What Causes Low Water Pressure in Only One Faucet?

Dealing with poor water pressure? Call the Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. experts at 440-943-0033 for fast and reliable service.

An interruption in water pressure is always an inconvenience. What causes low water pressure in only one faucet? 

Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. is Wickliffe's trusted plumbing repair team. When you have a plumbing emergency in Wickliffe, OH, we are here to help 24 hours a day.

Low pressure in only one faucet can mean you have a serious plumbing issue, but that may not always be the case. Using the process of elimination, you can assess the situation to determine if your water pressure problems are big or small. No matter the problem, the best course of action is always to call a professional.

Examine the Faucet for Problems

First, check underneath the sink. Examine the shutoff valve for both the hot and cold sides. If they somehow became partially closed, that could be the problem. Fully open both valves and check for low water pressure.

If your water pressure returns to normal, good news! If the pressure is still low, continue examining underneath the sink.

Plumbing Leaks

Check for signs of moisture or an active leak. When water leaks in areas it shouldn’t, your water pressure cannot maintain the typical pressure level. 

Dampness or standing water under your cabinet could mean you have an ongoing leak. Press the bottom and sides of the cabinet. Any soft or squishy spots indicate an unseen water leak. 

If you see signs of moisture, call a professional plumber right away. Undetected moisture can promote mold infestation and cause structural damage to your home. 

A completely dry cabinet underneath your sink means you don't have a sneaky water leak, and that is good news. You can investigate other areas for the cause of low water pressure.

Buildup on the Aerator

Take a look at the faucet experiencing low water pressure. Most faucets have an aerator of some sort. A buildup of minerals in the aerator may inhibit your water flow. Cleaning the aerator will clear mineral deposits and allow water to flow freely again. 

If the buildup is severe, your aerator may need more than a simple rinse. Soak your aerator in white vinegar for at least one hour.

Vinegar is a great help in freeing clogged faucets and showerheads of hard water buildup. For maximum buildup removal, scrub your aerator with dish soap and a small brush after soaking. 

If a clogged aerator isn’t the problem, there is one more area you should examine. There could be a problem with your faucet cartridge. 

Faulty Faucet Cartridge

If you want to assess the faucet cartridge yourself, first turn off the hot and cold valves. Unscrew your faucet handle and check the cartridge for signs of wear. If the washer inside shows signs of wear or is otherwise compromised, it could be the cause of low water pressure. Your local hardware store should have a replacement cartridge.

If you are not familiar with plumbing, a faucet cartridge is best examined and replaced by a professional. Trying to do your own plumbing repair could result in causing more damage, and you could end up paying more for extensive repair than you would have if you had called a plumber in the beginning. 

Outdated Faucet

Faucets can last many years, but no faucet will last forever. If you experience low water pressure from only one faucet but can’t locate the cause, your faucet may have reached the end of its lifespan. A professional plumber can replace your faulty faucet with a new one.

A Bigger Problem

What causes low water pressure in only one faucet? The issue may not be within your faucet at all. Water pressure problems may start with a single faucet and gradually expand to other areas of the home. When the problem grows, you need the help of a professional plumber.

A plumber has the correct tools to assess your plumbing system and detect the cause of low water pressure. A thorough assessment can identify any major problems caused by a system that is not up to code. 

A clog deep within your pipes could result in low water pressure in one faucet or multiple faucets throughout your home. While you may typically treat a clog by pouring a bottle of chemicals down the drain, it is only a temporary fix. Chemical drain treatment does not fully remove debris buildup within the pipes.

While checking for debris within the pipes, a professional plumber can also check for leaks within your plumbing system. A leak may not be visible and could end up causing significant damage, much worse than just low water pressure. 

Outside Influence

The problem may not be within your home at all. It could lie within the pipes owned by the city. While the plumber does their assessment, they will also check the water pressure entering your home from the city water supply. If the entering pressure is below the typical level, the underlying problem is likely not your responsibility.

If a professional plumber determines the cause of your water pressure problem is within city-owned pipes, check with your neighbors. Locating the expanse of the water pressure problem can help the city repair the problem quickly.

Professional Plumbing Team in Wickliffe, OH

Our team at Formica Plumbing & Sewer Co. can assess all plumbing and water heater problems. Whether it’s a clogged aerator or an undetected leak, what causes low water pressure in only one faucet could be a number of things.

Your best choice is to call a professional plumber. That way, you will know for sure what is causing the issue and have it repaired in a timely fashion without causing excess damage to your plumbing system. 

During our assessment, we are happy to discuss which types of outdoor faucets are the best for your lawn and garden. We offer 24-hour emergency service. Give us a call at 440-943-0033 to schedule an appointment.