The water valves control how much water goes through your pipes and can be found underneath your sink. You should have 2 valves made of plastic or metal attached to your faucet to control hot and cold water separately. Turn the valves counterclockwise to open them and increase water pressure.
Clogged Cartridge
Every sink has a cartridge — and for a good reason. This cartridge controls the literal flow of water coming out of the faucet. So if this important component becomes clogged or damaged, it's easy to see how such a problem can be why your kitchen sink water pressure is low.
Clogged aerators and clogged cartridges are two of the most common causes of low water pressure in a sink. The aerator is the tip of the faucet that the water comes out of, while the cartridge is found underneath the sink handle and enables you to stop and start the flow of water.
Please keep in mind that all new faucets since 1994 are restricted to conserve water per EPA code mandates. Older faucets had no restrictions. Beyond intentional flow restriction, new installations can sometimes have reduced flow if the lines are not flushed prior to installation of aerators or shower heads.
Look on the main supply pipe near your water meter for a conical valve that has a bolt sticking out of the cone. To raise pressure, turn the bolt clockwise after loosening its locknut. Keep an eye on the gauge to make sure the pressure is within bounds, then retighten the locknut.
Unscrew the nozzle and check for a broken or misaligned washer. Next you'll likely see mineral crumbles and debris collected at the screen. Rinse it all off. If it's hardened on, soak in vinegar for a bit or buy a replacement assembly.
Touch faucets have a screen below the sink. The debris screens and flow restrictors required for aerators and showerheads can clog, resulting in greatly reduced flow rates.
While it is possible to remove flow restrictors from shower heads, we strongly advise against it for several reasons. Flow restrictors for faucets are an integral part of most aerators and it is generally not possible or desirable to remove them.
It's worth checking the restrictions in your area before tampering with your showerhead. In addition, removing the flow regulator will also increase your overall water usage and the amount of power used for heating water, which is bad for your wallet and the environment.
The most common causes of low water pressure in a kitchen sink are a clogged aerator or a clogged cartridge. The aerator is the part of the faucet that is at the very end of the spout; it is the last thing the water touches before it comes out into the sink.
Booster pumps increase low water flow in water systems or industrial equipment and transport water from a lake, pond, or storage tank for use in a home or commercial building. A household that doesn't receive enough pressure from the city water supply would need a pump to increase low water pressure.
A quick and easy way to increase water pressure (for homes supplied by a municipal water system) is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can be found on the main water-supply pipe; look for a conical-shaped valve next to the water meter, close to where the main water pipe enters the house.
It's recommended you replace the aerator annually, and then clean the aerator twice a year. If the aerator appears to need frequent cleaning or becomes worn, the aerator may need to be replaced more often. Lead from fixtures, soldered joints, or pipes can get into your water.
Faulty Faucet
Over time, wear and tear can cause the seals in the faucet to break down, which can lead to leaks. These leaks can then reduce the overall water pressure. If you think that your faucet is the cause of your reduced water pressure, you might have to get the faucet repaired or change it altogether.
When the valves fail to open completely, or the internal parts break, malfunction, or go bad, the faucet may supply water at low pressure. Call a licensed plumber to inspect the faucet and suggest whether repairs can suffice or whether it is best to replace the fixture.