Did you suddenly experience low water pressure coming from your bathroom sink? It can happen to even the best bathroom sink faucet. High water pressure makes washing hands and rinsing the sink much easier.
When the pressure goes down, it may not provide the results you expect. Discovering the cause of the low-pressure problem and resolving it can get your bathroom sink functioning as normal again.
In this PlumbingNav guide, we will cover:
Top causes for what causes loss of water pressure in bathroom sink only
How to fix loss of water pressure in bathroom sink
Frequently asked questions
What's In This Guide?
Top Causes for What Causes Loss of Water Pressure in Bathroom Sink Only
In this article, we will be talking about the common reasons you may experience low water pressure in your bathroom sink. Keep in mind that we are referring to a loss of pressure related to your bathroom sink only and not throughout your entire home. This will be important as we discuss how to increase water pressure to the source.
Clogged Aerator
An aerator is a small water flow regulator at the end of the spout. It controls how much water the faucet can produce at a time. Sometimes, they include air into the water so that the faucet generates the same water pressure while using less water.
Debris in your water can clog the aerator, making it more difficult for water to get through.
Clogged/Damaged Supply Line
On occasion, the supply line to the faucet can have a clog in it. Your sink has two supply lines – one for hot water and one for cold water. If the problem is low hot water pressure, the problem may exist at the hot water heater.
If the water supply line has damage, a water leak may contribute to the problem.
You can identify a leak if you notice your water meter producing much higher numbers than normal in conjunction with the slow water flow. You can also run a hydrostatic pressure test.
Partially Closed Shut Off Valve
The shut off valve to your bathroom sink allows you to stop water from going to your bathroom sink when you perform maintenance and repairs on it.
If the valve is closed a bit of the way, it will deliver less water pressure. This will affect both the hot water and cold water.
How to Fix Loss of Water Pressure In Bathroom Sink
When you notice that you have limited water pressure in your bathroom sink, there are some actions you can take to get preferred results.
Clean Aerator
You can clean your aerator if you notice it has debris in it.
Remove the aerator and use your faucet to force the gunk out of the holes. Soak the aerator in vinegar overnight. Afterward, scrub it with a toothbrush or a sponge and rinse off completely before replacing it. See this post for tips on how to remove and clean a recessed faucet aerator.
For more detailed instructions, watch the video below to learn how to clean an aerator:
In some cases, you may need to replace the aerator if you notice it has become damaged beyond repair. Find a new faucet aerator on Amazon or visit your local hardware store. Want a really cool upgrade that will also solve low pressure at your bathroom sink? Install a universal splash filter faucet!
Remove Flow Restrictor
One simple way to increase water pressure is to remove the flow restrictor in your faucet altogether. Keep in mind that when you remove the flow restrictor, you will also
Flush Supply Lines
Flushing your supply lines is similar to drain cleaning but it affects your supply lines instead of your drain lines.
To flush your hot water lines, you may want to start at the source – your hot water heater. Connect a hose, and then open the drain valve and allow the water to drain. Then close the drain valve and fill the water heater tank back up again.
Tankless units may require additional tools, such as a pump and a bucket. You can buy a tankless water heater flush kit for this. Keep in mind that if the problem exists in the hot water, you may have the problem throughout your whole house.
To flush the cold water lines, turn on all of the cold water faucets at high pressure. Flush your toilets while the faucets run. Allow the faucets to run for up to 10 to 20 minutes and ensure the water looks clear before shutting the water off.
Purchase a High-Pressure Faucet
You can purchase a faucet specifically designed to produce water at a high water flow rate.
These faucets use more water, sometimes making them less efficient. However, when you have the necessary pressure, you can finish up more quickly so you don’t leave the water running as long.
You can install a new faucet as a beginner DIY plumber, or you can enlist the help of a plumbing service.
For tips on how to install a bathroom faucet, see the video below:
FAQs: Why Sudden Loss of Water Pressure In Bathroom Sink
What causes a sudden loss of water pressure in bathroom sink only?
Most often, you will be dealing with a clogged aerator if the problem only impacts your bathroom sink but not your kitchen sink or shower head.
There may also be a clog in the bathroom sink’s supply line or damage to the supply line.
Finally, the faucet may not produce water at pressure levels that meet your preferences.
Why is my water pressure occasionally so bad?
Sometimes your water pressure will diminish due to environmental factors outside of your control, especially if you live in an area that experiences drought or low water reserve levels.
More often, the problem exists in your home at the plumbing fixture in question.
How do I fix the water pressure in my bathroom faucet?
Check that your sink’s supply line is completely open and clean your aerator before anything else. If the problem persists, flush the supply lines. Finally, if you still can’t seem to resolve the issue, try a high-pressure bathroom faucet.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
