Kitchen Faucet: Low Flow

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This article will explain the most common reasons for low flow in kitchen faucets.

Recommendations: As a starting point to troubleshooting low flow, it is recommended to always check that the water supply shut off valves under the sink have not been turned off.

Due to National Conservation Laws, Moen manufactures all Kitchen sink faucets with or without a side spray at a 2.0 gallons per minute and all Pullout/Pulldown sink faucets at approximately 1.5 gallons per minute.

	Faucet without Side Spray	Faucet with Side Spray	Top Mount Handle w/Pullout Sprayer & Sidemount Handle
Temperature Specific Reduction: Only hot water or cold water exhibits less than normal flow.	Replace the cartridge. For additional articles, visit solutions.moen.com and select the type of faucet you are repairing.	Replace the cartridge. For additional articles, visit solutions.moen.com and select the type of faucet you are repairing.	Replace the cartridge. For additional articles, visit solutions.moen.com and select the type of faucet you are repairing.
Overall Low Water Flow: There is lower than normal flow when both hot and cold water are operated together.	Spout Aerator Blockage: To test, remove the spout aerator from the end of the spout by unthreading it clockwise. Remove any debris and reinstall. Test the water. If the problem persists replace the spout aerator.	Spout Aerator Blockage: To test, remove the spout aerator from the end of the spout by unthreading it clockwise. Remove any debris and reinstall. Test the water. If the problem persists replace the spout aerator. Diverter Blockage: To test, turn the faucet on and operate the side spray. If there is a shared flow between the spout and side spray or if only the side spray is getting good flow, replace the diverter. If only the side spray is getting low flow replace the side spray.	Spray Wand Blockage: To test, secure the hose by wrapping a towel around it. Unthread the sprayer. Test the water from the hose. If the flow is low, replace the cartridge. If there is a good flow, clean and replace the screen washer located between the sprayer and hose. If the problem persists replace the spray wand.

Faucet without Side Spray

Faucet with Side Spray

Top Mount Handle w/Pullout Sprayer & Sidemount Handle

Temperature Specific Reduction: Only hot water or cold water exhibits less than normal flow.

Replace the cartridge. For additional articles, visit solutions.moen.com and select the type of faucet you are repairing.

Overall Low Water Flow: There is lower than normal flow when both hot and cold water are operated together.

Spout Aerator Blockage: To test, remove the spout aerator from the end of the spout by unthreading it clockwise. Remove any debris and reinstall. Test the water. If the problem persists replace the spout aerator.

Diverter Blockage: To test, turn the faucet on and operate the side spray. If there is a shared flow between the spout and side spray or if only the side spray is getting good flow, replace the diverter. If only the side spray is getting low flow replace the side spray.

Spray Wand Blockage: To test, secure the hose by wrapping a towel around it. Unthread the sprayer. Test the water from the hose. If the flow is low, replace the cartridge. If there is a good flow, clean and replace the screen washer located between the sprayer and hose. If the problem persists replace the spray wand.

For additional information on Moen products visit solutions.moen.com and select the type of product you are repairing. The guide will contain repair details, troubleshooting and specific information on assembling handles associated with that style of product.

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