Restore Water Flow from Your Moen Faucet with These Quick Fixes

Is your Moen kitchen faucet suffering from reduced water pressure or flow? Have you noticed the sprayer is clogged and barely trickles out water? Before calling a plumber, try these quick DIY fixes to restore full water flow from your Moen faucet.

Many common Moen faucet issues that hinder water flow can often be repaired using basic tools and supplies you likely have on hand. With a few simple adjustments, you can remove trapped sediment, clear clogs, and get your faucet working like new again.

What Causes Low Water Flow from Moen Faucets?

There are a few typical culprits behind decreased water pressure and flow from Moen kitchen faucets:

Sediment Buildup in Aerator

The small screen on the tip of your faucet is known as an aerator. It mixes air into the water flow to prevent splashing. Over time, mineral deposits and sediment can collect on the aerator mesh, restricting water output.

Signs of a blocked aerator include weaker stream, spraying, and reduced flow even with the faucet handles fully open.

Partially Closed Supply Valves

Shutoff valves located under the sink control water supply to the faucet. If these valves are not fully open, they will limit flow.

Valves can get bumped or turned off inadvertently over time. You may not even realize the angle they are set at has been reduced.

Kinked or Damaged Supply Lines

The flexible supply lines that run from your shutoff valves up to the faucet can become kinked or damaged. Crimps in the line or cracks in the tubing material can significantly reduce water flow.

Inspectsupply lines carefully for any obvious bends or wear that may be restricting flow.

Fixing a Clogged or Dirty Faucet Aerator

If you suspect your Moen faucet's aerator screen is clogged, it's easy to remove, disassemble, and clean. Here's how:

Removing the Aerator

The small cylindrical aerator is found at the tip of the faucet spout. Locate it and try unscrewing it by hand first. If very tight, slip pliers or a basin wrench over it to get leverage.

As you remove the aerator, take care not to lose any of the internal pieces. Set them in a bowl to keep track of the order.

Cleaning Debris from Aerator

Rinse the aerator screen and other parts under running water. Use a small brush or tweezers to carefully dislodge any trapped sediment or mineral buildup.

For stubborn limescale, soak the parts in white vinegar overnight which will help break down deposits.

Reattaching the Aerator

When ready to put back on, replace any internal washers and screens in the correct order inside the housing. Make sure you align the threads properly and hand tighten the aerator without overdoing it.

Testing Water Flow

With a freshly cleaned aerator in place, turn on the faucet and check water pressure. If flow seems improved, run for a few minutes to flush out any remaining debris.

If water pressure is still low, the aerator is likely not the culprit, and you'll need to move on to assessing other potential issues.

Unclogging a Blocked Sprayer

If your Moen kitchen faucet sprayer has a decreased flow or uneven stream, there is likely some sediment or minerals clogging the nozzle and hose.

Removing the Sprayer Head

Locate the small button at the base of the sprayer head. Firmly press and hold this button in while pulling down on the sprayer head. This will detach it from the hose.

Using a Pin to Clear Clogs

Use a straightened paper clip or needle to poke inside the nozzle, gently scraping to dislodge any debris. Also run the pin in and out of the sprayer holes to clean them out.

Use the pin to clear any sediment from the inlet end of the sprayer hose as well.

Rinsing Out Hose Bib

With the sprayer head removed, turn on the faucet for a minute or so, letting any debris flush out of the hose bib. Rinse the parts under running water as well.

Reattaching Sprayer

Carefully realign the inlet end of the hose with the opening in the faucet. Push the sprayer head firmly upward until it clicks back into place.

Checking Shutoff Valves Under Sink

Sediment or partial blockages farther up the water supply line can also reduce faucet pressure. Start by locating the hot and cold water shutoff valves below your sink.

Carefully turn each valve counter-clockwise to ensure they are fully open. Test your faucet's flow. Return valves to their original position once done.

Replacing Damaged Supply Lines

Inspect the flexible braided stainless steel supply lines that run from your shutoff valves up to the faucet. Look for any cracks, crimps, or corrosion.

Turn off the water supplies and disconnect old damaged hoses. Install new supply line hoses of the same length.

When to Call a Plumber

While many water flow issues can be addressed with basic DIY repairs, there are times to call in a professional plumber for Moen faucet troubles.

If you have very heavy limescale or mineral buildup, a plumber may be able to use chemical cleaners to safely dissolve deposits. They can also replace worn washers, cartridges, and inner valve components.

If water pressure remains low after trying these repairs, it likely indicates an underlying problem that requires a pro.

Using supplies like vinegar, pins, and basic tools on hand, you can troubleshoot and fix many common water flow problems with Moen kitchen faucets.

By regularly cleaning your aerator, inspecting supply valves and lines, and unclogging the sprayer, you can restore full pressure and flow to your faucet. Prevent future issues with regular maintenance.

But for any tasks requiring disassembly of inner faucet components, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber for assistance.