What Causes Low Water Pressure In Only One Faucet?

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After enjoying a tasty dinner, you go to the kitchen to wash dishes. Turn on the faucet but water comes out slowly. This is a frustrating situation. When you have full of dirty dishes in the sink then a low water pressure issue is a big problem. You have to spend more time in the kitchen cleaning dishes.

The same situation happens when you go in the bathroom, you turn on the bathtub faucet and face low water pressure. You can’t bath properly.

Sometimes not all faucets have a low water pressure issue. Only a single faucet in the kitchen or bathroom facet this situation. What causes low water pressure in only one faucet? There are some common reasons for this problem. In this article, you will get to know about all reasons and also the solutions for each.

Why Low Water Pressure In Only Kitchen Faucet?

Here are the most likely causes for the low water pressure in the kitchen faucet only. Water pressure suddenly drops in only one faucet is a headache for homeowners. You face issues to clean dishes properly. You can’t fill pots quickly with low water flow.

1. Clogged Aerators

Every kitchen faucet has a device in front of its spout that is called an aerator. The aerator slows down the water pressure and also produces a gentle water stream.

The aerator infuses air into the water so the water stream becomes smooth. The aerator also helps to reduce the wastage of water so it is compulsory to use with a faucet by many governments.

Debris and mineral deposits in the water when passes through the faucet aerator, they become trapped in holes in the aerator. Over time, the thickness of the gunk become increases, most of the holes of the aerator are blocked and water pressure becomes low in the kitchen faucet.

2. Clogged Cartridge

Another common reason for low water pressure in the kitchen faucet only is clogged cartridges. The cartridge is placed inside the handle and it controls the flow of the water. The cartridge is not a permanent thing. You need to replace it at a regular time period for perfect water flow.

When you move the handle, the cartridge move and allows water to flow. You can control the flow of the water by moving the cartridge to the appropriate position.

When you turn on the handle at its full position and still water pressure is low then the cartridge is causing the issue.

Either the cartridge is worn-out or mineral deposits are building up around the cartridge. You need to remove mineral build-up from it.

3. Clogged or Leakage In the Supply Pipe

Every faucet in the house is connected through a supply line. A clogged or leakage supply pipeline causes low water pressure in only one faucet. We know that water contains different minerals. Over time, their mineral deposits get stuck inside the faucet water supply line.

If you haven’t changed plumbing since its installation then the chances of clogged supply lines are high. This issue occurs inside the pipeline so no one can judge how much build-up is there. If there is leakage in the pipeline then also water pressure drops.

4. Handle Not Working Properly

Every faucet has a handle that controls water flow. If handle movement is stuck due to rust or corrosion,  it impacts the flow of the water. When the handle moves water flows through the space in the handle.

But if the handle does not move fully then water doesn’t get enough space for flowing and the results are low water pressure. This problem can be easily identified by moving the handle. If the handle does not move fully then the handle is causing the issue.

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How To Fix low water pressure in Only kitchen faucet?

Above we have explained the reasons for the low water pressure in only the kitchen faucet. Now here are solutions for every reason. All are DIY solutions, so you can easily implement them by yourself.

How To Fix Clogged Aerators?

• Cover the kitchen sink drain with a cloth to stop falling any faucet part inside the drain.
• Remove the aerator. Some aerators can be removed by hand. You just need to twist them with your hand and they come out. For some aerators, you need to use a plier or screwdriver. Cover the spout with a towel to avoid any scratches on it.
• After removing the aerator, turn on the water and if you see normal water pressure then the aerator was the main reason for the low water pressure.
• You can use a pin to remove mineral deposits from the aerator holes.
• Also, put the aerator into vinegar for the whole night. It will clean all mineral deposits of the aerator and water pressure will be increased.

How To Fix Clogged Cartridge?

1. To change or repair the cartridge, turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. The cartridge is behind the handle, so you need to remove the faucet handle.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the nut of the handle. Use Allen wrench if needed.
4. If there is no screw seen on the faucet handle then there would be a cap. Remove the cap, you will see the screw.
5. Now remove the cartridge.
6. If the cartridge is worn-out then you need to replace it.
7. If the cartridge is in good condition but mineral deposits are build-up around it then put it into vinegar for hours. When all deposits are cleaned take them out of the water and clean them with clean water.
8. Now insert the cartridge at its place and fit the handle.

