When you’re in the kitchen and ready to make yourself some coffee, the last thing you want to see is your kitchen sink faucet barely trickling. Low water pressure can be a major inconvenience, but it can also be a sign of bigger problems ahead. Address this issue early on so that you can avoid headaches further down the line. Your friends here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ohio Valley are here to share some causes of that low water pressure as well as some ways you can resolve it. If you ever need plumbing repair in the Ohio Valley area, then feel free to call Mr. Rooter Plumbing. We are happy to schedule a convenient appointment. We can also arrange to have a trusted plumber dispatch to your location as soon as possible.
That small end piece with a mesh screen on your faucet is called the aerator. It is screwed onto the tip of the faucet and inserts air bubbles into the water coming out of the sink. This conserves water, helps the water feel softer, and lessens water splashes in the basin. It also catches sediment, meaning it must be cleaned periodically.
Unscrew the aerator from its place and test the water pressure without the aerator. If the water pressure has normalized to between 45 and 55 psi, then the problem was with the aerator. Run some hot water to clean the aerator of debris. If there is stubborn gunk, then soak the aerator in a 1:1 mixture of warm water and white vinegar. Leave it there overnight and screw the aerator back onto the faucet for a test-run.
If this doesn’t resolve the low water pressure issue, then we have to dive deeper into the kitchen sink faucet’s cartridge.
If you cleaned the aerator and are still getting low water pressure, then let’s inspect the cartridge. Deep within the faucet mechanism is the cartridge. This component is responsible for controlling water flow, and it is vulnerable to wear and tear. Eventually, it will begin to leak though and must be replaced.
Before you get to the cartridge, you must disassemble the faucet – and before that, you must turn off the water using the shut-off valves under the sink. With the water shut off, you can remove the faucet handle and then unscrew the hexagonal cap inside. You should see the cartridge, but some faucets secure the cartridge with additional screws that must also be removed. Remove the cartridge and take it to the hardware store to get a replacement.
Follow the instructions to install the cartridge and give your faucet a test. Is the water still not flowing properly? It might be time to call a plumber.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ohio Valley is proud to serve Ohio Valley and many of the surrounding areas. If you live around here and need an emergency plumber, then give us a call. Our live representatives and trained plumbers look forward to taking your call.