Learning how to fix low water pressure in bathroom sink is easier than you think. In fact, the reasons that cause the low water pressure are uncomplicated and fixable by yourself. Continue reading to find out the four main reasons for low water pressure in bathroom sinks and the ways to fix them.
Consider increasing the size of the flow restrictor hole or unplugging the hole. If the water aerator is plugged, clean or replace it. Opening the water supply valves or cleaning the water supply lines can help the bathroom sink start running at high water pressure.
When the amount of water flowing from your bathroom sink is very little, it can prevent you from doing things such as washing your hands or even cleaning your teeth as usual. When you realize that the water pressure is low in your bathroom sink, you should first confirm if it is low in other parts of the house. Check if the shower and the kitchen sink are running at standard pressure. Assessing this can help you determine if the problem is severe or not so that you can choose the next course of action.
Reasons for low water pressure in bathroom sink and how to fix them
The flow restrictor is in place
When the flow restrictor is in place, it can prevent the bathroom sink from running at high pressure. This is designed to restrict water released from the bathroom faucet. It comes as a plastic disc inserted into the aerator mesh of the bathroom faucet. When the hole in this flow restrictor is very small, it can prevent high amounts of water from passing through. Apart from being small, the hole may be partially plugged, restricting the flow of water to the bathroom sink.
You can fix it by increasing the size of the flow restrictor hole. Get a screwdriver that can help you increase its size. To find it, start by unscrewing the aerator from the faucet by hand. Apart from increasing the size of the hole, you can also solve low pressure by cleaning the flow restrictor. Doing this can unplug the hole since you can easily remove any grime or dirt in it.
If there is a mineral buildup in the flow restrictor, you should consider soaking it in vinegar for a couple of hours to open up the hole. Once it is clean, you can now return the restrictor piece and test to see if the water pressure in your bathroom sink has improved.
The water aerator is plugged
At the end of the faucet is a water aerator that is designed using wire mesh. This is meant to break water flow and aerate it to offer consistent water flow. The water aerator also collects any debris that is flowing through the sink’s pipe. When the filter is plugged, it can decrease water flow to your bathroom sink. Fixing this problem is easy since you only need to clean the aerator. You should start by unscrewing it from the end of the faucet using a small wrench or by hand. Rinse the aerator under running water.
If it has a lot of debris, you can also use an old toothbrush to clean it. Doing this can improve the water pressure getting to your bathroom sink. If you still notice no difference, consider soaking it in vinegar at least overnight to get rid of any mineral deposits on it. Apart from cleaning, you can also solve the issue by replacing the aerator.
The shutoff valves are not open
This can also prevent high water pressure from getting to the bathroom sink. You should ensure that the shutoff valves that are found below the bathroom sink are fully open. Turn them to the left to open both the cold and hot water valves fully.
Water supply lines may be plugged
Sometimes low water pressure in the bathroom sink can be caused by plugged water supply lines. This problem is common in new homes where debris from the construction sometimes tends to settle in the pipes clogging them. Apart from a new home, you may experience this problem if you live in a hard water area. Mineral deposits may accumulate and narrow the water supply lines. You can solve this by flushing, cleaning, or replacing the water supply lines.
Conclusion
Low water pressure in the bathroom sink is a simple problem that you can solve on your own. Once you identify the cause of this problem, you can try the solutions discussed above. If other areas of your home, such as the kitchen sink and the shower, are also running at low pressure, you should consider calling a plumber.
FAQs
When should I consider replacing the aerator?
If you have tried cleaning the aerator or soaking it in vinegar, but you are still experiencing low water pressure, you should replace it. Faucet water aerators are readily available and affordable.
Can the bathroom sink work without the flow restrictor?
Yes. Though removing it not the best solution, doing this can help the water start flowing freely.
