How to fix low water pressure in kitchen faucet but not shower?

Low water pressure in a kitchen faucet while the shower works fine is a common and frustrating problem in many U.S. homes. It often shows up suddenly, right when you are washing dishes, filling a pot, or cleaning up after dinner. Because the shower still has strong pressure, homeowners are often confused about where the problem really is. Many people assume it must be a major plumbing failure, but that is not usually the case. In most American houses, kitchen faucets and showers are supplied differently at the final connection points. This means a localized issue can affect one fixture without touching the

rest of the system. Understanding this difference is the first step toward fixing the problem correctly. In the United States, kitchen plumbing also deals with mineral-heavy water in many regions. Hard water buildup is especially common in states like Texas, Arizona, California, and Florida. A small blockage can reduce pressure enough to feel like a serious issue. Another factor is the age of the home and the type of plumbing materials used.

Older homes may still have galvanized pipes or aging shutoff valves under the sink. Newer homes may have modern fixtures with flow restrictors that clog easily. The good news is that most causes are affordable and easy to fix. Many homeowners can solve the issue without calling a plumber. This guide explains exactly why this happens and how to fix it step by step. You will learn how to diagnose the problem using simple checks. You will also learn when it is time to call a licensed U.S. plumber. Everything is explained in clear, practical language. By the end, you will know how to restore proper water pressure to your kitchen faucet with confidence.

How to fix low water pressure in kitchen faucet but not shower?

Low water pressure in a kitchen faucet but not the shower means the issue is isolated to the kitchen fixture. It usually involves the faucet, aerator, supply lines, or shutoff valves under the sink. This problem is common in U.S. households and rarely indicates a main water line failure. Fixing it starts with simple inspections before moving to more advanced solutions.

Clogged faucet aerator is the most common cause

The aerator is the small screen at the tip of your kitchen faucet. Its job is to mix air with water and control splash. In many U.S. cities, mineral deposits build up inside this screen. Calcium and lime slowly block the water flow over time. This is especially common in areas with hard municipal water. When clogged, pressure drops even though the rest of the house works fine. Unscrewing the aerator usually takes less than a minute. Most aerators can be removed by hand or with pliers. Once removed, inspect it under good lighting. You may see white residue, sand, or debris. Soaking the aerator in white vinegar for 30 minutes works well. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away buildup. Rinse thoroughly before reinstalling. Turn the faucet on briefly without the aerator to flush debris. Then screw it back on tightly but not overly tight. This simple fix solves the problem in many American homes. It costs nothing and requires no plumbing experience. Home improvement stores like Home Depot sell replacement aerators cheaply. Always match the size and thread type. This step should always be done first. It is fast, safe, and highly effective. Ignoring it often leads to unnecessary plumbing calls. Many plumbers start here as well. It is the easiest win for restoring pressure. Regular cleaning once a year prevents future issues. This is especially important in hard water regions. It also improves water efficiency. You may notice smoother, quieter flow afterward. This small part plays a big role. Never overlook the aerator when pressure drops.

Partially closed shutoff valves under the sink

Under every kitchen sink in the U.S. are shutoff valves for hot and cold water. These valves control water flow to the faucet only. Sometimes they are accidentally bumped or turned during cleaning. Other times they seize up over the years. A partially closed valve restricts pressure significantly. Check both the hot and cold shutoff valves. Turn them counterclockwise to fully open. Do not force them if they feel stuck. Older valves may need gentle back-and-forth movement. If a valve is corroded, it may not open fully. This is common in older American homes. Galvanized or brass valves can degrade internally. Even a small restriction affects faucet pressure. Showers are usually on separate lines, so they remain unaffected. This creates confusion for homeowners. If the valve leaks when turned, stop immediately. That means replacement is needed. Replacing a shutoff valve is a standard plumbing job. Many U.S. plumbers charge a reasonable fee for this. DIY replacement is possible but requires shutting off the main water. Always verify valves are fully open after any sink work. Check them whenever pressure drops unexpectedly. This simple step often restores full flow instantly. It is commonly overlooked. New homes can also have this issue. Valves are sometimes left partially closed after installation. Inspect them before assuming bigger problems. It is a quick and logical check. No special tools are required. Just careful attention and patience.

