You’re trying to wash your hands or rinse your dishes, but it seems to be taking forever. No, it’s not your imagination: The water pressure from your new faucet is lower than usual.
It doesn’t matter if you installed a Moen faucet or something fancy. A low water pressure issue in a faucet is annoying.
A clogged aerator, low-flow system, or clogged cartridges can all contribute to low water pressure. So can supply valves that are too hot or cold and pressure-reducing valves that are set too low.
Before you uninstall and ask for a refund, follow this article for easy-to-follow solutions to low water pressure in new faucets.
What Causes Low Water Pressure in New Faucets?
As a DIYer, it’s a bit overwhelming if this is your first time experiencing this problem. Fortunately, not all of them are too challenging to fix:
Home’s Water Pressure Is Too Low
Check your bathroom or kitchen faucets to see if the issue is only limited to the new faucet. Is the problem limited to your new faucet, or is it affecting other taps in the house?
Don’t fret if it’s not just your new bathroom or kitchen faucet. Contact your Municipal or city’s water supplier if the problem is affecting your neighbors too.
Clogged Aerator
Aerators are sieves that help to filter off debris from your water supply. In old or rusty faucets, aerators can fill with junk, reducing water pressure.
While uncommon in new faucets, sediments or remnants from pipe fillings may have blocked the aerator. But this issue is more prevalent in old and rusty faucets.
It’s a Low-Flow Faucet
Water-saver faucets or low-flow faucets conserve water and lower water bills. Low-flow faucets contain special cartridges that reduce water flow. Always check your new faucet to see if it’s a low-flow type.
Clogged Cartridges
Sometimes, debris enters your new faucet during plumbing. Debris from soldering or pipe filling may lodge, accumulate, and clog up the spout.
Hot or Cold Water Supply Valves
We often close the hot or cold water supply valve when installing new faucets. However, not everyone remembers to completely open these valves after installation. Be sure to reach under the cabinet and turn it back on after installation.
Low Setting on the Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV)
Always check the PRV if you get low water pressure from all your faucets.
You’ll find PRVs on the main water lines entering your homes or offices. Most PRVs have screws for adjusting water pressure. You can quickly turn it up or down in line with the preferred water pressure.
Can a Bad Faucet Cause Low Water Pressure?
Defects from the manufacturer are also a reason for low water pressures. Return the product and get a replacement, provided you’ve ensured no underlying issues are causing low water pressure.
How Do You Fix Low Water Pressure from a New Faucet?
There are different reasons why your faucet has a low-water flow. Nevertheless, fixing these issues is relatively straightforward. For this section, we’ll find solutions to each problem. Ready? Let’s start.
Clean the Aerators
Use a lock plier to unscrew the aerator from your faucet. The aerator is a circular mesh that filters out debris.
Place the aerator under running water to remove all debris. Use a small brush to remove stubborn debris.
Furthermore, soak it in vinegar overnight to remove built-up lime deposits.
Rinse and install the aerator.
Run the faucet for a few minutes before use.
Adjust the Shut-Off Valves
Find the shut-off valve for the new faucet. You’ll find shut-off valves underneath the sink. There are usually two valves, each for hot and cold water. Rotate the valves in a counterclockwise direction. This should increase the water pressure.
Note: Sometimes, a hot or cold shut-off valve is responsible for the low pressure. Try each valve to detect the defective one.
If the water pressure does not increase, you may need to replace the hot or cold water pipe.
Flush the Water Supply Pipe
Find the valve that directs hot water into the faucet.
Now, rotate it clockwise to shut it off.
Use lock pliers to unscrew the hot water supply line from the shut-off valve. Rotate the screw in a clockwise direction to disconnect it from the valve.
Place the open end of the supply line in a bucket to prevent water spill.
Now, run warm water through the supply line onto the bucket. Could you do it for ten seconds?
Turn off the water supply and reattach the supply line to the valve.
Next, repeat the process for the cold water valve.
Test the water pressure again. You may have a water leak if the issue persists. In addition to this, check your toilets and service meter to find water leaks.
There’s a leak if the leak indicator on the service meter is turning. Keep in mind that the leak indicator may not reveal small water leaks in your home.
Next, check for water spots in your basement or areas near water fixtures. A large water leak will flood the basement and sometimes dampen the wall. Watch for molds or other peeling paints in your basement or areas where the wall touches the ground.
Contact your water company if there’s a substantial leak. Do not try to fix it yourself.
Hire a plumber if none of these solutions work out. Take care when tampering with plumbing. Too-high water pressure can burst and damage your pipes. In addition, it increases your utility bill and the overall water use.
Consult your city’s building guidelines for the correct water pressure.
