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4 Reasons for Low Water Pressure in the Kitchen Sink

July 14, 2022
4 Reasons for Low Water Pressure in the Kitchen Sink

The kitchen is a busy part of the home where a lot of work and great food happens. Having low water pressure in the kitchen sink is the last thing you’ll need.

In this guide, we’ll list down some common reasons for this problem and teach you how to repair it. This can help you save on the costs that come with hiring a local and licensed plumber.

1) Blocked Aerator

Blocked Aerator

The aerator is the screen part situated at the faucet spout. It functions to control the water flow rate and supply.

In addition, it adds air to the stream of water in the faucet, which helps to conserve your water consumption.

Due to mineral deposits or hard water, the aerator can get blocked, causing low water pressure from your kitchen sink.

As such, you’ll have to remove and clean them. Here are the steps for this:

  • Twist the aerator clockwise. If this is difficult, use pliers with tape to allow for a tighter grip.
  • Remove the screen from the faucet.
  • Brush the aerator with an unused toothbrush.
  • However, if your aerator is badly blocked, soak it overnight in vinegar, brush off the residues, rinse thoroughly, and then, reattach it to the faucet.

2) Damaged Cartridge

Damaged Cartridge

The cartridge is the main faucet part that is responsible for allowing and stopping the water to flow via the valve.

Likewise, the cartridge within a kitchen sink can be blocked by mineral remains, hard water, and debris or damaged by other causes, resulting in low water pressure.

It needs to be disconnected and cleaned so the water supply can flow sufficiently. Follow the steps below to do it:

  • Shut off the supply valve and open the faucet to let out the residual water.
  • Close the drain with the sink stopper.
  • Remove the screw cap using a wrench.
  • At the base of the handle, find and remove the retaining nut with an Allen wrench.
  • The cartridge should now be accessible. Soak it in warm water and vinegar overnight to clean it.
  • And with a stiff brush, brush the cartridge clean.

3) Leaking Pipe

Leaking Pipe

Notice that your kitchen floor is wet underneath the sink? You can attribute this low water pressure to the leaking pipe.

Leaks can be hard to detect, so look for their signs. Among them are a musty odor, watermarks on the walls or basement, stained ceilings, and slightly wet areas under the water heater or pipe.

If you’ve found any of them, we suggest contacting a plumber promptly who will be able to diagnose and solve the problem.

4) Impaired Plumbing Lines

Impaired Plumbing Lines

If it seems the faucet is working fine, you can start to suspect that your plumbing lines are broken. 

This can be due to several reasons including corroded pipes, sediments, and debris. They may have been there for a long while and so damaged your pipes in the process.

To be sure, you can inspect your pipes by doing the following:

  • Close off the water supply under the kitchen sink.
  • Place a bucket by the supply line to catch possible residual water.
  • Turn the nuts of the water supply line counterclockwise by hand. If it doesn’t loosen, use a wrench.
  • Keep the bucket in the same place under the supply line.
  • Turn the water supply on gradually to see if water flows out. If it does, you can blame the issue on your faucet.
  • That said, if no water comes out of that, your plumbing line may be damaged. And you should get a plumber to look into and repair it for you.

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