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J_9 · Nov 12, 2015, 08:46 AM

Recently I've lost water pressure to my kitchen sink. Along with the low pressure there is a high pitched squeal. The faucet has low pressure, but the sprayer seems to be working fine. Pressure to my dishwasher is fine as well.

Any ideas?

Milo Dolezal · Nov 12, 2015, 10:45 AM

Clean aerator. Aerator is the removable tip on end of spout. Unscrew it, clean it under running water and reinstall

Hope that helps

Milo

J_9 · Nov 12, 2015, 11:02 AM

Done. No change. Still low pressure and squealing.

ma0641 · Nov 12, 2015, 12:54 PM

Could be one of the shutoff valve(angle stop) under the sink. Older ones will separate the washer and it partially shuts the water down and squeals. Shut it off and reopen. If lucky, it will seat the washer for a while but I'd replace it with a 1/4 turn angle stop. I'd also pull the cartridge, if so equipped, and make sure the ports are not clogged. That is a side effect of a deteriorating angle stop.

J_9 · Nov 12, 2015, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by ma0641

Could be one of the shutoff valve(angle stop) under the sink. Older ones will separate the washer and it partially shuts the water down and squeals. Shut it off and reopen. If lucky, it will seat the washer for a while but I'd replace it with a 1/4 turn angle stop. I'd also pull the cartridge, if so equipped, and make sure the ports are not clogged. That is a side effect of a deteriorating angle stop.

I'll get the hubby to do that tonight then I'll report back how it works. Thanks guys!

Milo Dolezal · Nov 12, 2015, 08:48 PM

It can be diverter device inside the body of the faucet. Seems to me it is stuck in one position, allowing full water flow to the hand sprayer but not to the faucet itself. Try this: CLOSE and OPEN sprayer quickly several times in a row with water open to maximum flow. Repeat several times. Change in pressure may (may) make the diverter to slip back to its proper position. If not, you will would have to take the faucet apart and replace the diverter device

Milo

J_9 · Nov 23, 2015, 07:05 PM

Sprayer opened and closed. Water turned off then on again. No change. Still low pressure with squeal.

Any other ideas?

ballengerb1 · Nov 23, 2015, 07:18 PM

Just to clarify, this is not a low pressure situation, its low volume caused by a restriction likely in the diverter.

J_9 · Nov 23, 2015, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Just to clarify, this is not a low pressure situation, its low volume caused by a restriction likely in the diverter.

Yes, exactly! Is this an easy DIY?

hkstroud · Nov 23, 2015, 08:32 PM

What is the brand?

Is this a two handle or single handle faucet?
Is volume and noise the same when all the way to hot as when all the way to cold?
A difference between hot and cold would indicate the washer in one of the stop valves.

Is this an easy DIY?

Yes, it is a DIY task. How easy or difficult depends on the persons general mechanical capabilities.

Generally speaking the handle of a single handle faucet must be removed, then usually there is large nut holding the cartridge in place that is removed. Then the spout can be removed giving you access to the diverter valve.

With two handle remove the spout decorative cap, remove the nut holding spout in place and remove spout.

Suggestion,
Close cold stop valve under the sink. Open faucet to hot. Do you have low volume and noise?
Close hot stop valve under the sink. Open faucet to cold. Do you have the low volume and noise?

No difference between hot and cold will definitely eliminate the possibility of a defective stop valve washer. You can then proceed attacking the diverter valve.

J_9 · Nov 23, 2015, 08:55 PM

It is a single handle. The noise and pressure are the same no matter whether it's hot or cold.

I haven't had had time to try the 2 step approach tonight, but will tomorrow.

J_9 · Nov 23, 2015, 09:17 PM

Hubby just informed me that when the water valves are shut off, the water still runs as if the valves are wide open.

hkstroud · Nov 23, 2015, 09:25 PM

That's significant and should be corrected before proceeding. This is a DIY task also (most of the time).

Most of the time these stop valves are "compression fit", easy to change out.

Show picture of the valves under the sink.

afaroo · Nov 24, 2015, 12:41 AM

As Harold say it is easy to fix by changing the angle valves assembly or changing the washer, before you start working on it please shut the water to the house, see the attachment for info, Thanks.

John

massplumber2008 · Nov 24, 2015, 05:12 AM

No matter what type shut off valve you have (compression, soldered, or even screwed on) the easiest solution is to simply replace the stem and washer... see image. Home Depot now sells this kit as a "multi turn valve stem repair kit".

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Shut off water and remove the packing nut and stem assembly (unscrews). Then, turn water back on for a second to clear line of sediment/debris (cover shutoff with towel) and then install the new stem kit.

My guess is that the washer came off in the shutoff (could be reason for low volume and squeal), so it is likely that when you remove the stem you will find the washer missing...fish it out with a paper clip!

If this fails to resolve all issues, proceed to disassemble and clear the faucet.

Mark

hkstroud · Nov 24, 2015, 05:55 AM

My guess is that these valves are older than I am, and just like me, they should be done away with.

ma0641 · Nov 24, 2015, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by hkstroud

My guess is that these valves are older than I am, and just like me, they should be done away with.

"just like me, they should be done away with". How do you propose we accomplish this task? (LOL)
You know, when you get old, the washers don't seal anymore and leaks occur, the main water line leaks at the exit and sometimes needs an extra support, but not for more than 4 hours, the ball valves shrink and don't allow much volume, like an old galvanized pipe.

J_9 · Nov 24, 2015, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by hkstroud

My guess is that these valves are older than I am, and just like me, they should be done away with.

You're a young chap then. The house is only 18 years old.

hkstroud · Nov 24, 2015, 05:05 PM

How do you propose we accomplish this task? (LOL)

Take me out to the middle of a big field and shoot me.

when you get old, the washers don't seal anymore and leaks occur

Yep, that happens a lot with me.

the main water line leaks at the exit and sometimes needs an extra support

I need all the support I can get.

ball valves shrink and don't allow much volume

Down to a mere dribble.

jlisenbe · Nov 24, 2015, 06:12 PM

Originally Posted by ma0641

"just like me, they should be done away with". How do you propose we accomplish this task? (LOL)
You know, when you get old, the washers don't seal anymore and leaks occur, the main water line leaks at the exit and sometimes needs an extra support, but not for more than 4 hours, the ball valves shrink and don't allow much volume, like an old galvanized pipe.

Hilarious!