This past week we've experienced a loss of water pressure in our kitchen faucet. The faucet is only 6-months old (Moen Extensa Chrome Single Handle Kitchen Faucet With Pullout Spray). Our handyman installed it for us. The house was built in 1992 and all pipes are in good condition upon a home inspection in April 2004 when we bought the house. We have city water. All other water pressure in the house appear to be fine (other bathrooms/laundry washer/toilets). Could possibly need a new hot water heater as the hot water in the shower only stays really hot for a 15 minutes shower. This shouldn't be the case considering there is usually no other water running in the house when someone takes a shower and I would imagine the hot water heater (original one installed by homebuilder) is supposed to accommodate the size of our house (2756 sq.ft. 5 bed/3 full bath).

Back to the original question -- I've run my finger across the faucet spout (where the water comes out) and that seems to help improve the pressure temporarily for a few seconds but the it goes back to the same low water pressure. The spray feature pressure is a little better than when regular water is coming out but we still notice a diminished pressure from a week ago.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated!
Lynda

Hi Lynda,
Have you removed the aerator from the end of the spout and checked the screens for blockage? Have you a full stream with the aerator off?
I would also have the bottom element checked if you have a electric water heater. It sounds like your heater is working on only one element. Let me know how you make out. Regards, Tom

Tom,
Thanks so much for your guidance. I'll check as you've instructed and report back on Monday! [Internet access only at work -- never bothered setting up internet at home]

Thanks again and have a great weekend!
Lynda

I just found this site looking for an answer to my slow faucet flow problem in the bathroom. I saw a similar problem posted and you suggested checking the aerator, which I did. It was plugged . I cleaned it , problem solved... thanks

Hi Tom,
We checked the aerator and didn't see any blockage -- still having low pressure. We also have a gas water heater. Is there another section of the faucet that could possibly have a blockage?
Thanks again!
Lynda

Yes there is. Shut off the water and open up the valve. Do you need instructions on how to remove the Moen Cartridge? Now check the inlet ports of the cartridge for crud or blockage. Before you reassemble it place a pan over the open valve to prevent splash and turn on the water a flush out the supplies. Is there a full stream from the open valve? Let me know how it worked out . Tom

Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for responding so fast! Husband is out of town until Wed so he'll be the one to check the cartridge then. You'll be hearing from me one way or the other. Thanks again... greatly appreciated!
Lynda

How do you remove the aerator on Moen Extensa kitchen faucet? Thanks Jim