If you want to increase pressure, you can try cleaning the aerator, rinsing the filter, or flushing the water supply lines. You can also fine-tune the shut-off valves to increase and decrease pressure.
If the aerator is blocked with dirt, debris or plastic shavings it will not produce a high rate of water flow. This is common in some faucets recently installed, especially if the aerator screen is exposed to debris before threading it onto the spout.
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.
Check the Aerator
This is a simple fix. Using channel lock pliers and thick tape or towel (to prevent scratching the faucet finish), unscrew the aerator from the faucet. Once the aerator is off, inspect it for debris or sediment in the mesh. Run the water without the aerator on.
If you wish to reduce the water pressure to a particular faucet, turn the valves clockwise by a quarter rotation. Make sure to turn the cold and hot water valves equally to create more consistent water pressure.
A one faucet problem is usually the simplest to fix. 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.
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.
Clogged aerator screen
The aerator is the first to check when a faucet has low water pressure. Most faucets have aerators at the base or inserted inside the spout. Sediments, mineral deposits, or small debris can clog the aerator over time, which results in low water pressure.
Is there an aerator in the faucet outlet? If so, remove it, and try turning on again. These often get clogged from debris you shake lose in the lines during installation. Some faucets also require you to remove part of the valve after installation to flush the lines, then re-install.
Test the water from the hose. If the flow is low, replace the cartridge. If there is a good flow, clean and replace the screen washer located between the sprayer and hose. If the problem persists replace the spray wand.
A Clogged Cartridge
This device has an important job — when you lift or turn the faucet handle, the cartridge is responsible for opening valves and letting the water flow into your sink. If there's a problem with the cartridge — such as a blockage — you're likely to encounter low water pressure.
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.
The most common causes of low water pressure in a kitchen sink are a clogged aerator or a clogged cartridge.
The low pressure in the kitchen faucet is usually caused by one of two reasons - a clogged inflator or a clogged cartridge.
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.
The adjustment screw raises and lowers the water pressure, but before it can be adjusted, you need to loosen the lock nut below it. Loosen the lock nut by half a turn with the crescent wrench. Turn the adjustment screw counterclockwise to lower the pressure or clockwise to raise the pressure.
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.
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.
Removing the restrictor would void the warranty of the product. All manufacturers of faucets are required to put “restrictors” in their products - inside showerheads; as an aerator; or in the waterway.
When you turn off your water valves or replace a faucet it is very common to kick up sediments in your pipes. Most water pressure issues are because of these sediments getting stuck in the tap filter. Look at your directions to unscrew the bottom of your faucet head. Clean out the filter inside and screw back on head.
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) and is essentially the force at which the water exits the faucets. In most homes, the water pressure should fall between 30 to 80 PSI, though a more ideal range is about 40 to 60 psi.