Low Water Pressure Only at the Kitchen Sink

by

Low Water Pressure Only at the Kitchen Sink: Causes, Safe Checks, and When to Call a Pro

If your kitchen sink has weak water pressure but every other faucet in the house works fine, the issue is almost always localized to that sink, its faucet, its shutoff valves, or the short stretch of plumbing that feeds it. This is one of the most common “single fixture” pressure problems, and fortunately it’s typically straightforward for a professional to diagnose and fix.

This guide shows you the likely causes, what you can safely check yourself, and when to call a technician to avoid water damage, leaks, or unnecessary trial-and-error.

Need professional troubleshooting? Call: 877-240-2506

Why Only the Kitchen Sink Has Low Pressure

When the kitchen sink is the only place with weak flow, the problem is usually inside one of these areas:

  • Aerator (the small screen at the faucet tip)
  • Faucet cartridge (internal mechanism controlling hot/cold mixing)
  • Pull-down hose (kinked or partially blocked)
  • Under-sink shutoff valves (partially closed or failing)
  • Local piping feeding the sink

Kitchen faucets work harder than most fixtures — constant use, food debris, grease vapor, and hard water all accelerate wear.

Step 1: Confirm It’s Only the Kitchen Sink

Before anything else, test:

  • Bathroom sink (hot & cold)
  • Shower
  • Outdoor hose bib

If pressure is normal everywhere except the kitchen sink, your main water supply and whole-house plumbing are fine — the restriction is local.

Step 2: Safe Checks You Can Do Yourself

These steps involve zero plumbing disassembly and zero risk to pipes.

1. Test hot and cold separately

  • If cold is strong but hot is weak → the issue is on the hot side or the hot shutoff valve.
  • If hot is strong but cold is weak → the issue is on the cold shutoff valve or cold feed line.
  • If both are weak → the aerator, cartridge, or under-sink valves may be restricting flow.

2. Check the faucet aerator (safe)

  • Most aerators unscrew by hand at the faucet tip.
  • If debris is packed in the screen, that alone can kill flow.

If you don’t feel comfortable removing it, stop here.

3. Look for a kinked pull-down hose

  • Open the cabinet under the sink.
  • Move the sprayer hose gently to see if it’s catching or bent sharply.

Step 3: Causes That Require a Professional

Internal issues should be handled by a plumber to avoid leaks or damage.

1. Cartridge blockage or failure

The cartridge controls hot/cold mixing. When sediment gets inside it, flow drops sharply — often only at that one faucet.

2. Under-sink shutoff valves

Older valves can partially close or fail internally, limiting flow even if the handle looks “open.”

3. Localized pipe restriction

Older copper or galvanized pipes can collect mineral deposits over time.

4. Debris from water heater or old lines

If material works loose inside the system, the kitchen faucet is often the first fixture to show the effects.

For safe, professional diagnostics, call: 877-240-2506

Red Flags That Mean “Don’t DIY This”

  • Weak pressure persists after checking the aerator
  • Kitchen sink is the only fixture affected, but both hot and cold are weak
  • Shutoff valves under the sink are very old or corroded
  • The faucet is leaking, sticking, or hard to turn
  • Pull-down hose retracts poorly or binds inside the cabinet
  • You hear noises or vibration behind the cabinet

These all point to internal components or pipes that should only be handled by a trained technician.

What a Plumber Typically Checks

  • Flow rate on hot vs cold independently
  • Condition of the aerator and internal faucet cartridge
  • Proper function of hot and cold shutoff valves
  • Blockages in the pull-down hose
  • Local pipe restrictions near the kitchen supply lines
  • Signs of debris or mineral buildup in hot water feed

Because the kitchen is heavily used, even small restrictions show up fast.

For fast help, call: 877-240-2506

When It’s Time to Call a Technician

  • The kitchen sink is the only weak faucet
  • The issue appeared suddenly
  • Hot water pressure in the kitchen drops over time
  • The faucet is older than 8–10 years
  • You’ve already checked the aerator and hose with no improvement

Localized issues rarely fix themselves — and delaying repair can worsen clogging or damage valves.

Talk to a professional now: 877-240-2506

Related Resources