Blocked or kinked water supply lines

Flexible supply lines connect shutoff valves to the faucet. These lines can become kinked or twisted. This often happens during cabinet cleaning or storage. In U.S. kitchens, tight cabinet spaces increase this risk. A kinked line reduces water flow dramatically. Inspect both hot and cold supply lines. Look for sharp bends or flattened sections. Straighten them carefully if possible. If the line feels stiff, replacement may be better. Sediment can also collect inside older supply lines. Rust flakes or mineral buildup slow water flow. This is common in homes with older plumbing systems. Disconnect the line and inspect the opening. If debris is present, replace the line. Supply lines are inexpensive and widely available in U.S. stores. Most are standardized sizes. Replacing them usually takes less than an hour. Always use braided stainless steel lines for durability. Avoid cheap plastic lines. They are more prone to collapse. After replacement, test water pressure immediately. You should notice an improvement. This fix often goes hand in hand with valve checks. It is part of a complete inspection. Many homeowners skip this step. That leads to persistent pressure issues. Taking time here saves frustration later. Supply lines are hidden but important. They directly affect faucet performance. Keeping them in good shape matters.

Faucet cartridge or internal valve issues

Modern kitchen faucets use cartridges to control flow and temperature. Inside these cartridges are small ports and seals. Over time, debris can clog these internal components. Hard water accelerates this problem in many U.S. regions. Pressure drops even when valves are fully open. Single-handle faucets are especially prone to this issue. Disassembling the faucet reveals the cartridge. Manufacturers like Moen, Delta, and Kohler provide guides. Always shut off water before removal. Inspect the cartridge for buildup or damage. Soaking it in vinegar can sometimes restore function. If damaged, replacement is usually the best option. Cartridges are model-specific. Bring the old one to a U.S. hardware store. Many stores help match replacements. Some brands offer lifetime warranties. This can save money. Reinstall carefully following instructions. Do not overtighten parts. Test pressure after reassembly. If pressure improves, the issue is solved. If not, move to further checks. Cartridge problems often go unnoticed. They mimic larger plumbing issues. But they are localized and fixable. This step requires patience but not advanced skills. It is common in faucets older than five years. Routine maintenance helps prevent it. Replacing cartridges restores smooth operation. It also stops dripping issues.

Hot water pressure problem only in the kitchen

Sometimes only the hot side has low pressure. This points to a hot-water-specific issue. Start by testing cold water pressure alone. If cold is strong, focus on the hot supply. Check the hot shutoff valve under the sink. Sediment often builds up in hot water lines. Water heaters in the U.S. collect mineral deposits. These can travel into branch lines. Flush the water heater if not done annually. This is standard maintenance. Check the hot supply line for blockage. Disconnect it briefly to test flow into a bucket. Be careful, water may be hot. If flow is weak, the line is restricted. Replacing the line often solves it. Also check the faucet cartridge’s hot side. Some cartridges clog unevenly. This causes temperature-based pressure differences. Do not ignore this symptom. It gives a clear diagnostic clue. Shower valves mix water differently. That is why the shower still works fine. Kitchen faucets are more sensitive. Addressing hot-side issues restores balance. It also improves temperature control. This is common in older water heaters. Especially those over ten years old. Routine flushing prevents this issue. Many homeowners skip this maintenance. The kitchen faucet pays the price.

Debris trapped after recent plumbing work

If pressure dropped after plumbing work, debris is likely. This includes water heater replacement or pipe repairs. Turning water back on can dislodge sediment. That debris often travels to the nearest faucet. Kitchen faucets are frequent victims. The aerator and cartridge trap particles. Showers usually have larger passages. They remain unaffected. Remove the aerator first. Flush the faucet without it installed. Then inspect the cartridge. Clean or replace as needed. This issue is common after city water main work. Municipal maintenance can stir up sediment. U.S. utilities often warn residents. But notices are easy to miss. If neighbors have similar issues, this is a clue. Running all faucets briefly helps clear lines. But kitchen faucets clog first. Addressing it quickly prevents damage. Ignoring debris can scar cartridges. That leads to permanent pressure loss. Always clean fixtures after plumbing changes. This is a best practice. Plumbers expect this step. Homeowners often do not. Being proactive saves time. It also avoids unnecessary service calls. This is a situational but common cause. Keep it in mind after any plumbing event.

