How to Troubleshoot a Slow Faucet

Faucet water should flow smoothly and fully.

If a faucet suddenly switches from a steady stream of water to a slow water flow, it is probably because of sediment and debris. If it's a newly installed faucet, this sediment likely results from when the main or secondary water supply was turned off. It also happens in old or new faucets when city water mains break. Follow simple troubleshooting steps to find causes of the slow water flow, and the faucet should return to working normally.

Things You'll Need

• Rags
• Pliers
• Needle
• Bowl
• White vinegar
• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Old toothbrush

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Instructions

1. Make sure both the hot and cold stop valves are open underneath the sink. Twist the valves to the left, and see if the correct faucet water flow returns.

2. Cover the sink drain with a rag. Unscrew and remove the aerator on the tip of the faucet spout. Drape a cloth over the aerator and unscrew it with a pair of pliers if you can't do it by hand. Be aware that not all faucets have removable aerators.

3. Poke the end of a small needle through any closed holes in the aerator screen. Pay attention to the order in which the aerator components are arranged inside the aerator. Pour white vinegar into a bowl, and soak the aerator and all of its parts overnight in the bowl.

4. Remove the aerator and its components from the bowl. Rinse them with water, dry them and reassemble the components inside the aerator. Screw the aerator back onto the end of the faucet spout. Turn on the water and see if the correct water flow has returned.

5. Run the hot and cold water from the faucet separately to determine which one has the slow flow.

6. Turn off the water to the particular faucet handle that has the slow flow from underneath the sink. Turn off both the hot and cold water if the faucet uses a single lever.

7. Remove the faucet handle and the interior hardware underneath, according to the design of your particular faucet. Move the washer into its correct position or install a new washer if the present washer is brittle. Brush away the built-up debris and sediment inside the faucet, using an old toothbrush.

8. Reassemble the faucet parts and handle. Turn on the water to the faucet, and check to make sure the water flows properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Whenever you install a new faucet, remove the aerator and run water through the faucet to prevent any sediment from settling inside the aerator.

References

• Home Tips: Reduced Faucet Flow/Water Pressure Problems
• Apartment Therapy: How to Fix a Slow Running Bathroom Faucet