Some Probable Causes of Low Water Pressure in Kitchen Sink
Low water pressure in kitchen sink is a problem many experience. While the cause can be restricted to plumbing of the sink area, in some cases this can be due to a major problem in the main pipeline. Here's more about the same.
HomeQuicks Staff
Last Updated: Dec 9, 2017
Low water pressure in the kitchen sink can be a very annoying problem, especially when you are cleaning or cooking. Most of the time, this will be accompanied with a similar problem in the toilet, bathroom, and other plumbing fixtures as well. If you are facing this trouble, you can go through the following paragraphs to learn some troubleshooting tips.
Clogged Sprayer or Faucet
The very first thing that you need to check is the sink sprayer or aerator. Most of the time, the problem is restricted to the sink. First, turn on the faucet and see if there is any leakage from the hose or the joint between hose and sink. Then, turn off the faucet and water supply valve, and dismantle the sprayer. Check whether the diverter that diverts water from faucet to sprayer is in good condition. If there is any blockage or debris, soak the diverter overnight in a cup full of vinegar. Now, remove the spray head and check if the aerator is blocked. Now, check the hose to see whether it is clogged or blocked with any deposits. Soak it in vinegar overnight and flush water through it. In case it is cracked, it needs to be replaced. Similarly, check the aerator or strainer on sink faucet. If there is any debris blocking it, clean the aerator by soaking it overnight. In case of a highly damaged piece, you can simply get it replaced.
Pressure Regulator
Pressure regulator is a device that is used to adjust the water pressure. This is usually found below the front hose connection of your house and is pre-set by the manufacturer. In case this gets damaged, you need to call a professional to get it replaced or fixed. Let me warn you that doing any changes in this device yourself can further worsen the problem. So, best to leave the job for a certified plumber.
Common Pipeline Problems
Poor water supply pressure can also be the cause of this problem. In this case, you will notice the same problem in other fixtures as well. Also, same problems will be noticed by people residing in rest of the apartments/houses in your area. This can sometimes cause low water pressure in one outlet when other taps are turned on and proper pressure when only one outlet is on. This is because distribution of water further lowers the pressure. In this case, plumber will measure the incoming pressure and flow before your regulator, so as to make sure if that is the problem. Sometimes, elevation can also be the problem. The water storage tank which is supplying water to the sink must be at higher level so that the water flows by gravity. Most of the time, water pressure could get affected due to a damaged pipeline. Major plumbing problems, like blockage or leakage of pipeline, can be the cause of reduced pressure. If this is the case, the repairs can be expensive.
Water Leakage
Even a small leakage in the pipeline can affect the water pressure. You also need to check the internal pipeline supply up to the faucet for any leakage. This can be checked with help of the meter reading of your apartment. All you can do is turn off all the taps inside your home and valves (if any) that enables water to flow into your house from the common pipelines. Check the meter reading now and again after 3-4 hours of doing this. If the reading has changed, there is a leakage. Call a professional to find the leakage and fix the problem.
Blocked Pipeline
In case you have cast iron or galvanized iron pipes supplying water, mineral deposit is a common problem that can lead to blockage. The minerals present in the water react with metal of the pipes, leading to rough surfaces and deposits which go on increasing as time passes, causing blockage of pipeline. You need to get a certified plumber in this case to find out the problem and fix it.
I hope the aforementioned points helped you troubleshoot this problem. If the problem is not restricted to the sink area, you can call a professional to find out the primary cause of it and get it fixed.
Clogged Sprayer or Faucet
The very first thing that you need to check is the sink sprayer or aerator. Most of the time, the problem is restricted to the sink. First, turn on the faucet and see if there is any leakage from the hose or the joint between hose and sink. Then, turn off the faucet and water supply valve, and dismantle the sprayer. Check whether the diverter that diverts water from faucet to sprayer is in good condition. If there is any blockage or debris, soak the diverter overnight in a cup full of vinegar. Now, remove the spray head and check if the aerator is blocked. Now, check the hose to see whether it is clogged or blocked with any deposits. Soak it in vinegar overnight and flush water through it. In case it is cracked, it needs to be replaced. Similarly, check the aerator or strainer on sink faucet. If there is any debris blocking it, clean the aerator by soaking it overnight. In case of a highly damaged piece, you can simply get it replaced.
Pressure Regulator
Pressure regulator is a device that is used to adjust the water pressure. This is usually found below the front hose connection of your house and is pre-set by the manufacturer. In case this gets damaged, you need to call a professional to get it replaced or fixed. Let me warn you that doing any changes in this device yourself can further worsen the problem. So, best to leave the job for a certified plumber.
Common Pipeline Problems
Poor water supply pressure can also be the cause of this problem. In this case, you will notice the same problem in other fixtures as well. Also, same problems will be noticed by people residing in rest of the apartments/houses in your area. This can sometimes cause low water pressure in one outlet when other taps are turned on and proper pressure when only one outlet is on. This is because distribution of water further lowers the pressure. In this case, plumber will measure the incoming pressure and flow before your regulator, so as to make sure if that is the problem. Sometimes, elevation can also be the problem. The water storage tank which is supplying water to the sink must be at higher level so that the water flows by gravity. Most of the time, water pressure could get affected due to a damaged pipeline. Major plumbing problems, like blockage or leakage of pipeline, can be the cause of reduced pressure. If this is the case, the repairs can be expensive.
Water Leakage
Even a small leakage in the pipeline can affect the water pressure. You also need to check the internal pipeline supply up to the faucet for any leakage. This can be checked with help of the meter reading of your apartment. All you can do is turn off all the taps inside your home and valves (if any) that enables water to flow into your house from the common pipelines. Check the meter reading now and again after 3-4 hours of doing this. If the reading has changed, there is a leakage. Call a professional to find the leakage and fix the problem.
Blocked Pipeline
In case you have cast iron or galvanized iron pipes supplying water, mineral deposit is a common problem that can lead to blockage. The minerals present in the water react with metal of the pipes, leading to rough surfaces and deposits which go on increasing as time passes, causing blockage of pipeline. You need to get a certified plumber in this case to find out the problem and fix it.
I hope the aforementioned points helped you troubleshoot this problem. If the problem is not restricted to the sink area, you can call a professional to find out the primary cause of it and get it fixed.
