Quit Struggling with Low Water Pressure at Your Kitchen Sink

Is your kitchen faucet frustratingly slow? Do you struggle with a weak trickle of water when trying to fill pots or wash dishes? Low water pressure in your kitchen sink can make cooking and cleaning a headache.

But don’t despair – in most cases the cause of decreased water flow is easily identified and remedied.

Symptoms of Reduced Kitchen Sink Water Pressure

Here are some clear signs that the water pressure from your kitchen faucet is lower than it should be:

• Water flow is slow, with a weak stream when the faucet is turned on full
• Takes much longer than normal to fill up the sink or pots with water
• Difficulty washing dishes, foods, hands, etc. due to low flow
• Faucet drips after being turned off
• Water sputters or spurts out of aerator

If you’re experiencing any of these issues with your kitchen faucet, read on to learn what may be causing the problem and how to fix it.

What Causes Low Water Pressure in a Kitchen Sink?

There are a several common factors that can reduce the water pressure from your kitchen faucet:

Clogged Faucet Aerator

The aerator is a small screen fitted to the tip of the faucet spout. It mixes air into the water flow to prevent splashing. Over time, mineral deposits and sediment can clog the aerator, restricting the water volume.

Corroded Galvanized Pipes

If your plumbing has older galvanized steel pipes, corrosion and rust buildup on the inside of the pipes leads to narrowing. This reduces the water flow due to friction.

Mineral Deposit Accumulation

Hard water contains high amounts of calcium, magnesium and other minerals. These minerals deposit over time on the inside of pipes, eventually accumulating and limiting water flow.

Sediment Buildup

The rust, scale, and debris that flakes off from corroded, aging pipes can settle and pack tightly inside supply lines. As the inner diameter narrows, so does the water pressure.

Kinked Pipes

If the water supply pipes under your kitchen sink are bent or crushed in any way, this can pinch down the pipe and severely restrict water flow.

Flow Restrictors

To conserve water, federal regulations require new kitchen faucets to have a restrictor that limits flow volume. This can cause lower pressure if the restrictor is clogged or improperly sized.

How to Diagnose the Source of Low Kitchen Faucet Water Flow

Pinpointing the exact cause of decreased water pressure will help you select the right solution. Here’s how to get to the root of the problem:

• Check the faucet aerator first as it’s the most common culprit
• Test water pressure at other faucets - if kitchen sink is isolated, problem is likely in supply lines or faucet
• Consider age and material of plumbing system and water supply
• Have water tested for hardness minerals to check for scale-causing conditions
• Inspect for signs of corrosion, rust or excessive sediment

Systematically working through these basic diagnostics will typically reveal the source of low water volume so you can proceed with fixing it.

Step-by-Step Solutions for Restoring Full Water Pressure

Once the cause has been determined, here are solutions for the various issues that can lead to decreased kitchen faucet flow:

Unclogging the Faucet Aerator

• Unscrew the aerator from the tip of the faucet spout (by hand or with pliers)
• Rinse debris from aerator screen with water or scrub clean with an old toothbrush
• Reattach the aerator and test the water pressure

Replacing Old Galvanized Pipes

• Hire a plumber to replace galvanized supply tubes with new copper, PEX or CPVC
• Will resolve chronic low pressure issues from internal corrosion and rust
• Consider whole-house re-pipe if galvanized plumbing is outdated

Removing Mineral Scale from Faucet and Pipes

• Fill plastic bag with descaling solution and secure around faucet to soak overnight
• Flush hot water through faucet for 5 minutes to rinse away mineral deposits
• For persistent scale in pipes, pumps can drive descaling solution through plumbing

Taking Out the Faucet Flow Restrictor

• Unscrew aerator tip and locate the small plastic disk or crimped metal fitting
• Remove the flow restrictor with needle-nose pliers
• Verify this doesn't violate local plumbing codes

Fixing Kinked Pipes

• Inspect water supply tubing under sink for any crimps or bends
• Carefully straighten out any kinks in the pipes
• Replace severely crushed or damaged pipes

Proactively maintaining your kitchen plumbing can help avoid low water pressure issues in the future:

• Periodically clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral buildup
• Install a water softener system if hard water mineral deposits are a recurring problem
• Choose corrosion-resistant supply pipes like PEX when remodeling
• Have a plumber inspect kitchen sink plumbing during annual maintenance checks

By identifying the specific cause and taking the appropriate measures, you can restore full pressure and volume to your kitchen faucet. No longer will you have to suffer through a weak trickle of water when trying to cook and clean.