Faulty or aging kitchen faucet design

Not all faucets age well. Some older or budget models restrict flow over time. Internal plastic parts can warp or crack. This reduces effective water pressure. In the U.S., many homes use builder-grade faucets. These are not designed for long-term durability. Even with clean lines, pressure feels weak. Compare flow with a neighbor’s faucet if possible. Check the manufacturer’s rated flow rate. Some models are low-flow by design. EPA WaterSense faucets limit gallons per minute. This is normal but sometimes misinterpreted as low pressure. If performance is unacceptable, replacement may be best. Modern faucets balance efficiency and pressure better. Choose reputable U.S. brands. Look for solid brass construction. Avoid overly complex internal designs. Installation is usually straightforward. Most homeowners can replace a faucet in an afternoon. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully. Use plumber’s tape where recommended. Test thoroughly for leaks. A new faucet often solves lingering issues. It also updates the kitchen’s look. This is a practical upgrade. Especially in older kitchens. Pressure complaints sometimes mask design limitations. Recognizing this saves time troubleshooting. Not every problem is a blockage. Sometimes the fixture itself is the issue.

Shared water lines and localized pressure loss

Some U.S. homes have shared branch lines. The kitchen may be at the end of the run. This makes it more sensitive to restrictions. Any small blockage has a bigger impact. Showers are often closer to the main supply. They receive stronger pressure. This design difference explains uneven performance. Check for pressure drops when appliances run. Dishwashers and washing machines compete for flow. This is more noticeable in kitchens. Upgrading supply lines can help. Larger diameter lines improve flow. This requires a plumber. It is more common in older homes. Copper or galvanized lines may be undersized. Modern codes favor better distribution. If remodeling, consider line upgrades. This improves overall performance. Pressure regulators should also be checked. Some homes have them near the main line. Improper settings affect distant fixtures first. A plumber can test static pressure. U.S. homes typically range from 40 to 80 PSI. Below that, performance suffers. Localized issues show up first. Understanding layout helps diagnosis. It explains why one faucet struggles. This is a structural factor. Not always a quick fix. But awareness guides smart decisions.

When to call a licensed plumber in the United States

If basic checks do not restore pressure, call a plumber. Persistent low pressure may indicate pipe corrosion. Hidden leaks can reduce flow. These require professional tools to detect. Licensed U.S. plumbers follow local codes. They can test pressure accurately. They also inspect behind walls if needed. Do not ignore ongoing issues. They can worsen over time. Water damage is costly. A plumber can recommend upgrades. They also ensure safety. Especially when dealing with older systems. Choose a licensed and insured professional. Check local reviews. Ask for a clear estimate. Most kitchen pressure issues are minor. But knowing when to stop DIY is important. This protects your home. It also saves money long term. Professional help is not failure. It is smart maintenance. Especially in complex systems. Trust experience when needed. Your time has value. A quick service call may solve it fast. Peace of mind matters. Do not delay if unsure. Water systems are critical. Proper function is essential.

Conclusion

Low water pressure in a kitchen faucet while the shower works is a localized problem. In most U.S. homes, it is not a major plumbing failure. The issue usually starts at the faucet itself. Aerators, valves, and supply lines are the top causes. Simple inspections often reveal the solution quickly. Hard water buildup plays a major role in many regions. Regular maintenance prevents most pressure issues. Understanding how kitchen plumbing differs from showers is key. This knowledge removes unnecessary worry. It also saves money on service calls. Start with the easiest fixes first. Clean the aerator and check shutoff valves. Then inspect supply lines and cartridges. Only move to larger concerns if needed. Modern faucets and components are easier to maintain. Upgrading old parts can improve daily comfort. When DIY steps fail, professional help is the right choice. Licensed plumbers bring tools and experience. Addressing pressure issues early protects your home. With a step-by-step approach, restoring strong kitchen water flow is usually simple and achievable.