No More Weak Water Flow! Quick Fixes for Low Kitchen Sink Pressure
Is your kitchen faucet just a trickle? Do you have to wait forever to fill pots or rinse dishes? Low water pressure at the kitchen sink is a common annoyance that can make completing daily tasks a trial. Luckily, there are several easy ways to get your water flowing fast again.
Low pressure specifically at the kitchen sink points to a problem with the faucet or plumbing connections rather than a whole house issue. Clogged fixtures, mineral buildup, kinked pipes, and worn parts can all restrict water flow under the sink. With some basic DIY troubleshooting and repairs, you can likely solve the issue yourself without calling a plumber.
Symptoms of Low Water Pressure at Kitchen Sink
Here are some telltale signs you may be dealing with reduced water pressure at your kitchen sink:
- Water flow starts out strong but quickly drops to a trickle
- Faucet flow is slower than other fixtures in your house
- Pressure seems weaker than it used to be
- Takes much longer to fill pots, rinse dishes, or wash hands
If you are experiencing low water pressure throughout the house, the problem is likely with your main water line or well pump and affects all faucets. But when pressure loss is isolated to just the kitchen sink, the clog or issue is specific to that location.
What Causes Low Water Pressure at the Kitchen Sink?
There are several common culprits behind decreased kitchen sink water flow:
Clogged Faucet Aerator
The aerator at the tip of your faucet has a small screen that prevents debris in the water from clogging internal parts. But over time, minerals and sediment can build up on this screen and restrict water flow.
Aerators are easy to unscrew from the faucet for inspection and cleaning. Simply remove and scrub the screen, or swap in a new inexpensive replacement aerator.
Mineral Deposits in Faucet or Pipes
Hard water contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium that get left behind and slowly constrict water pipes. The faucet spout and flexible supply lines are common places for mineral deposits to build up.
Vinegar, lemon juice, or commercial de-scaling products can dissolve these clogs after soaking. For severe buildup, pipes may need to be replaced.
Corrosion in Galvanized Pipes
In old houses, galvanized steel pipes eventually corrode on the inside after years of conducting water. This corrosion narrows the opening inside the pipes and lowers water pressure.
Re-piping may be necessary, but you can improve flow temporarily by opening the shutoff valves fully to eliminate any restrictions.
Kinked Water Supply Line
The flexible braided stainless steel supply lines that connect the shutoff valve to your faucet can become kinked over time. Kinks partially squish the hose, reducing water flow.
Inspect the lines and gently bend any kinks back into shape. Be careful not to kink them in another spot though! Severely kinked hoses likely need replacement.
Partially Closed Shutoff Valve
Faulty shutoff valves under the sink can limit water flow if they fail to open fully. Older compression-style valves are prone to this issue over time as the rubber seat inside deteriorates.
Replace compression valves with 1/4-turn ball valves for optimal water flow. They open with just a 90-degree turn and have unrestricted openings.
Low Water Pressure from Main Supply Line
Finally, if your whole house experiences weak water flow, the issue is likely with your main water line or well system. Leaks, blockages, and failing pumps can all cause low pressure at every faucet.
Inspect your main line and water source for problems. Call your utility company for city water issues, or a well service company if on a private well.
Finding the Cause of Kitchen Sink Low Pressure
Start troubleshooting a low-pressure kitchen sink by checking for the easiest problems first:
- Remove and clean out the faucet aerator
- Check shutoff valves under the sink to make sure they are fully open
- Inspect supply hoses for any kinks and bend back into shape
If the issue persists, look for mineral buildup in the swivel ball joint, supply hoses, and shutoff valves. Use white vinegar and a toothbrush to scrub deposits away. Replace any old compression valves.
For sinks with persistent low pressure, corrosion inside galvanized supply pipes is often the culprit. Consider re-piping with modern copper or PEX lines.
Finally, if pressure loss seems to affect all fixtures, inspect your main water line and source for leaks, damage, or issues.
DIY Fixes for Low Kitchen Sink Water Pressure
In many cases, you can improve weak water flow and pressure with some simple DIY repairs:
Cleaning or Replacing a Clogged Faucet Aerator
Remove the aerator from the tip of the faucet using pliers or a coin to twist off. Rinse out any debris and use a stiff brush or pin to clear sediment from the mesh screen.
You can also soak the aerator overnight in white vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits. Replace the aerator afterwards and test water flow.
If cleaning doesn't help, just install a new aerator- they cost less than $10. Select one with rubber flow restrictors rather than metal screens, which resist clogs.
Removing Built-Up Mineral Deposits
Mineral scale inside pipes, supply hoses and the faucet itself can limit water flow. Lay towels under fittings and use a toothbrush to scrub with scaling removers like CLR or Lime-A-Way.
For stubborn buildup, soak affected parts in white vinegar or lemon juice overnight then scrub. Avoid using harsh chemicals on flexible supply hoses.
Fixing Corroded Galvanized Pipes
Severely corroded galvanized steel pipes need to be re-piped with copper, CPVC or PEX. But in the interim:
- Open shutoff valves fully to eliminate restrictions
- Anchor pipes to reduce strain on corroded joints
- Flush pipes thoroughly to clear loose scaling
These steps can buy you some time until you can budget for replacement pipes.
Straightening Kinked Water Supply Line
Inspect along the length of the flexible supply hose for any kinks or sharp bends. Carefully bend the hose back into a smooth arc, using a heat gun or hair dryer to soften plastic fittings.
Avoid over-bending or kinking the line in another spot. Badly kinked hoses need replacement with new braided stainless steel lines.
Replacing Shutoff Valve
Older compression shutoff valves under the sink can prevent full pressure to the faucet. Replace a faulty compression valve with a 1/4-turn ball valve for optimal, unrestricted flow.
Use Teflon tape on threads and ensure new valve is fully open. Match valve connections to supply line.
Preventing Low Water Pressure Problems
You can take steps to avoid low pressure problems:
- Clean kitchen sink aerators every 3-6 months
- Install whole house water filtration to reduce scale buildup
- Choose flexible supply lines that resist kinks
- Replace old galvanized pipes over time
- Repair any leaks to maintain optimal pressure
Pay attention to changes in water flow so issues can be addressed before they worsen. Taking preventive measures will keep your kitchen faucet flowing strong for years to come.
Don't endure frustratingly low water pressure at your kitchen sink any longer. In most cases, the culprit is easily fixed buildup or debris in faucet aerators or valves. With some basic DIY troubleshooting, you can often restore full pressure and enjoy strong water flow again.