Those with high water pressure waste water and energy.There are easy ways to adjust your water pressure.If you want to increase pressure, you can clean the aerator, rinse the filter, or flush the water supply lines.You can adjust the shut-off valves to increase or decrease pressure.Your faucet should run new when you finish.
Step 1: Use channel lock pliers to remove the aerator from your faucet.
The aerator looks like a cylindrical piece with a mesh at the end of the faucet, and it is used to remove fine particles from the water.Attach channel lock pliers to the aerator and loosen it.You should be able to remove it by hand once it is loose.There is a rag between the pliers and the metal on the aerator.
Step 2: Remove any debris from the aerator.
There may be debris inside the aerator.If you want to get rid of material that is still inside, turn the aerator upside down and run it under the water.If the debris is not rinsing out on its own, use a toothbrush to remove it.Make sure the sink is plugged in.Only use a toothbrush that is meant for cleaning.
Step 3: The aerator should be soaked in white vinegar.
There may be lime and debris inside your aerator even if you rinse it.To fully submerge the aerator, fill a glass with enough vinegar.The lime and debris can break apart if the aerator is left in the vinegar overnight.You should rinse the aerator with clean water when you take it out.Formula 409 is also a lime cleaner.
Step 4: To clear debris, run the faucet for 10 seconds.
Before you put your aerator back in, make sure to turn on the faucet to remove any leftover gunk.The debris won't catch in the aerator after you've cleaned it.
Step 5: Attach the aerator back to the faucet.
You can turn the aerator by hand.When you have a tight seal, turn the aerator by hand.Make sure the aerator is on as tight as possible by using your channel lock pliers again.If the water pressure changed, turn on your faucet.Try buying another aerator from your local hardware store.Make sure it fits your faucet.
Step 6: Remove the handle of your faucet with pliers.
If your sink has a hose that can be removed from the base, you should pull it out so you can get to the bottom of the handle.If you want to loosen the nut at the bottom of your handle, you have to twist it counterclockwise.The handle should come apart when it is loose.
Step 7: Remove the filter and rinse it.
The filter is located at the base of the handle and looks like a cylinder.The filter should be pulled out by hand.Run the filter under the water to get rid of the debris.If it's stuck on the mesh, use a stiff toothbrush.The aerator can be removed to clean it.
Step 8: To clear out debris, run the faucet for 10 seconds.
Warm water can be run through your faucet.It can be helpful to get rid of any debris that is loose inside the faucet.
Step 9: Attach the handle to the supply hose.
The base of the handle should be the same as it was before.If you want to screw it back together, hold the handle up to the end of the hose.Use your channel lock pliers to seal the nut before you tighten it.If you still have low water pressure, you may have a problem with your pipes.
Step 10: The valves are under the sink.
Water can be found underneath your sink thanks to the water valves.Two valves made of plastic or metal should be attached to your faucet to control both hot and cold water.
Step 11: The valves should be turned counterclockwise to open them.
The valves should be in the open position if you have low water pressure.The arrow will point in the direction of the pipes when the valves are counterclockwise.You should get the maximum amount of pressure if the water valve is fully open.You can control the water temperature by making sure the valves are all the way on.
Step 12: The valves should be adjusted to reduce water pressure.
The valves should be turned clockwise by a quarter rotation if the water pressure is too strong.Make sure to turn the other valve the same amount if you turn one.If you can turn the valves completely off and back on again, you might be able to fix the problem on its own.
Step 13: The hot water valve needs to be turned off.
The hot water is controlled by a valve under the sink.The valve should be turned clockwise until it is horizontal with the pipe.This will turn off the hot water.If the water spills, put a towel under the sink.
Step 14: Take the supply line out of the hot water valve and put it over the bucket.
To rotation the nut above the valve, use channel lock pliers or fingers.Remove the nut to get the supply line out of the valve.Hold the end of the supply line over the bucket.You can easily fit a bucket under the supply line if you clean underneath the sink.
Step 15: To clear the supply line, run your water for 10 seconds.
The faucet should be at a neutral temperature if you turn it all the way on.The hot water supply line will take the cold water up through the faucet.The water should run for 10 seconds before being turned off.If your faucet has 2 handles, turn them the same amount.
Step 16: Attach the supply line again.
Hold the supply line over the valve.Continue to tighten the nut until you can no longer rotating it.The supply line should be secured with channel lock pliers.The valve should be turned into the open position.
Step 17: The process should be repeated with the cold water valve.
The supply line must be disconnected before the cold water valve can be turned off.You don't want to spill water if the supply line feeds into the bucket.The water should be turned on for 10 seconds.Attach the supply line back to the valve with your pliers.The water pressure should be back to normal once the lines are flushed.