Low Water Pressure at Faucet

Single-faucet pressure problems produce distinct symptoms that help you diagnose the cause. Recognizing these patterns determines whether you're dealing with a simple aerator cleaning or a more involved repair.

Aerator-Related Symptoms

• Gradual pressure loss: Water pressure decreases slowly over weeks or months
• Uneven spray pattern: Water sprays sideways or in multiple directions instead of a smooth stream
• Hot and cold both affected: Both hot and cold water show reduced pressure equally
• Visible debris: White, brown, or black particles visible in the aerator screen
• Hissing or whistling: High-pitched sounds as water forces through restricted openings

Supply Line or Valve Problems

• Sudden pressure drop rather than gradual decline
• Only hot or only cold water affected, not both
• Removing aerator doesn't improve flow significantly
• Recent plumbing work or repairs before pressure problems began
• Visible kinks or damage to supply lines under the sink

Step 1: Remove the Aerator

Most aerators unscrew counterclockwise by hand. If it's tight, wrap the aerator with a cloth or rubber band to protect the finish, then use adjustable pliers to grip and turn counterclockwise. Apply steady, gentle pressure to avoid damaging the threads. Some aerators unscrew clockwise or have special removal tools, so check for arrows or markings indicating direction.

Step 2: Disassemble and Inspect

Place a towel in the sink to catch small parts. Carefully disassemble the aerator, noting the order of components. Typical aerators contain several parts: the outer housing, flow restrictor, screen, bushing, and rubber washers. Arrange parts in order on the towel so you can reassemble them correctly. Inspect each component for damage, cracks, or severe mineral buildup that cleaning won't fix.

Step 3: Clean All Components

Soak all metal and plastic parts in white vinegar for 30-60 minutes. Vinegar dissolves mineral deposits without damaging aerator components. For heavy buildup, extend soaking to 2-3 hours. After soaking, scrub parts with an old toothbrush to remove loosened deposits. Use a safety pin or toothpick to clear individual holes in the screen. Rinse all parts thoroughly with water.

Step 4: Test Without Aerator

Before reassembling, turn the faucet on briefly without the aerator attached. Water will flow faster and spray more than normal. This test confirms whether the aerator was causing your pressure problem. Strong flow without the aerator means cleaning solved the issue. Weak flow even without the aerator indicates problems upstream, such as partially closed shut-off valves or clogged supply lines.

Step 5: Reassemble and Install

Reassemble the aerator components in the exact order you disassembled them. Orientation matters for proper function. Most aerators have a specific top and bottom configuration. Hand-tighten the aerator onto the faucet spout, turning clockwise. Use pliers only if necessary, applying gentle pressure to avoid overtightening or cracking the aerator housing. Turn on the water and check for leaks around the connection.

If Cleaning Doesn't Help

Check shut-off valves under the sink. These valves should be fully open, with handles parallel to the supply lines. A partially closed valve restricts flow significantly. Inspect supply lines for kinks, damage, or tight bends that could restrict water flow. If pressure remains low after these checks, the problem likely involves the faucet cartridge or internal components requiring more extensive repair.

Professional plumbers start with systematic pressure testing to isolate the problem. They'll test pressure at various points: at the shut-off valves, at the supply line connections, and at the faucet outlet with the aerator removed. This testing pinpoints whether the restriction is in the faucet itself, the supply lines, or the shut-off valves. Precise diagnosis prevents unnecessary repairs and identifies the most cost-effective solution.

When the problem lies inside the faucet, plumbers disassemble it to access internal components. They clean inlet screens located where supply lines connect inside the faucet body. These screens catch debris before it enters the cartridge and can become as clogged as aerators. Plumbers inspect the cartridge for damage, mineral buildup, or deterioration. They'll replace cartridges when cleaning doesn't restore proper function.

For supply line issues, plumbers replace kinked, corroded, or undersized supply lines with proper diameter lines that maximize flow. They service or replace problematic shut-off valves that stick partially closed or have internal corrosion. Modern quarter-turn ball valves replace outdated multi-turn gate valves, providing better flow and more reliable operation. These upgrades prevent future pressure problems.

Plumbers also investigate whole-house factors affecting single faucets. If your home has low overall pressure, it amplifies the effect of any restriction at individual fixtures. They'll test pressure at the main supply and recommend pressure-boosting systems if needed. For homes with hard water causing repeated aerator clogging, they suggest water softener installation that prevents mineral buildup throughout your plumbing system.

Clean your faucet aerators every 3-6 months as routine maintenance, especially if you have hard water. Regular cleaning prevents heavy mineral buildup that becomes difficult to remove. This simple task takes just minutes and maintains optimal water pressure. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to establish this as a regular household maintenance task.

Consider installing a whole-house water softener if you have hard water problems throughout your home. Water softeners remove dissolved minerals before they enter your plumbing system, dramatically reducing aerator clogging, extending faucet life, and improving water heater efficiency. The initial investment pays for itself through reduced maintenance, fewer repairs, and energy savings. Water test kits from hardware stores reveal your water hardness level.

After any plumbing repairs or municipal water work in your area, remove and clean aerators at all fixtures. These activities dislodge rust, scale, and debris that travels through your pipes and accumulates in aerator screens. Proactive cleaning after these events prevents pressure problems before they develop. If your area had water main breaks or repairs, run water for a few minutes with aerators removed to flush debris.

Long-Term Maintenance

• Keep spare aerators on hand for quick replacement of damaged units
• Mark shut-off valves under sinks to ensure they stay fully open
• Inspect supply lines annually for signs of wear, corrosion, or kinks
• Replace braided stainless steel supply lines every 10 years as preventive maintenance
• Label aerators by location if you remove multiple ones simultaneously during cleaning

Single-faucet pressure problems represent some of the least expensive plumbing repairs, especially when the issue is simply a clogged aerator. Understanding costs helps you decide between DIY cleaning and professional service.

DIY Costs

• Aerator cleaning supplies (vinegar, brush): $0-5 (typically already have)
• Replacement aerator (if damaged): $3-15 for generic, $20-40 for brand-specific
• Adjustable pliers (if needed): $10-20
• Total typical DIY cost: $0-20 for cleaning, $3-40 if replacement needed

Professional Service Costs

• Service call and diagnosis: $80-150
• Faucet cartridge replacement: $150-300
• Supply line replacement (both lines): $100-200
• Shut-off valve replacement (per valve): $100-200
• Complete faucet replacement: $200-500 for standard models

Preventive Investment

• Water softener installation: $800-2,500 (prevents repeated mineral buildup)
• Point-of-use water filter: $50-200 (reduces sediment reaching aerators)
• Supply line upgrade: $60-150 DIY, $150-300 professional

Value Considerations

DIY aerator cleaning makes sense for every homeowner, regardless of experience level. The process is simple, safe, and costs nothing if you have vinegar at home. Even purchasing a replacement aerator costs less than a plumber's minimum service charge. Professional service becomes worthwhile when the problem persists after aerator cleaning or requires accessing internal faucet components.

If aerator clogging happens frequently due to hard water, investing in water treatment prevents the problem across your entire home. A water softener costs significantly more upfront but eliminates repeated aerator cleaning, extends appliance life, reduces soap and detergent usage, and prevents mineral buildup in water heaters and pipes. The combined savings typically offset installation costs within 3-5 years.