What to Do When Your Kitchen Faucet Has Low Water Pressure

Start With the Aerator

Most faucets have a small screen at the tip called an aerator. This piece mixes air into the water stream and helps control flow, but it also traps debris. Minerals from hard water, rust particles, and small pieces of sediment from the municipal line can clog it. When this happens, the faucet can lose pressure even if the rest of the house is fine. To check, unscrew the aerator by hand or with a pair of pliers wrapped in cloth. Rinse it under running water and scrub with a soft brush. If the buildup is heavy, soak it in white vinegar for an hour to dissolve mineral deposits. After reinstalling it, test the faucet again. If pressure returns, the issue was minor and you handled it on the spot. If the problem remains, the cause lies deeper in the system.

Inspect the Supply Valves

Every kitchen faucet connects to two shut-off valves, one for hot water and one for cold. These valves sit beneath the sink and control how much water enters the fixture. Sometimes they get nudged while cleaning or storing items, and if either is only partially open, water pressure drops. Turn both valves fully counterclockwise to confirm they are open. If the valves are already open, feel the pipes as the water runs. Warm water should indicate the hot line is working, while cold water should flow freely from the other. If one side is weak, it can point to a blockage or an issue with the water heater. A restriction inside these valves can also occur with age, and in that case, replacement may be necessary. That is a task many homeowners prefer to leave to a faucet repair professional who has the right tools to prevent leaks.

Look for Signs of Buildup Inside the Faucet

Sometimes the problem sits inside the faucet body itself. Modern fixtures have cartridges, washers, and narrow channels that direct water to the spout. Minerals can build up in these passages. The result is reduced flow even when the supply lines are delivering full pressure. If you’re comfortable with basic do-it-yourself tasks, you can shut off the water, disassemble the handle, and pull the cartridge out. Soaking it in vinegar can clear the deposits. If the faucet is old or the parts are worn, a new cartridge may be required. Keep in mind that different manufacturers use different designs, so you will need to bring the old part to the hardware store to match it correctly. If that’s overwhelming, calling a plumber will make sure the repair is handled without guesswork. They can also tell you if replacing the entire faucet makes more sense, given its age.

Check the Larger Plumbing System

If low pressure affects only the kitchen faucet, the issue is usually limited to that fixture or its supply lines. But if other taps in the house feel weak too, it may signal a larger plumbing concern. Corroded pipes, leaks, or clogs in the main line can all cause water flow to drop. In some cases, the municipal supply itself is the source, such as when city crews are doing maintenance in the area. Look around your home for slow flow at bathrooms, outdoor spigots, and laundry connections. Note whether the issue appears with both hot and cold water. If the entire system is affected, professional help is needed. A plumbing repair service can perform pressure tests, inspect pipes for corrosion, and check for hidden leaks. These problems grow worse if ignored, so prompt action prevents further damage to your home.