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.
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 the problem only occurs in one fixture – whether it's the sink, shower or tub – that fixture probably needs to be cleaned or replaced. For faucets, a clogged aerator can lessen water pressure. Clean faucets by unscrewing the nozzle and placing it in a solution of vinegar and water.
Reasons for Low Water Pressure Only in the Kitchen Sink
Thankfully, there are usually only a few things to blame for low water pressure in the kitchen sink: Clogged aerator. Blocked or broken cartridge. Impaired water lines.
Check Your Aerator
If you have especially hard water, aerators become clogged with hard water buildup, a common cause of low water pressure in kitchen fixtures. Clean your aerator for a quick and easy DIY fix. Remove the aerator from the faucet using pliers and a towel (to prevent scratching).
Partially Closed Valve
One of the most common issues that can lead to low water pressure problems is that the water is being obstructed by one or more partially closed shutoff valves. Typically, a home will have one main shutoff valve located inside the house.
Fixture Problems
Mineral deposits made up of limestone, rust, and sediment collect inside the fixture which has the potential to block the free flow of water through the fixture. This is the likely culprit for low water pressure if you only have one or two areas that experience pressure issues.
If there's an accumulation of sediments in your hot water tank, it can lower your water pressure. The presence of kinks in the flexible water pipes used in water heaters can result in low water pressure. If the shut-off valve isn't fully open, water pressure can drop.
These air bubbles usually find their way to the highest points in your plumbing system, lower water pressure, and inhibit the flow of water through the pipes. Air in the water piping system can cause rust and corrosion. Rusted pipes weaken, and the rust can drop sediment into your water.
In addition to the mains stop valve outside the home, you'll have one inside. Your internal stop valve is most likely beneath the kitchen sink. Your external stop valve is owned by the water company. If it's open yet the pressure here falls below one bar, it's their responsibility to improve it.
The good news is that you can easily replace faucet aerators, clean showerheads to remove limescale, or simply buy new fixtures to replace the defective ones, which can improve your water pressure. However, it is important to know that repairing or replacing faucets and fixtures is only a temporary solution.
Clogged Drains
Often, low water pressure is the result of a clogged drain. If a home has older pipes made from iron, debris like rust can break free and become lodged in the pipes. Aerators, valves, and other areas along the pipeline become clogged, causing water to flow slowly.
You can make a DIY unclogging mixture from a couple of household supplies. With items like vinegar, baking soda, and water, you can make an effective and eco-friendly mixture for unclogging your pipes and drainages. What is this? The baking soda and hot water will help loosen up any build-up in clogged pipes.
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.
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.
Adjust the Pressure-Reducing Valve
Protruding from the top of the valve is a threaded bolt. To raise pressure, loosen the bolt's locking nut, then turn the bolt clockwise. Use the pressure gauge to determine when you reach a water pressure around 50 PSI. Then, tighten the locknut to secure the valve.
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.
To return to full pressure only takes seconds. Flushing and recirculating takes minutes if you open all the taps, with the exception of tank water heaters.