Why does my kitchen sink faucet sprayer have no pressure?

Low water pressure in your kitchen sink sprayer is typically caused by mineral buildup in the aerator or sprayer head, which restricts water flow.

The most common culprit is calcium and lime deposits that accumulate over time, especially in Ottawa where we have moderately hard water. Start by unscrewing the aerator from the end of the sprayer and soaking it in white vinegar overnight. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any visible buildup, then rinse thoroughly before reinstalling.

If cleaning the aerator doesn't solve the problem, check the sprayer hose connection under the sink. Sometimes the hose can become kinked or partially disconnected, reducing water flow. You might also have debris caught in the sprayer head itself - try removing it and flushing it with water, or soaking it in vinegar like the aerator.

Other potential causes include a failing diverter valve inside the faucet body (which switches water between the main spout and sprayer), or sediment buildup in the supply lines. If your home has older galvanized pipes, mineral deposits throughout the plumbing system could be restricting flow to just the sprayer while leaving the main faucet unaffected.

When to call a professional: If cleaning doesn't restore pressure, or if you notice the main faucet flow is also reduced, you may need a plumber to replace internal faucet components or address broader plumbing issues. In Ottawa's older neighborhoods, we often see pressure problems related to aging supply lines that require professional attention.

For persistent low pressure issues throughout your kitchen plumbing, Ottawa Pro Plumbing can diagnose whether it's a fixture problem or something more complex in your home's water supply system.

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