Is your kitchen faucet not offering a good water flow whenever you turn it on? Even hampering daily kitchen chore? It gets frustrating for house owners as it’s one of the most used fixtures in the house. Don’t worry, because it’s a common problem in many households and you can quickly rectify it with an easy fix. You won’t need the assistant of an expert; instead, you would need some tools to get the job done.

You will need the following tools:
Wrench
Screwdriver
Channel-lock pliers.
Bucket
Calcium Remover.
Vinegar

Step 1: Find Out the Problem

Firstly, Identifying the origin of the problem will help you fix the issue more easily. While identifying, you also need to check whether the problem is frequently occurring or it is persistent. You should switch on two-three faucets in your house once at a time and check whether the water flow is normal or not. If you face the same issue in the whole house, then the problem must be originating from the primary water source in your home or your locality. Fixing the water flow problem in the main is beyond your reach as you need to inform your local water department.

Another reason for low pressure could be the increase of water fixtures in the house and to solve that you need to install wide water pipes. You should also check whether there is any leakage as it will pull down the water flow rate by a large margin.

Step 2: Open the Aerator

If you find the issue is only concentrated in your kitchen faucet, then you should start the fixing process by opening the aerator of the fixture. Aerator acts as a gateway at the end of the tap, and it bars any particle from getting into the water flow. However, if it hasn’t been cleaned on a regular interval, then the accumulation of mineral deposits and solid particles can lead to low water pressure.

Use channel pliers and towel to unscrew the aerator and check whether there is any kind of clogging. After disassembling the aerator, properly clean all the parts of the aerator in warm water and put them on vinegar solution. Use a brush to clean off any extra material from the aerator. Then put back the aerator and check whether you are still having the water flow problem. You can even check the pressure issue without using the aerator in the tap.

TIPS: While continuing with the process we recommend you to keep extra parts close to you as you might need them. If possible, follow the manual given in the faucet package. It will guide you to disassemble and assemble the faucet correctly and its parts.

Step 3: Remove the faucet

Next, if you don’t find the problem in the aerator, then it is time for you to move to the cartridge section by removing the faucet head. The cartridge facilitates the movement of water through the valve, and any clogging or malfunction could lead to low water flow.

To fix any of those issues, first, switch off the total water supply, which also includes the hot water. Then remove the screw cap and the screws located in the spout area. Unscrewing it will help you to pull off the faucet head. Now you will have to take out the cartridge by removing all the washers, clips and nuts. Remember all the arrangements as it will help you to reassemble it properly. Then check for scratch, debris, or mineral deposit as they often block the path. You can either use regular water or distilled vinegar to clean scratch or mineral deposits.

If the damage is severe, then it would be a smart move to replace it along with the thin housing as they don’t cost much. Then again put back the cartridge and head back to its respected place and check the water flow.

Step 4: Check the Water Pipe

If you still face the same water flow problem, then you might have to look into the water pipe that leads to the faucet. Clogging of minerals deposit is the common problem that can lead blockage in the source. Usage of metal or galvanized pipe often causes accumulation of sediment, so cleaning the in-line water pipe is the best possible solution.

Put a bucket under the pipeline as some excess water will fall when you open the pipe. Then pick up the pipe wrench and unscrew the joint to detach the water supply line from the main valve. Then put the tube in the bucket and turn on the water. Check whether the pressure is the same or not. If the pressure is right, then you only need to replace the riser section in the main pipeline. Otherwise, you might have to change the whole water pipeline in your house or kitchen area.

TIPS: While working with the main in-line water, it is better to take assistance from another person as it would get hectic for you.

Step 5: Deal with Low Flow of Hot Water

Lastly, if the situation arises that you have solved the water flow issue but facing low hot water flow, then the problem lies within your hot water system.

First, check the hot water valve as it often gets loose due to prolonged usage. You should completely open it and check the pressure. If the problem persists, then you might have issue the main hot water pipe or the system. In this situation, you will need the assistance of professionals, and we will recommend you not to indulge yourself in the process.

If you are still failed to solve the problem, or you have other questions about faucet maintenance, or want to buy new faucets, welcome to contact us now, OUBAO is glad to provide professional advice for you.