Quick answer
If only the kitchen faucet has low pressure, the problem is in the faucet or the lines under the sink. Unscrew the aerator at the tip and clean the screen; mineral grit is the most common cause. Then check that both supply valves under the sink are fully open, the pull-down hose is not kinked, and the cartridge is not clogged or worn. If only hot is weak, look at the hot supply valve and the water heater. HomeAdvisor puts a kitchen faucet replacement at $162–$364 installed. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
When the rest of the house has good pressure and only the kitchen faucet is weak, the problem is within a few feet of the spout.
Check These in Order
- 1The aerator. Unscrew the tip of the spout (wrap it in a cloth if you need pliers). Rinse the screen; soak it in vinegar if it is crusted. This fixes most cases, especially after water main work stirs up grit.
- 2The supply valves under the sink. Both should be fully open, counterclockwise.
- 3The pull-down or pull-out hose. A kink behind the cabinet, or a weight caught on the trap, restricts flow.
- 4The cartridge. Turn off the supply, remove the handle and cartridge, and run the water briefly into a bucket to flush debris. A worn cartridge is replaced by brand and model.
- 5Supply lines. Old braided lines can collapse inside; replacing them is inexpensive.
Hot, Cold or Both
| What is weak | Where to look |
|---|---|
| Both | Aerator, hose, cartridge |
| Hot only | Hot supply valve, hot side of the cartridge, water heater |
| Cold only | Cold supply valve or line |
| Sprayer only | Sprayer head or diverter |
If hot water is weak everywhere in the house, see shower not getting hot and water heater repair.
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
What It Costs
HomeAdvisor puts a kitchen faucet replacement at $162–$364 installed. See faucet repair.
The Call
Call when the aerator and cartridge are clean and the pressure is still weak. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my kitchen faucet pressure low but the rest of the house is fine?
The aerator is clogged, a supply valve is partly closed, the pull-down hose is kinked, or the cartridge is clogged or worn.
How do I clean a kitchen faucet aerator?
Unscrew it, using a cloth and pliers if it is tight, then rinse the screen and soak it in vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup.
Why is only the hot water low pressure at my kitchen sink?
The hot supply valve may be partly closed, sediment may be clogging the hot side of the cartridge, or the water heater's valve or tank sediment may be restricting flow.
Sources
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Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
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