Faucet Repair – Drop in water pressure at bathroom faucet

Reading Time: 4 minutes

The water pressure in my bathroom faucet just dropped dramatically. It’s the only place in the house where I’m having pressure issues. Is this something I can fix?

Customer in Cumming, GA

While this can be frustrating, the good news is that it’s often a problem you may be able to fix yourself with a little troubleshooting. Of course, we have to start with a little caveat: the best way to avoid any damage to your home is to call a professional, and this question is no different. Please attempt DIY plumbing fixes at your own risk.

The good news is that your plumbing problem probably isn’t something major. The fact that you’re only experiencing a pressure drop in one place in your home is actually a good thing. Pressure drops throughout your home can be a sign of a failing pressure regulating valve, a broken water line, or a leaking water heater. A localized problem like you are experiencing is (yay!) a smaller issue.

Factors to Consider Before Troubleshooting

It sounds like you may be in need of a faucet repair. With any faucet repair, especially one not being completed by an experienced plumber, it’s important to know that Plan B, replacing the faucet, is always a possibility. There are a few factors that would make Plan B a more likely scenario. If the faucet is older or an obscure brand, you may want to save yourself the time and effort and skip the faucet repair stage of this process. Consider:

Age of the Faucet

How old is your faucet? If it’s more than 7-10 years old, its internal components might be worn out. Older faucets might not go back together well once disassembled for repair. You may finally get the faucet disassembled only to find that it is too corroded inside to make any lasting repairs. If your faucet is nearing or beyond this age range, you might need to consider replacing it.

Model and Brand of the Faucet

Knowing the model and brand of your faucet is crucial for troubleshooting. Faucets from obscure brands, especially those purchased from unestablished sources, can be problematic. They often lack warranties and finding replacement parts can be a challenge. On the other hand, reputable brands like Price Pfister, Delta, or Moen offer reliable products with better support and availability of parts. If the faucet is newer and still under warranty,, these companies may send you replacement components for free. Here are links to their websites for reference:

• Price Pfister
• Delta
• Moen

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Step 1: Check the Aerator

The aerator is a small screen at the tip of the faucet that can become clogged with debris or mineral buildup, reducing water flow. To check the aerator:

1. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet.
2. Rinse it under running water and use a brush to remove any buildup.
3. Reattach the aerator and test the water pressure.

Step 2: Inspect the Cartridge

The cartridge is a key component inside the faucet that controls water flow and temperature. Over time, it can become clogged or damaged. To inspect the cartridge:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Disassemble the faucet to access the cartridge (consult your faucet’s manual for specific instructions).
3. Remove the cartridge and check for blockages or damage.
4. Clean or replace the cartridge as needed.

Sometimes a cartridge needs to be replaced, rather than just cleaned. Years ago there were only a few types of possible cartridge replacements. Today the possibilities are seemingly endless. Plumbers have a strong network and lots of experience with cartridges, making replacement of obscure cartridges more possible for a professional. You may be able to conduct a Google image search to identify the cartridge make and model, but be prepared for the cartridge to no longer be available, especially if it’s a faucet that’s older than 20 years of age.

Step 3: Check for Leaks

Leaks in the faucet or connecting pipes can significantly reduce water pressure. To check for leaks:

1. Inspect the faucet and pipes under the sink for any signs of water.
2. Tighten any loose connections and replace damaged parts.
3. If you find a leak, you may need professional assistance to repair it properly.

Use extreme caution when dealing with plumbing supply lines and valves, as these elements of your plumbing system have pressurized water running through them. If these come apart or leak significantly, they can quickly flood a home. 

If you do find a clogged aerator or cartridge once you take apart your faucet, this could be a sign that you’re a good candidate for a whole home water filtration system. The build up that’s clogging your faucet comes from minerals and sediment in your water. 

How a Whole Home Water Filtration System Can Help

Installing a whole home water filtration system can significantly reduce the need for frequent aerator cleanings. Here’s why:

1. Reduction in Sediment and Debris: Whole home water filtration systems remove sediment, rust, and other debris from your water supply before it reaches your faucets. This means less buildup in your aerators and fewer clogs.
2. Mineral Reduction: Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate in aerators and cartridges, reducing water flow. A filtration system can help reduce these minerals, maintaining better water pressure and extending the life of your faucet components.
3. Improved Water Quality: In addition to protecting your faucets, a whole home filtration system improves the overall quality of your water, making it safer and more pleasant to use throughout your home

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve followed these steps and still have low water pressure, it might be time to call a professional plumber. Or maybe you started the process, but a stripped screw or calcified component has halted your progress. Persistent issues, internal damage, or complex repairs often require expert help. A professional can diagnose and fix the problem efficiently, saving you time and effort.  

When Faucet Replacement is Necessary

If you do decide to call a professional, it can be a good idea to have a replacement faucet on hand just in case. A professional can advise you as to whether it makes sense to invest time and money into attempting a faucet repair. If a faucet repair makes sense, and is successful, it’s easy to return faucets to most plumbing fixture suppliers. If a faucet replacement makes sense, you then have the faucet on hand for a fast solution (rather than having to schedule another plumbing appointment at a later date once you’ve chosen the faucet you prefer).