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What Causes Low Water Pressure in Kitchen Sinks?

Jun 24, 2022

 

Have you ever tried washing dishes or filling up a pot with water, only to find that the water pressure is extremely low? If you have, then you're not alone. Low water pressure in kitchen sinks is a fairly common problem in Kansas City. It can be frustrating, but fortunately, it is usually easy to fix. There are a few different things that can cause it in kitchen sinks, including,

 


 

  • Clogged aerator
  • Blocked cartridge
  • Leaking pipes
  • Faulty faucet
  • Blocked supply line
  • Pressure reducing valve issues

 


 

That said, let's take a closer look at each of these possibilities.

 

Kitchen sink with running water

Low Water Pressure Caused by Clogged Aerator

 


 

 The aerator is the little screen at the end of the faucet that breaks up the water into small droplets. Over time, it can become clogged with water minerals, soap scum, and other debris. This can restrict the flow of water, resulting in low water pressure .

 


 

To clean a clogged aerator, simply unscrew it from the faucet and soak it in vinegar for a few hours. Then, brush it with a toothbrush to remove any remaining debris. You should then screw it back onto the faucet and turn on the water to see if the pressure has improved.

 


 

Blocked Cartridge

 


 

The cartridge is located inside the faucet and controls the flow of water. If it becomes clogged, it can restrict water flow, resulting in low water pressure. The cartridge may be clogged because of a build-up of minerals, soap scum, or other debris.

 


 

The first thing you need to do to clean a clogged cartridge is to close the water supply to the faucet. After that, the cleaning process is similar to cleaning a clogged aerator. Simply remove the cartridge and soak it in vinegar for a few hours. To remove the remaining debris, clean it with a toothbrush.

 


 

Leaking Pipes

 


 

 If there is a leak in one of the pipes, it can reduce the overall water pressure. Pipe leaks can be caused by a variety of things, including:

 


 

  • corrosion
  • broken seals
  • loose connections

 


 

 If you think you have a pipe leak, the best thing to do is call a plumber. While you can DIY, sometimes this may lead to more serious and costly problems. The sure bet is to always call your local emergency plumber .

 


 

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.

 


 

Blocked Supply Line

 


 

The water supply line is the pipe that brings water into your home. If this pipe becomes blocked, it can restrict the flow of water, resulting in low water pressure. To ascertain that the water line is your problem, you can check the pressure at other faucets in your home. If all the other faucets have low pressure, then it is likely that the issue is with the water supply line.

 

 To unblock a water supply line, call a professional plumber . This is not a problem that you can fix on your own.

 


 

Pressure Reducing Valve Issues

 


 

The pressure-reducing valve regulates the water pressure in your home. If this valve becomes damaged, it can cause reduced water pressure. To fix this problem, loosen the screw on top of the valve, then turn it clockwise to check the water pressure. If this does not work, you need to call a professional plumber who can repair or replace the valve.

 


 

Contact the Experts- Lutz Plumbing

 


 

Dealing with low water pressure in your kitchen sink  can be a frustrating experience. Note that if the hot water has low pressure, the issue could be your water heater . If you have tried all the DIY solutions and nothing seems to be working, then it might be time to call a professional.

 


 

 At Lutz Plumbing Inc  , we have years of experience dealing with all plumbing issues, including low water pressure issues all over Kansas City. We will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and provide you with a solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

 

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