Low water pressure at every fixture in a house indicates something is up with either the municipal water supply or the pipe between the main and the home. There are limited possibilities, finding the root of the problem usually isn’t difficult for a skilled plumber. But what if the loss of water pressure involves just one fixture?
Such a scenario is not uncommon. It’s fairly routine for a plumber to be called because a customer is experiencing low pressure in the kitchen but normal pressure in the bathrooms. It is entirely possible that just a single fixture is affected. It’s also possible that all the fixtures in one room are affected while the rest of the fixtures in the house are fine.
Issues involving a limited number of fixtures are a bit more complicated. There are also more choices for a plumber to look at. But calling in a plumbing company may be your only option if you cannot figure it out yourself.
The Aerator Could Be Clogged
At the end of every faucet is a small piece with a built-in screen. This piece is known as an aerator. Its job is to mix air with the water so as to maintain a constant flow without any loss of pressure. An aerator in good working condition gives the perception of higher pressure by maintaining consistency. If it gets clogged, you will probably perceive a loss of pressure.
This particular fix does not require a plumber. You can clean a clogged aerator yourself by simply unscrewing it and then scrubbing it with a toothbrush and a combination of baking soda and vinegar. Problem solved in just a few minutes.
The Washers or Cartridge Could Be Failing
Water flow is managed by a faucet with either washers or a cartridge. If either one begins to fail, it could impede water flow severely enough that you notice a loss in pressure. Fortunately, both washers and cartridges are easy to replace.
In most cases, it is a simple matter of removing a couple of screws to disassemble the top of the faucet. Both washers and cartridges pop out easily. Then you just install the replacement and put the faucet back together.
There Could Be a Problem With the Shutoff Valve
A more complicated fix would be one related to the shutoff valve. Beehive Plumbing, a Salt Lake City area plumbing contractor, says shutoff valves can get clogged with debris over time. They are susceptible to debris buildup in areas with hard water.
Debris buildup would obviously inhibit water flowing to the fixture. This would mean lower pressure at the fixture without any impact on other fixtures in the house. Fixing the problem would involve shutting off the water, removing the valve, and then either cleaning or replacing it.
Several Other Possibilities
Several other possibilities could be at the root of the problem. For example, mineral buildup in the supply line could be inhibiting water flow. If the line running into the fixture is a flexible hose, the hose could have a kink.
Perhaps the most serious cause would be a broken pipe somewhere along the line. But of course, this sort of thing would be easily discovered because you would have a significant leak. Calling in a plumber would be your best option here.
A loss of water pressure sometimes affects the entire house. But other times, it is just one fixture. When only a single fixture is involved, the trick is diagnosing the problem correctly. Plumbers do all the time. As for homeowners, fixing a loss of pressure can prove challenging.