Fix Low Water Pressure Issues in Your Kitchen Sink

Turning on your kitchen faucet expecting a strong flow of water only to get a weak trickle is not just inconvenient - it can make completing basic kitchen tasks like washing dishes or cooking extremely difficult.

Low water pressure from your kitchen sink faucet can have several causes, from clogged aerators to issues with shut-off valves. Thankfully, many underlying problems can be addressed with simple DIY fixes. Read on to learn the common reasons behind decreased kitchen faucet water pressure and actionable solutions to get your flow back to normal.

Diagnosing the Cause of Low Water Pressure

Before attempting to fix low water pressure at your kitchen sink, it's important to diagnose the potential cause. Start by checking the water pressure right at the faucet using the following methods:

Use a Water Pressure Gauge

One of the most accurate ways to test faucet water pressure is attaching a water pressure gauge to the end of the faucet. This provides a PSI reading that you can compare to your overall home's water pressure.

If the faucet pressure is noticeably lower than your main home reading, it indicates an issue specific to the kitchen plumbing.

Visually Assess Water Flow Rate

Simply turn your faucet on fully and observe the water flow visually. Check for a lower than normal flow rate or pressure. Signs include weak stream, sputtering, longer time to fill a glass or pot, etc.

Inspect Supply Lines and Shut-Off Valves

Check below your sink for any potential blockages or issues with the supply lines. Ensure any shut-off valves are fully open. Kinks in the lines or partially closed valves can restrict water flow.

Comparing the faucet pressure to your main home water pressure gives a direct indication of where the problem lies. Once you've confirmed that the issue is isolated to the kitchen faucet, you can move on to examining several possible root causes.

Examining Causes of Low Kitchen Faucet Water Pressure

There are several common issues that can cause a decrease in water flow from your kitchen faucet:

Clogged or Damaged Aerator

The aerator at the tip of the faucet has a screen that mixes air into the water flow. Mineral deposits, sediment, and other debris can accumulate in the aerator over time, restricting water flow.

Partially Closed Shut-Off Valves

Check below your sink to make sure the shut-off valves on the hot and cold water supply lines are fully open. Partially closed valves limit water flow.

Mineral Buildup in Pipes

Hard water areas tend to experience limescale accumulation inside of water pipes. These mineral deposits build up over years, slowly reducing pipe diameter and capacity.

Corroded Galvanized Pipes

Most older homes have galvanized steel pipes which corrode internally and collect deposits. This causes excessive friction and decreased water transfer.

Damaged Faucet Washers

Washers inside the faucet assembly can become cracked or warped over time. This allows water to leak out, reducing pressure. Damaged washers must be replaced.

Issues with Water Pressure Regulator

A faulty water pressure regulator valve can cause fluctuations or chronic low pressure issues. The regulator may need to be adjusted or replaced entirely.

Pinpointing the specific cause of limited water flow makes the problem far easier to address. Next we'll cover solutions for some of the most common kitchen faucet water pressure issues.

DIY Solutions for Restoring Water Pressure

Many causes of low kitchen faucet pressure can be fixed yourself without the need for a plumber:

Clean or Replace Clogged Faucet Aerator

Remove the aerator from the tip of the faucet using pliers or a faucet wrench. Rinse out any debris, soak overnight in vinegar, or use pressurized air to clean. Reinstall aerator when finished.

Open Partially Closed Shut-Off Valves

Check below your sink for the hot and cold water supply line valves. Make sure both are fully open clockwise. This ensures maximum water flow.

Replace Old Steel Pipes with Copper

Re-piping corroded galvanized steel pipes with new copper lines will remove flow restrictions. But consider trying other fixes first before taking on repiping.

Flush Pipes and Faucet

Mineral deposits inside pipes can often be cleared by flushing the plumbing system. Turn off water, detach aerator, and run high pressure water through pipes.

Swap Out Damaged Faucet Washers

Disassemble the faucet to check washers. Replace any that appear cracked, warped, or misshapen. This will stop water leaks.

Adjust or Replace Faulty Pressure Regulator

If cleaning the regulator screen doesn't help, you may need a new pressure regulator installed by a plumber. This controls home water pressure.

In many cases, DIY troubleshooting and repairs can resolve low water pressure at the kitchen sink. But for some more complex issues, seeking professional assistance may be required.

When to Call a Professional Plumber

While DIY solutions work well for basic problems, a licensed plumber has the skills and experience to tackle tricky pressure issues like:

Pinpointing Issues in Supply Lines

Plumbers have specialized tools to locate leaks or blockages buried within supply pipes in walls that may cause pressure drops.

Re-Piping the Entire Plumbing System

For severely corroded and mineral-clogged plumbing, a full repipe of the home's water supply system may be needed. This is a major project best left to professionals.

Fixing Persistent Low Pressure Problems

A plumber can diagnose the root cause of ongoing low pressure issues that DIY fixes can't resolve. With experience, plumbers can find solutions other homeowners may miss.

Installing a Whole House Water Filter

Hard water is a common cause of restricted pipes. A professionally installed whole house water softener or filter can prevent future mineral buildup.

While calling a plumber does mean an added expense, it is often money well spent for difficult or complex low water pressure problems. Their technical expertise can be invaluable.

Preventing Low Water Pressure Problems

While it may not be possible to prevent low water pressure issues 100%, there are ways to minimize problems:

Regularly Cleaning or Replacing Aerators

Don't wait until you have flow problems to clean sink and shower aerators. Doing this regularly eliminates buildup before it can restrict water.

Installing Whole House Filtration

Water softeners and filters can remove minerals and sediments before they enter pipes. This minimizes deposits that reduce inner diameter.

Replacing Old Steel Pipes Over Time

Slowly replace corroded galvanized pipes in your home with copper, PEX, or CPVC lines. Focus on kitchen and bathrooms first.

Proactive Leak Checks

Periodically inspect under sinks for leaks in supply lines and valves that could develop into pressure issues over time.

While it's nearly impossible to prevent all potential causes, proactive maintenance helps avoid many low pressure problems.

Don't live with frustratingly low water flow from your kitchen faucet. Inspecting supply valves, cleaning aerators, and flushing pipes are simple first steps you can take to troubleshoot problems.