You can adjust the water flow restrictor in your kitchen faucet by turning the shut-off valves under the sink or by removing and cleaning the aerator at the faucet spout. Turn the valves clockwise to reduce flow, counterclockwise to increase it. If there’s a restrictor inside the faucet, check the manual before trying to remove it.
In this guide, we are going to walk you through simple steps on how to clean the aerator, and share when it’s time to call a plumber if adjusting the restrictor doesn’t solve the problem.
What Is a Water Flow Restrictor?
A water flow restrictor is a small piece in your faucet that limits how much water comes out. It’s there to help save water and cut down on utility bills. The restrictor is usually found in the faucet’s spout (inside the aerator), or hidden inside the faucet body.
If your water flow feels weak, the restrictor could be clogged with debris or minerals. Cleaning or adjusting it can improve your faucet’s flow.
Where Is the Flow Restrictor Located?
The restrictor is usually easy to find once you know where to look:
- Inside the aerator at the faucet spout: This is the most common spot.
- Inside the faucet body: Some models have built-in restrictors deep inside.
- At the shut-off valves under the sink: These can limit water flow when partially closed.
- In the pull-out hose (for certain faucets): Some faucets with sprayers have filters inside the hose.
- Check the faucet manual: It often tells you exactly where the restrictor is.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Adjust the Water Flow Restrictor in a Kitchen Faucet
Here is the step-by-step way to adjust the water flow restrictor in your kitchen faucet:
- Turn the shut-off valves under the sink clockwise to reduce flow, counterclockwise to increase.
- Remove and clean the aerator at the spout.
- Check inside the faucet for a hidden restrictor.
- Inspect the pull-out hose filter (if your faucet has one).
- Check for other problems like kinks in the supply line or low home water pressure.
Let’s break down each step.
Step 1: Adjust the Shut-Off Valves Under the Sink
Look under your sink and find the hot and cold water shut-off valves. They’re usually small round knobs or levers. Turn them a little at a time—clockwise to reduce flow, counterclockwise for more. Don’t crank them too hard, just small turns. Once you’ve adjusted, turn on the faucet and see if the flow is better.
Step 2: Remove and Clean the Aerator
Unscrew the aerator from the end of the faucet spout—it’s that little piece where the water comes out. Wrap it with a cloth and use pliers if it’s stuck. Clean out any gunk or mineral buildup by rinsing it under warm water or soaking it in vinegar for a while. Then screw it back in place and check the flow.
Step 3: Locate and Remove an Internal Flow Restrictor
Some faucets hide the restrictor inside the faucet body, like in the cartridge or handle. If the aerator didn’t solve the problem, you’ll need to check your faucet’s manual or search online for your model. If you’re confident, you can take it apart carefully, clean or remove the restrictor, and put it all back together. Take pictures as you go, just in case.
Step 4: Check the Pull-Out Hose Filter (If You Have One)
If your faucet has a pull-out sprayer, the filter inside the hose could be clogged. Gently pull out the hose, unscrew the handle, and look for a small filter or screen. Rinse it under water, or soak it in vinegar if it’s crusty. Reattach everything and test the faucet again.
Step 5: Look for Other Causes of Low Water Flow
If you’ve done all this and still have low flow, the problem might not be the restrictor. Check the water supply lines under the sink, sometimes they get kinked or blocked. Or, it could be a problem with the plumbing system, like a clogged pipe or low pressure from the main supply. At that point, it’s smart to call a plumber to figure it out, or you can use a high-end kitchen faucet as well.
Safety, Legal, and Plumbing Code Considerations
Messing with a faucet’s flow restrictor sounds simple, but you’ve got to be a bit careful. Some places have rules about how much water a faucet can use, so if you remove the restrictor, you might accidentally break those rules. That can lead to issues, and it might void your warranty too—so it’s always a good idea to check your faucet’s manual or give the company a quick call. Better safe than sorry, right?
Faucet makers sometimes spell it out in the manual, if you mess with the restrictor, the warranty’s gone. It’s one of those things they like to warn you about. So, before you start turning wrenches and taking things apart, check the fine print.
And hey, plumbing codes aren’t just there for fun. They exist to protect your home and make sure water systems work safely. If you’re not sure whether adjusting a restrictor is okay in your area, ask a plumber. They’ll know the rules, and it’s always smart to get a second opinion before you go changing things up.
When Adjusting or Removing the Flow Restrictor May Not Be Enough
Sometimes fixing a faucet isn’t as simple as adjusting the restrictor. You might clean the aerator, check the valves, even take apart the faucet—and the flow’s still weak. That’s a sign that something else is going on.
Here are a few other things you might want to check:
- Kinked water supply lines. They get twisted under the sink, and that can slow water down.
- Mineral buildup in pipes. Hard water leaves behind stuff that clogs things up over time.
- Worn or faulty shut-off valves. They might look fine but still not open properly.
- Low pressure from the main supply. If the whole house has low flow, it could be a city water issue or a bad pressure regulator.
- Leaks in the plumbing. Water could be escaping somewhere else, and that’ll make your faucet run weak.
If none of the simple stuff works, it might be time to call in a plumber to figure it out. Sometimes you just need a pro to take a look.
Wrapping It Up!
Adjusting the water flow restrictor in your kitchen faucet is a simple way to fix weak water flow. Whether you’re turning the shut-off valves under the sink, cleaning the aerator, or checking for a hidden restrictor, small adjustments can make a big difference. Many people don’t even realize their faucet has a flow restrictor until the water starts slowing down.
If cleaning or adjusting the restrictor doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to look at other issues. Low water pressure could be from kinked supply lines, clogged pipes, or a worn-out shut-off valve. And if your whole house has weak flow, it might not be the faucet at all—it could be a pressure problem in the main water line.
When you’re dealing with a kitchen faucet that just won’t give you the water flow you need, don’t give up. Try the simple fixes first—adjust the shut-off valves, clean the aerator, and check for a flow restrictor. If that still doesn’t work, a plumber can help figure out what’s going on. Taking the time to adjust the water flow restrictor can save you money, improve water pressure, and make using your kitchen faucet much more enjoyable.
Related FAQs
Can I remove the flow restrictor from my kitchen faucet completely?
Yeah, you can, but it depends on your faucet and local rules. It might void the warranty or waste water, so check first.
Will adjusting the water flow affect water pressure throughout the house?
Nope. It only changes the flow at that faucet, not the whole system.
How often should I clean the aerator on my kitchen faucet?
Every few months is good, but if your water starts slowing down, clean it sooner.
Does adjusting the water flow restrictor void the faucet warranty?
It could. Always check your manual or call the manufacturer to be sure.
What tools do I need to adjust or remove a flow restrictor?
You’ll need pliers, maybe a wrench, and a cloth to avoid scratching parts.
Dylan Foster is a family man with years of hands-on experience in plumbing, household maintenance, and fixing everyday issues around the home. A former plumber, Dylan knows what it’s like to deal with tricky leaks, worn-out parts, and all the little problems that pop up in a house. From plumbing repairs to kitchen fixes and garden hose setups, he’s done it all. Dylan shares real-world solutions to help others keep their homes running smoothly and avoid costly mistakes.
