No Water From Your Kitchen Sink Faucet? Detect The Cause Now
You reach to turn on the faucet and...nothing. No water comes out. Every attempt to get the sink running fails. Few things are more frustrating than having no water flow from your kitchen faucet when you need it.
Lack of water can disrupt everything from washing dishes to preparing meals. Before calling a plumber, arm yourself with knowledge to diagnose the issue. There are several common culprits behind low or no water flow from the kitchen sink tap. With some diligent troubleshooting, you can likely get your water flowing again and avoid an expensive house call.
Check Faucet Aerator and Cartridge
The first place to inspect is the faucet itself. Mineral deposits from hard water, rust particles, or other debris can collect in the small aerator screen at the tip of the faucet spout. All it takes is a few trapped gritty bits to impede the water flow.
Limescale buildup can also stick the faucet's internal cartridge valve, preventing it from opening properly. Start by removing the faucet aerator and holding it up to the light. Look for any blockages in the mesh screen. Run the aerator under water to rinse out any stuck particles. If there's stubborn buildup, soak it in vinegar before reattaching.
Clear Clogged Faucet
Still seeing reduced flow? The cartridge is likely clogged with mineral deposits. Removing and washing the faucet cartridge in vinegar can clear out the limescale. If washing doesn't restore full pressure, just replace the whole cartridge unit. It's a straightforward faucet repair anyone can tackle.
Replace Damaged Parts
While inspecting the faucet, check rubber washers and plastic valve seats for wear or cracks. Any damaged pieces can contribute to low water volume. Replacing worn faucet components restores seal integrity for optimal water flow.
Inspect Under the Sink
With the faucet parts ruled out, it's time to peer under the sink. Kinked supply lines are a prime offender when it comes to reduced kitchen faucet flow. All it takes is one sharp bend in the flexible copper, braided stainless steel, or vinyl tubing to obstruct water movement.
Straighten any crimped sections of the supply line hoses connected to the faucet tailpieces. Also ensure all the joints and connections are tightened properly without leaks. Loose plumbing fittings can decrease water volume.
Open Valves Fully
Check that the shutoff valves controlling water supply to the faucet are fully open. Older compression valves or gate valves have "packing nuts" that can come loose over time, preventing the valve from opening fully. Tighten the nut or replace leaky valves if needed.
Test for Frozen Pipes
In winter or cold climates, pipes supplying the kitchen faucet can freeze solid and stop all water flow. Feel along the water supply lines under the sink to detect any icy sections. You may also see frost or ice crystals formed on exposed sections.
Use a hair dryer to gently thaw pipes if they are frozen. Protect pipes from future freezing by insulating with pipe sleeves. Keeping kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open during cold snaps lets warm air circulate around plumbing.
Prevent Burst Pipes
Never use an open flame to thaw frozen water lines! This can damage pipes and cause explosive steam leaks. Running water through partially frozen pipes can also cause them to rupture under pressure. If pipes have already burst, shut off the main water valve immediately and call a plumber.
Diagnose Leaks or Bursts
Speaking of leaks and bursts, inspect all joints and connections carefully for signs of water drips or cracks in the line. Leaks decrease water volume significantly. Watch for water pooling under pipes or in the cabinet below the sink.
If a pipe has already ruptured, you'll likely see water spraying or pouring out. Have a plumber repair any burst pipes in walls or the slab foundation. For simple under-sink leaks, try tightening fittings or replacing worn gaskets and seals.
Conduct Pressure Test
One way to check for tiny leaks is to turn off all water and note the pressure gauge reading. Leave it off for 15 minutes. If the pressure drops, that indicates a leak is present somewhere in the plumbing.
Evaluate Water Pressure
Low kitchen faucet flow alongside adequate pressure at other faucets indicates an issue isolated to the sink. But whole-house water pressure loss must be examined. Turn on several faucets to check.
Chronically low water pressure usually signals a problem with the main water supply line or home water pressure regulator. Well owners should also inspect the well pump and pressure tank.
Contact Municipality
For homes on a municipal water system, contact the utility company if you suspect the issue is on their end. They can check for leaks in the main line and ensure proper water pressure regulation. Install a pressure gauge to monitor changes.
Examine the Water Heater
Don't forget to consider the water heater as well when chasing down low kitchen faucet pressure. Any disruption in the heater's ability to properly warm the water supply will diminish pressure.
Sediment buildup in the tank over years reduces available hot water volume. If the heater isn't able to heat water at all, tepid output trickles from fixtures. Try flushing the tank to clear sediment. If that doesn't restore pressure, replace faulty water heaters.
Check Pressure Relief Valve
The pressure relief valve on water heaters can get clogged with mineral deposits and release water, lowering pressure. Inspect for signs of dripping. Listen for strange noises indicating the valve is stuck open. Replace defective relief valves.
Assess Shutoff Valves
Don't overlook valves that control hot and cold supply to the sink. Gate valves or globe valves getting stuck partway due to mineral buildup restrict flow volume. Replace any outdated bronze or galvanized steel valves.
Ensure replacement valves properly match pipe material. Avoid mixing copper, steel, and plastic between the valve and supply line. Mismatched metals accelerate corrosion and leaks.
Consider Hiring a Plumber
If you've made it through all these troubleshooting tips with no resolution, it may be time to call a professional. For suspected leaks behind walls or below the foundation, specialized leak detection gear is needed. Pros can also identify issues with pressure regulators.
Some instances where kitchen sink flow problems persist require advanced diagnostic expertise. Don't continue suffering with an awkward, weak dribble. Get to the root cause with an experienced plumber guiding inspection and repairs.
Running out of water at the kitchen sink disrupts cooking and cleaning. Clogged faucets, frozen pipes, and broken valves rank among the most prevalent fixable causes.
Exercise patience in methodically testing elements like supply hoses, shutoff valves, and water pressure. Consider the condition of your pipes and water heater as well. Persistent problems may signal leaks requiring pro help. Equip yourself with the knowledge to handle this nuisance and keep water flowing into the sink.