How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Kitchen Sink

Trying to rinse dirty dishes in a sink with low water pressure is like trying to fill a swimming pool with a drinking straw. Sure, it's technically possible, but you might be there until retirement.

If you’re tired of standing at your sink for what feels like an eternity, keep reading. We’ll help you identify the underlying cause and decide whether it’s a DIY fix or one to leave for the professionals.

Why Is My Kitchen Sink Water Pressure Low?

Low water pressure is generally caused by one of the following issues:

An Aerator Clog

An aerator is that screw-on device with a screen that attaches to the tip of your faucet. While the aerator should eliminate splashing and create smoother flow, mineral buildup can clog the screen, reducing pressure.

To fix low water pressure in your kitchen sink, simply unscrew the aerator from the end of your faucet, inspect it for buildup, and clean it by soaking in vinegar for a couple of hours. Once clean, screw it back on and test for flow.

Mineral Buildup In Pipes

If you live in a hard-water region, minerals can build up in pipes, narrowing the width of water flow and reducing pressure. Unfortunately, addressing mineral buildup typically requires professional intervention.

In some cases, we may be able to clear out pipes with a hydrojetting process. In others, we “descale” pipes using professional-grade chemicals. In severe cases, we may have to replace your pipes.

Faulty Pressure-Reducing Valve

If your home receives too much water pressure, a plumber might install a pressure-reducing valve to prevent water waste and protect your appliances. However, when a pressure-reducing valve fails, it can severely restrict water flow.

Our plumbers can address this issue by either readjusting the setting or replacing the worn-out valve to increase the water pressure in the kitchen sink.

A Water Leak

Even small leaks can significantly reduce water pressure in kitchen plumbing. The tricky part is identifying hidden leaks. If none of these other issues are the cause, check your water bill, looking for sudden usage spikes. If that does not give you clarity, our plumbers can use specialized equipment to locate hidden leaks and repair them.

Water Heater Issues

If you notice the kitchen faucet water pressure is low only when using hot water, you may have a water heater issue. Over time, sediment can build up in the tank, clogging pipes and reducing flow. To address this issue, our plumbers will likely drain your water heater and give it a thorough cleaning.

Municipal Water Supply Issue

Sometimes water pressure issues extend beyond your property line. If your neighbors are experiencing similar water pressure troubles, the municipal water system may be under maintenance or have infrastructure limitations. In such cases, we recommend contacting your local municipality.

Shut-Off Valve Issue

Faulty or partially closed shut-off valves are easy to fix. To diagnose, find the main water valve where water enters your home. Typically, this is in your basement or connected to exterior plumbing, near your water meter. Check to make sure the valve is fully open. Additionally, inspect the valves under your sink to ensure they are fully open.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

While some low water pressure kitchen sink issues are unavoidable, you can prevent others by:

• Regularly cleaning faucet aerators
• Installing a softener if you live in a region with mineral-dense water
• Flushing your water heater annually
• Testing water pressure each year with an inexpensive gauge
• Scheduling annual plumbing inspections to address minor issues before they become major plumbing showstoppers

Don't Let Low Pressure Dampen Your Day

Have questions about low water pressure or other common plumbing conundrums? We can help. With over four decades of experience, our plumbing pros are here to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today!