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About Sharon McCarthy
Expertise
I can help with most questions about residential plumbing problems including septic systems, and some questions about irrigation. I have no experience with commercial installations or codes.

Experience
I have been a sole-proprietor service plumber in two small towns north of Phoenix Arizona for 26 years.

Publications
I had a monthly column in the United Steelworkers of America, local 1033, newsletter 1978 to 1982. I wrote an article for "The Theosophist" in 1977. I've written dozens of letters to the editor in many newspapers.

Education/Credentials
High school and three years of college. My step-father, having worked 40 years in the plumbing trade in Chicago, taught me for two years. The rest has been hands-on experience.

Past/Present Clients
Many hundreds of good people in Cave Creek and Carefree Arizona

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Plumbing in the Home > low water pressure

Plumbing in the Home - low water pressure

Expert: Sharon McCarthy - 10/31/2009

Question
My husband installed a new set of faucets in the kitchen sink. Before installation water pressure was fine. Now with the new faucets the spray head pressure works fine but the hot & cold faucets are soooooo... slow. What do we do?

Answer
Dear Jan,

  Is this faucet a two-handle, hot and cold, with a side spray attachment? Many times when the pipes are moved under a sink; valves shut off then on, the supply tubes removed and put back on, any sediment that may have settled around the valve opening or inside those tubes can get stirred up.

  I learned this over the years, it's very common. When I replace an older faucet, I turn the valves on under the sink, and then I remove the "aerator" on the end of the spout FIRST before I turn the water on above. Most of the time I see particles come out when I open the handles, and I let both hot and cold water run for about 30 seconds before replacing the aerator.

  The sediment didn't get into the spray line because it came through the spout first when you turned the water on. Take the aerator off the end of the spout. New ones usually turn by hand. To remove it turn the aerator to the LEFT as you are facing the faucet. Be careful when you get it off, sometimes little parts of the aerator assembly stay inside the spout and can blow out when you run the water.

  Once the aerator is off, clean out any debris inside, and run hot and cold water for a minute before you put it back on. Hope this helped you! Sharon

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