Have frustrating chores become more frustrating due to low water pressure in kitchen sinks?
Did you know that the normal water pressure is between 30 and 80 pounds square inch?
Let’s just say that you found out that the water pressure in your home is low. What do you do now?
By the way, you don’t have to worry about expensive plumbing fixes. There are cheaper ways to troubleshoot this common problem, and I will show you how.
Want to know all about it? Let’s get to the bottom of this!
Find the Source of the Problem
According to qpreview, low water pressure may hinder household productivity in numerous ways. So here I am to help you find out the root causes and solutions to this paradox!
Is the Water Pressure Low in the Entire House?
When you notice that the water pressure is low in the kitchen sink, find out if it is happening in the entire house. If the same problem occurs all over the house, that means the problem is with the main water supply and pipes.
Give it a day or two to see if the water pressure in the sink improves. If it doesn’t, it’s time to check with the neighbors and the municipal water supply.
Is the Water Pressure Low in the Kitchen Only?
If the low water pressure problem is centered around one faucet only, as in the kitchen, the issue is with the fixture. The most common reasons are dirty faucet aerators and cartridges. Still, far more details are involved in low water pressure in the kitchen sinks, so I’ll get to them one-by-one.
Reasons for Low Water Pressure in the Kitchen Sink
Let’s look at the obvious and the not-so-obvious reasons behind low water pressure in the kitchens sinks.
1) Problem with Kitchen Faucet
Two main causes of low water pressure in kitchen sinks are clogged faucet aerators and blocked faucet cartridges.
a) Clogged Faucet Aerator
A faucet aerator is the part of the sink located at the end of the spout. This aerator’s job is to strain dirt and minerals from reaching your hands. So, it doesn’t take a genius to guess that there must be a lot of deposits stuck in there!
Sometimes, the faucet aerator helps to balance the water pressure from the tap. This is done to reduce unnecessary water usage and high utility bills. It has been attached to the sink for good reasons.
b) Blocked Faucet Cartridge
A faucet cartridge is a plastic or brass piece in the valve that regulates water flow. This little piece usually lasts 15 to 20 years without replacing. But not all faucets have a cartridge, though.
If you notice your tap water slowing down in speed, water dripping from the spout, and imbalanced water temperature, it may be a good idea to check the condition of the faucet cartridge.
On the other hand, the rubber O-ring in the cartridge may wear out, and the cartridge may have blocked passages from debris. The solution is to clean or to replace it.
2) Problem from Another Area
If cleaning the clogged faucet aerator and cartridge didn’t fix the problem of low water pressure in the kitchen sink, let’s look at other possible issues.
a) Shut-Off Valves Errors
Could it be that something is wrong with the shut-off valves of your kitchen sink? The valves are typically situated behind or below the sink.
It may be that when you were cleaning that part of the area, the shut-off valve has moved, causing low water pressure. Provided that the low water pressure is just in the kitchen sink, you have to scrutinize those shut-off valves.
These valves have a short lifespan. Notice any sign of dripping from it. When was the last time you repaired or replaced them?
b) Leaked or Clogged Water Lines
Here is another problem to look into. Leaky pipes can waste gallons of water every year and minimize the water pressure in sinks.
Even here, you have to see if the water lines in your home are so old and corroded to the point of lowering water pressure. If your problem is in the kitchen, inspect the pipes there.
The corrosion may not be visible from the outside as the damage is inside. Mineral buildup can clog these pipes as well. The only way to know is probably by their age, like the pipes in an old house.
c) Problem with Pressure Reducing Valve
Lastly, you may want to check the pressure-reducing valve in your home. The pressure regulator ensures that the water pressure in the household is at a balanced level to prevent the damage of pipes.
However, not all residents have a pressure-reducing valve. When this device is malfunctioning, the water pressure can either surge up or lower down.
Solution for Low Water Pressure in the Kitchen Sink
I have identified all the possible problems relating to the low water pressure in the kitchen sink. Now is the time to offer you some solutions so you can feel some relief at last.
Clogged Faucet Aerator
To fix a clogged faucet aerator, all you have to do is clean it. It is pretty easy as well!
Step 1
Some aerators can be unscrewed while others not. The ones that come off quickly can be cleaned with a toothbrush.
Step 2
Use some soap if you want to get rid of the grime. A few minutes of brushing, and it will become as good as new! Then, screw it back up.
On the other hand, soak the aerator in vinegar water for a few hours if the debris is stubborn. Then, proceed with brushing.
Step 3
Now, if your aerator is the fixed-type, you have to adopt another method. Pour some vinegar into a small plastic bag, and tie it around the sink spout. Leave it like that for a few hours.
Step 4
This will soften the grime stuck at the end of the spout. Later, clean the area with a brush, and run the tap to check. The water pressure should improve now!
Blocked Faucet Cartridge
If cleaning the aerator doesn’t change the low water pressure, it is time to inspect the faucet cartridge. This is the part of the tap inside the handle.
Step 1
First, block the drain and turn off the water supply to the faucet before you start. Next, remove the handle by unscrewing the set screw located at the bottom. But doing that is not easy because every faucet is different.
Faucet handles can be removed with a screwdriver working counterclockwise. While some are located at the sides, especially with knob handles, some sit at the bottom. Sometimes the screws are hidden behind an emblem or logo.
Older faucets may be covered in grime, rust, and oil. In this case, instead of damaging the faucet, remove the screw with a solvent, a degreaser, or penetrating oil.
Step 2
Once you’re done removing the tap head, you’ll see a cylinder-shaped cartridge inside. The cartridge may be made of plastic or brass.
If you notice a lot of dirt on the cartridge, you can clean it in soap water. Sometimes, the buildup is so dense; you have to replace the cartridge.
Step 3
After cleaning, put the cartridge, the screws, and the faucet head back in place. Run the tap to check the water pressure.
Shut-Off Valves Errors
Low water pressure from your kitchen sink may ensue if the shut-off valves have been accidentally closed, or if there is a leak, or they are too old to continue working.
Step 1
In that case, check if the valves under your kitchen sink are open or not. Turn it in the right direction for proper water flow.
Step 2
Then, check for any sign of water dripping. If it is, it is time to call the plumber.
Step 3
Do the valves look like they can go on for another two years? If you feel some doubt, buy new valves and replace the old ones.
Leaked or Clogged Water Lines
Leaky and clogged water lines can only be solved by replacing them with new plastic or copper pipes. Corroded water lines are damaged from the inside, and there is no way to clean them. If the home you live in is old, I bet the water lines have deteriorated.
Problem with Pressure Reducing Valve
Before you start blaming your pressure-reducing valve, perform a small test with a water pressure gauge. To figure out the water pressure of your kitchen sink, measure it by attaching a pressure gauge near the pressure regulator.
If the device indicates a pressure lower than 75 pounds per square, there is something wrong with your pressure-reducing valve. Either call the right people to repair it or get a new one.
In All
These are the quick fixes for the most common dilemmas regarding low water pressure in kitchen sinks. Make sure to go through each of the issues and follow the resolutions.
If other faucets in your home were facing low water pressure, the situation could be more significant than this. You may have to involve your neighborhood and municipal authority.
Regardless, some people even invest in a water pressure booster pump and whatnot. Anyhow, I hope this article answered your questions about low water pressure in kitchen sinks. Let’s not wish for the worst.