Person Pouring Water on Clear Drinking Glass

Low water pressure in your kitchen sink can make cooking and washing the dishes slow and tedious. If you’re trying to increase water pressure in your kitchen sink, there are several factors you need to consider, and some of them may be outside of your home. In this article, our team at Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply (PHS) explains the common causes of this issue, outlines steps to troubleshoot it, and offers DIY and expert tips on how to increase water pressure in your kitchen sink.

Diagnosing the Issue: Step-By-Step Guide

Here are some steps you can take to find the causes of low water pressure in your kitchen sink:

Step 1: Check Other Faucets

Check that all other faucets in your home have normal water pressure. If water flows normally from other faucets, the problem is likely localized to your kitchen sink or the lines supplying it. However, low pressure in all faucets might suggest a general problem with your home’s plumbing or even the municipal water supply.

Step 2: Talk to Your Neighbors or the Utility Company

If there’s low water pressure everywhere in the house, your water supply company may be having issues. You can ask your neighbors if they’re experiencing the same problem or call the water company directly to confirm your suspicions.

Step 3: Check Hot Water Pressure

Check whether the low pressure affects both cold and hot water. If the problem affects both, you might have a clogged aerator. If the problem only affects your hot water supply, you might have a faulty water heater, which is caused by a bad valve or sediment accumulation.

Step 4: Check for Leaks

Check the area under your kitchen sink for leaks. Ensure that both the hot and cold water shut-off valves are fully open, as partially closed valves can reduce water flow. Also, examine the flexible hoses and make sure they don’t have any kinks.

DIY Solutions To Increase Water Pressure

If you’re sure that low pressure only affects your kitchen, below are some DIY solutions to increase the water pressure in your kitchen sink.

Clean the Aerator

An aerator is the mesh screen at the tip of the faucet that helps create an even water flow and reduce noise. Over time, debris and mineral deposits can block the mesh and reduce water pressure. To check whether your aerator is clogged, unscrew it and turn on the faucet without it. If the water flows normally, the aerator is the likely culprit.

You can clean the aerator easily under hot water or soak it in vinegar overnight if the deposits don’t come off easily. Once you remove the blockage, reassemble the aerator and test the water flow.

Clean and Flush the Faucet

If the aerator is in good condition, the faucet itself might be blocked by debris, mineral deposits, plastic, or even plumbing tape. Mineral deposits and debris are likely issues with old faucets, but if you’ve changed the faucet recently, tape or some piece of plastic could be blocking the water flow. You’ll have to flush the housing and remove debris blocking the faucet to get water flowing at the correct pressure.

Check if the Shut-Off Valves Are Fully Open

The hot and cold water supply lines each have a shut-off valve. These valves allow you to isolate a sink, making it possible to repair or replace a faucet without shutting off the entire home’s water supply. If you don’t open the valves fully, you’ll notice low water pressure in the kitchen sink. To fix this issue, rotate the valves fully to the open position, and your water pressure will improve.

Advanced Solutions for Persistent Problems

If you’ve tried the simple DIY fixes without success, you can try some of the advanced solutions below.

Check for Blockage in Pipes

Blocked pipes, especially those with a high amount of mineral deposits, might be the source of low water pressure in your kitchen sink. You’ll need to disconnect the lines and inspect the openings for blockages. If you open the valves and notice low water pressure, consider backflushing the pipes to unclog them. Old pipes might be blocked due to rust, and you’ll need a plumber to address such a situation.

Consider Flushing the Water Heater

If only the hot water supply has low pressure, flushing the water heater can help increase flow. Because the water heater is an electrical appliance, only attempt to flush it if you know what you’re doing. Otherwise, get a plumber to flush and inspect the unit and supply lines.

Check the Regulator

If all of your faucets are experiencing low water pressure, the regulator at the meter by the street level or the service line that feeds your home might be bad or adjusted too low. Check the regulator to confirm whether it’s at the right level or malfunctioning, as both can reduce the water pressure on your faucets.

Get a Pressure Booster

If you live far away from your water source, gravity and distance can reduce water pressure in your home. In that case, installing a kitchen sink pressure booster can increase water flow. You can talk to a plumber or ask our experts about the water pressure booster for your specific situation.

When To Seek Professional Help

If you’ve cleaned the aerator, unblocked the faucet, flushed the supply lines and the water heater, and checked your regulator, but your kitchen sink water pressure still doesn’t improve, get a plumber to check the problem. The issue you’re dealing with is likely more serious than what you can resolve with a DIY fix.

Shop Kitchen Sinks at Allied PHS in Chicago

Low water pressure in your kitchen sink can make cooking and dishwashing more time-consuming. However, there are several DIY and advanced solutions you can use to resolve the situation. If you need to replace your kitchen sink, faucet, hoses, valves, or any other plumbing supplies to improve water pressure, Allied PHS in Chicago offers a wide range of products from trusted brands. Contact us today for high-quality kitchen accessories at exceptional prices and get expert tips from our helpful team.

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