minutes at the highest and lowest fixtures until it runs clear and pressure stabilizes.
- Can I just replace the faucet or valve? Not right away — cleaning aerators, flushing lines, and inspecting cartridges usually fix the problem. Replace parts only if they’re damaged or cleaning doesn’t help.