What causes low water pressure in my bathroom sink?

Low water pressure in your bathroom sink is typically caused by a clogged aerator, mineral buildup in the faucet cartridge, or partially closed shut-off valves under the sink. In Toronto's hard water areas, mineral deposits are especially common and can significantly restrict water flow over time.

The most frequent culprit is the aerator - the small screen at the tip of your faucet spout. Toronto's municipal water, while safe, contains minerals that accumulate over months and years, creating a crusty buildup that blocks water flow. Simply unscrew the aerator (turn counterclockwise), rinse it under hot water, and use an old toothbrush to scrub away white or green mineral deposits. If it's severely clogged, soak it in white vinegar overnight before scrubbing.

If cleaning the aerator doesn't solve the problem, check the shut-off valves under your sink. These small valves control water flow to your faucet and sometimes get accidentally turned or gradually close due to vibration. Turn both the hot and cold water valves fully counterclockwise to ensure they're completely open. You'll typically find these oval-shaped handles on the water lines coming from the wall.

Faucet cartridge issues are another common cause, particularly in older Toronto homes. The cartridge inside your faucet handle can become clogged with mineral deposits or debris. This requires removing the faucet handle and extracting the cartridge - a job that's manageable for handy homeowners but often easier left to a plumber, especially if you're dealing with older fixtures that might break during removal.

Toronto-specific considerations include our relatively hard water in many areas, which accelerates mineral buildup. Homes in North York, Scarborough, and parts of Etobicoke often experience more severe mineral deposits than downtown Toronto. If your home was built before 1980, you might also be dealing with older galvanized pipes that naturally restrict flow over time due to internal corrosion.

If the problem affects multiple fixtures or your entire home, you could be dealing with main line issues - partially closed main shut-off valve, pressure regulator problems, or municipal supply issues. Toronto Water occasionally reduces pressure during peak demand periods or maintenance work.

When to call a professional: Contact a licensed plumber if cleaning the aerator and checking valves doesn't restore pressure, if you're uncomfortable working with plumbing fixtures, or if multiple fixtures are affected. Water pressure issues can sometimes indicate more serious problems like pipe blockages or leaks that require professional diagnosis.

Next steps: Start with the aerator cleaning - it's free and solves the problem 70% of the time. If that doesn't work, check your shut-off valves, then consider calling a plumber for cartridge replacement or further investigation.

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