5 Simple Steps To Fix A Low Flow Kitchen Faucet

Is your kitchen faucet not offering a good water flow whenever you turn it on? Is it hampering daily kitchen chore? Well, it gets frustrating for house owners as it is one of the most used fixtures in the house. But you don’t have to worry as it is a common problem in many households and you can quickly rectify it with an easy fix. You won’t need the assistant of an expert; instead, you would need some tools to get the job done.

If you prefer to watch videos instead, check out the cool video below:

Let’s jump to process that will lead you to fix low water pressure kitchen faucet of yours.

But, first you need to keep some tools close to you, and they are;

Step 1: Find Out the Problem

First and foremost, you will have to identify the origin of the problem as it will make things easier for you to fix the issue. While identifying, you also need to check whether the problem is frequently occurring or it is persistent. You should switch on two-three faucets in your house once at a time and check whether the water flow is normal or not. If you face the same issue in the whole house, then the problem must be originating from the primary water source in your home or your locality. Fixing the water flow problem in the main is beyond your reach as you need to inform your local water department.

Another reason for low pressure could be the increase of water fixtures in the house and to solve that you need to install wide water pipes. You should also check whether there is any leakage as it will pull down the water flow rate by a large margin.

This article can guide you to find out the problem.

Step 2: Open the Aerator

If you find the issue is only concentrated in your kitchen faucet, then you should start the fixing process by opening the aerator of the fixture. Aerator acts as a gateway at the end of the tap, and it bars any particle from getting into the water flow. However, if it hasn’t been cleaned on a regular interval, then the accumulation of mineral deposits and solid particles can lead to low water pressure.

Use channel pliers and towel to unscrew the aerator and check whether there is any kind of clogging. After disassembling the aerator, properly clean all the parts of the aerator in warm water and put them on vinegar solution. Use a brush to clean off any extra material from the aerator. Then put back the aerator and check whether you are still having the water flow problem. You can even check the pressure issue without using the aerator in the tap.

Step 3: Remove the faucet

Next, if you don’t find the problem in the aerator, then it is time for you to move to the cartridge section by removing the faucet head. The cartridge facilitates the movement of water through the valve, and any clogging or malfunction could lead to low water flow.

To fix any of those issues, first, switch off the total water supply, which also includes the hot water. Then remove the screw cap and the screws located in the spout area. Unscrewing it will help you to pull off the faucet head. Now you will have to take out the cartridge by removing all the washers, clips and nuts. Remember all the arrangements as it will help you to reassemble it properly. Then check for scratch, debris, or mineral deposit as they often block the path. You can either use regular water or distilled vinegar to clean scratch or mineral deposits.

If the damage is severe, then it would be a smart move to replace it along with the thin housing as they don’t cost much. Then again put back the cartridge and head back to its respected place and check the water flow.

Step 4: Check the Water Pipe

Well, if you still face the same water flow problem, then you might have to look into the water pipe that leads to the faucet. Clogging of minerals deposit is the common problem that can lead blockage in the source. Usage of metal or galvanized pipe often causes accumulation of sediment, so cleaning the in-line water pipe is the best possible solution.

Put a bucket under the pipeline as some excess water will fall when you open the pipe. Then pick up the pipe wrench and unscrew the joint to detach the water supply line from the main valve. Then put the tube in the bucket and turn on the water. Check whether the pressure is the same or not. If the pressure is right, then you only need to replace the riser section in the main pipeline. Otherwise, you might have to change the whole water pipeline in your house or kitchen area.

Step 5: Deal with Low Flow of Hot Water

Lastly, if the situation arises that you have solved the water flow issue but facing low hot water flow, then the problem lies within your hot water system.

First, check the hot water valve as it often gets loose due to prolonged usage. You should completely open it and check the pressure. If the problem persists, then you might have issue the main hot water pipe or the system. In this situation, you will need the assistance of professionals, and we will recommend you not to indulge yourself in the process.

If you are still failed to solve the problem, we suggest you try replacing the faucet. We have some kitchen faucets guide to help you out:

1. Best Commercial Type Kitchen Faucet
2. Top Pull Down Kitchen Faucets
3. Top 5 Touchless Kitchen Faucets
4. How to Install the Faucets
5. Difference between Bathroom & Kitchen Faucets
6. Phylrich Faucets Review
7. Moen vs Pfister Faucets
8. Hansgrohe Vs Grohe
9. Click Here for Farmhouse Sink Faucet Reviews
10. Top Wall Mount Kitchen Faucets here
11. Best Outdoor Faucet
12. 10 Most Asked Questions and Common Problems about Kitchen Faucets

Pat Abbaticchio

Pat is the former Luxury Sales Specialist of Groupe Deschenes. He has experience of 15+ years in the home improvement industry. He is now the Senior Sales Officer at The Rubinet Faucet Company.