In most cases, the easiest way to increase a faucet's flow rate is by replacing the aerator. Try looking for a higher gpm model to allow for more gallons per minute. If you live in a low water pressure area, an aerator designed to restrict water flow might be reducing the flow too much.
Sediments, mineral deposits, or small debris can clog the aerator over time, which results in low water pressure. To restore water flow due to a clogged aerator, use pliers to remove the aerator from the faucet, scrub it with an old toothbrush and rinse in water.
If you've cleaned the aerator and the water flow is still weak, there may be a clog in the pipes. As time goes by, mineral deposits build up in your pipes. This will slow water flow and, eventually, may even cause your pipes to burst. Now is a good time to call in a professional plumber.
The low pressure in the kitchen faucet is usually caused by one of two reasons - a clogged inflator or a clogged cartridge.
If the low water pressure seems restricted to a single faucet or showerhead, the problem isn't with your pipes or water supply, but with the fixture itself. If it's a sink, the most common causes are a clogged aerator or clogged cartridge.
In most cases, the easiest way to increase a faucet's flow rate is by replacing the aerator. Try looking for a higher gpm model to allow for more gallons per minute. If you live in a low water pressure area, an aerator designed to restrict water flow might be reducing the flow too much.
Most likely, the aerator is clogged. 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.
Indoor faucets usually have aerators at the tip. This small but valuable part consists of a mesh responsible for the consistent water flow. Since it controls water pressure, it reduces water splashing in the sink.
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.
The relationship between the pressure in the pipe and the flow rate is proportional. That is, the higher the pressure, the higher the flow rate. The flow rate is equal to the velocity multiplied by the cross section. For any section of the pipe, the pressure comes from only one end.
In low-pressure supply lines, flow restrictors provide comfort of use, and they save energy in high-pressure supply lines. By managing water flow, a flow restrictor prevents built-up pressure from damaging pipes, appliances, and fixtures.
By decreasing the diameter of the pipe we increase the volume flow rate, or the velocity of the fluid which passes through the pipe according to the continuity equation. Increasing or decreasing the length of the pipe has no effect on fluid velocity. Therefore the correct answer is to decrease the diameter of the pipe.
Check Your Faucet Cartridge
Your faucet cartridge sits deeper in your faucet than your aerator and has a hole through which water passes. These cartridges become clogged or blocked by hard water build up which produces low water pressure in kitchen faucets. Often, they just need to be cleaned.
Factors that affect fluid flow
Fluid flow in pipes is affected by many different factors: The viscosity, density, and velocity of the fluid. Changes in the fluid temperature will change the viscosity & density of the fluid.
You could have low flow in your home because of a clogged faucet, old corroded pipes, or other plumbing issues, even when your water pressure is normal. On the other hand, you could have low pressure, which can be caused by a leak in your home's plumbing or a water service disruption in your neighborhood.
The science of fluid dynamics
The two main factors which affect the flow of fluids are pressure and density, so these concepts are also fundamental to the study of hydraulics.
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.
Removing the water restrictor from your showerhead can also improve water pressure. Removal might also clear out mineral build-up around the restrictor. It's fine for you to remove one if you live in an apartment unless otherwise stated. Note that your water bill may increase after removal.
All kitchen sink faucets should comply with federal standards for a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm); a flow test does not exceed 0.4 gal.
Your Plumbing System, Pressure, and Flow
There is a simple way to describe the difference between water flow and water pressure. Water flow is the quantity of water coming out of your pipes. Water pressure is how hard the water flows out of your pipes.
Fluid flow requires a pressure gradient (ΔP) between two points such that flow is directly proportional to the pressure differential. Higher pressure differences will drive greater flow rates. The pressure gradient establishes the direction of flow. Flow is different than velocity.
Pressure, Flow & Your Plumbing System
When you get right down to it, the easiest way to describe the difference between water flow and water pressure is that water flow is how much water comes out of your pipes while water pressure is how hard it comes out of your pipes.