Common Signs
You may notice:
• Weak flow at one sink
• Water spraying sideways
• Uneven water flow
• Hot water is weak but cold is normal
• Cold water is weak but hot is normal
• Pressure is fine in other rooms
• The faucet flow changed after a water outage
• The faucet flow changed after plumbing work
• Grit or debris at the faucet tip
If every fixture in the home has low pressure, that may point to a different issue. But if one faucet is the only problem, start with that fixture.
If only one faucet has low water pressure, the problem may be different from a whole-house pressure issue.
Sometimes the cause is simple, such as a clogged faucet aerator. Other times, it may involve the fixture, shutoff valve, supply line, or buildup inside the plumbing connection.
The aerator is the small screen at the end of many faucets. It helps shape the water flow, but it can collect sediment, grit, or mineral buildup over time.
You may be able to:
• Unscrew the aerator carefully
• Rinse out debris
• Clean the screen with water and a soft brush
• Soak mineral buildup in vinegar
• Reinstall it carefully
Be careful not to lose the small screen or washer inside the aerator. If the aerator does not go back on correctly, the faucet may leak or spray.
Other Possible Causes
Low pressure at one faucet may also be related to:
• A clogged aerator
• A partially closed shutoff valve
• A kinked or damaged supply line
• Sediment in the faucet cartridge
• Mineral buildup
• Fixture age or wear
• Recent water work that stirred up debris
• A problem with only the hot or cold side
Before scheduling, it helps to know:
• Is the issue hot water, cold water, or both?
• Is it only one faucet or multiple fixtures?
• Did it happen suddenly or slowly over time?
• Did it start after a water outage or plumbing work?
• Is the faucet spraying, sputtering, or just weak?
• Have you already cleaned the aerator?
A short video of the faucet running can be very helpful.
Call a plumber if cleaning the aerator does not help, the shutoff valve is stuck or leaking, the faucet still has weak flow, the issue affects more than one fixture, or you are not comfortable taking anything apart.
Shanks Onsite Services can help check the fixture and recommend the next right step.
Call or text 470-531-3956 with a photo or short video.
Local West Georgia Plumbing • Licensed Master Plumber • Family-owned
Shanks is on it.
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