How To Fix Clogged Pipeline?

Dirt, debris, and mineral deposits in the pipe block the water flow. Sometimes simple flushing can remove the block or you can use a drain cleaner to remove the blockage. Also, debris changes the color of water and you see black water comeing out from the faucet.

• First, use a drain cleaner to remove the blockage of the pipeline.
• If still pipeline is not fully cleaned and there is some blockage then follow the next steps.
• Turn off the water supply to the faucet and remove excess water by opening the faucet handle.
• Now use an adjustable wrench to open the pipeline.
• Take the pipeline to the bathroom and put it under the bathroom faucet.
• Open the bathroom faucet valve and let water flow through the pipeline.
• Also, you can put it into vinegar for an hour so it will be fully cleaned.

How To Fix Pipeline Leakage?

To fix the pipeline leakage, you need to replace the pipeline. Don’t remove the whole pipeline just replace the damaged part. If your pipeline is inside the wall then it will be better to take the help of a plumber.

How To Fix Handle?

Due to rust or corrosion, if the handle is not moving properly, use penetration oil or lubricant. Spray penetration oil on the handle and leave it for a few hours. Penetration oil will reduce the rust and corrosion impact and the handle will move freely.

Why Low Water Pressure In Bathroom Faucet Only?

Now see what causes low water pressure in only one faucet in the bathroom. Here are some common reasons.

1. Broken Water Lines

If the water lines of the bathroom faucet are damaged or broken then it results in a low water pressure problem. Common causes of broken pipelines are rust, corrosion, debris, and mineral deposits. Over time these things damaged the body of the pipeline and in the end, it breaks.

2. Cartridge Clogs

The cartridge controls the flow of water by opening a valve for water. The cartridge is inside the handle so when you move the handle cartridge also moves.

The cartridge also removes the leakage problem of the faucet. If the cartridge is worn-out or not properly fitted or mineral deposits are built up on it then water flow is affected and water pressure is reduced. You get low water pressure when you turn on the faucet handle.

3. Aerator Clogs

Aerators are usually found at the end of the spout. The aerator covers the water outlet of the faucet and its holes control the water flow by mixing air into the water. When mineral deposits clog holes in the aerator, water pressure reduces.

How To Fix Low Water Pressure In Bathroom Faucet Only?

How To Fix Low Water Pressure Due To Broken Water Lines?

To fix broken water lines, you need to replace them. First, find out the broken part of the pipeline and then remove it using a wrench. Also, you can cut that part and join a new part at that place.

How To Fix Low Water Pressure Due To Cartridge Clogs?

• Cover the sink with a sink stopper so nothing goes inside it.
• Turn off the water supply valves under the sink.
• Remove the faucet handle cap by using a screwdriver.
• Remove the screw cap with an Allen wrench.
• You will find a retaining nut at the base of the handle.
• Use a wrench to remove it.
• Now pull out the cartridge.
• Soak the cartridge in the vinegar for the whole night.
• You can use a toothbrush to remove mineral deposits from the cartridge.

How To Fix Low Water Pressure Due To Aerator Clogs?

The cleaning of the aerator is very simple. Most aerators come out when you twist the spout. If an aerator is stuck, you can use the plier for a better grip.

Soak the aerator in the vinegar for the whole night. Then clean it with hot water and still holes are not clearly open use a brush to clean it.

Low Cold Water Pressure In Kitchen Faucet Only

Some people complain that they get low water pressure in the cold water pipeline, not in the hot water. When they turn on the hot water handle water pressure is normal but in the cold pipeline water pressure is low.

This is not a big issue and the problem lies in the cold water pipeline. For hot and cold water supply there are different pipelines in the faucet. Check the cold water supply line. Maybe there are mineral deposits inside the supply lines. Clean it and low water pressure in the cold water will be removed.

Final Words

Now you know what causes low water pressure in only one faucet and what are its solutions. Now low water pressure won’t ruin your day. By using our simple DIY solutions, you can quickly fix the low water pressure problem. Once you find the cause of the problem take the right tool and start your work.

Ralph Matthews

Meet Ralph Matthews, father of 2 cute daughters and a skilled plumber with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Ralph has particular expertise in repairing any type of faucet and has helped countless homeowners and businesses solve their plumbing problems with his expert knowledge and attention to detail.