A quick and easy way to increase water pressure is to adjust the pressure-reducing valve, which can be found in your home, usually close to your water meter. If your pressure gauge reading was low, make slight adjustments to your regulator.
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.
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.
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.
If it's a sink, the most common causes are a clogged aerator or clogged cartridge. You can remove both using a pair of pliers, and clean them with a mix of water and white vinegar to scrub away limescale buildup.
Adjust the valve underneath the sink
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.
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.
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.
Attack with boiling water
Bring half a gallon of water to a boil on your stove or use a kettle to heat the water. Pour the boiling water directly into the drain opening. Turn on the faucet to see if the water drains in a steady fashion. If it's still draining slowly or standing still in the sink, repeat the process.
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.
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.
Materials You'll Need
Fill a plastic bag with half water and half vinegar, ensuring there is enough liquid to submerge the faucet head. Put the liquid-filled bag over the faucet head and secure it with a rubber band. Let stand for 30 minutes to one hour. For more sensitive fixture finishes, do not surpass 30 minutes.
You may need a professional plumber's help if your regulator is broken. Sometimes, low or high water pressure can indicate a problem within your water main. If you've adjusted your water pressure regulator and it fluctuates, drops, or raises on its own, call a plumber to come out and take a look.
Typically, water pressure regulators cost about $50 to $100 on average1, though you could end up paying up to $2001 depending on the size of incoming water line.
Water pressure regulator replacement: $250 to $1,000. Pipe section replacement: $500 to $4,000.
Prolonged exposure to vinegar will damage chrome finishes by eating the finish right off of your fixtures.
Do You Have to Rinse after Cleaning with Vinegar? Rinsing is not necessary! If you're simply using a vinegar and water solution to wipe and disinfect, you won't need to rinse. However, if there's also plenty of dirt and grime you're wiping away, you may also want to rinse with some extra water.
Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down your drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors.