Expert: Sharon McCarthy - 6/28/2009

Question
HI, I HAVE A SINK IN MY BATHROOM, YESTERDAY I TURNED THE WATER ON AND HEARD A SMALL BANG, THEN THE HOT AND COLD WATER WENT TO A TRICKLE, I FIGURED THE FAUCET BEING OLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, I REPLACED THE FAUCET, SUPPLY LINES AND DRAIN PIPE, CLEANED THE TRAP OUT, TURNED THE WATER ON AND MY WATER FLOW WAS BACK TO NORMAL, 15 MINUTES LATER I HEARD THE SAME BANG AND THE WATER IS BACK TO A TRICKLE, I APPRECIATE YOUR HELP ON THIS IF YOU CAN. FRANK

Answer
Dear Frank,

  You must have been really frustrated after all that work! When you replaced the supply lines, did you notice any particles in the lines you removed?

  I have a hunch if you unscrew the aerator from the spout you'll find a lot of debris in there. This can have a number of causes. The cause will depend on what material you find that's plugging up the aerator. Take it off and see what you find. Then write back and describe it to me. Maybe I can point you in the right direction. Sharon

  PS. When you remove an aerator, which is the little part on the end of the spout with a screen in it, use an adjustable pliers, like a Channelocks, place the jaws at the bottom of the aerator [this way you won't squeeze the threads] and turn to the LEFT. With a new faucet, the aerator should turn easily.