How to Fix Low Water Pressure on a Bathtub Faucet
Hot and cold water feeds into your bathtub faucet from the home's main water lines. Inside the faucet is a small cartridge that controls the water flow rate and temperature by the use of two valves. Turning the handle one way opens one of the valves to create the flow of cold or hot water. If the cartridge gets clogged with minerals and sediment, the flow rate is reduced. Your best solution is to replace the cartridge.
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Shut off the water valve on the main water line to stop water flow into your tub. This valve is near the water heater in most homes. Close by turning the valve completely clockwise.
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Take off the faucet handle by unscrewing the set screw at the base of the handle. On round faucet handles, take off the plastic cover on top to access the screw. Use an Allen wrench for hex-head screws, and a Phillips screwdriver for Phillips-head screws.
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Slide off the handle by gently pulling it backward. Unscrew the rounded dome cap or bonnet, both of which are located under the faucet handle. Rotate them counterclockwise or remove the retaining clip ring around the cartridge, using a pair of pliers. If your faucet has a retaining ring under the bonnet, unscrew it with your pliers and take it off.
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Extract the cartridge with your hands by sliding it backward out of the faucet body. Insert a new cartridge into the faucet to replace the old one, or clean out the old cartridge in clean water and replace it. A new cartridge is recommended as it is a faster fix.
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Assemble the faucet by replacing the retaining ring, bonnet and dome cap as applicable to your faucet. Replace the clip, if needed. Attach the handle and insert the set screw with the appropriate tool.
Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.
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Steve Smith has published articles on a wide range of topics including cars, travel, lifestyle, business, golf, weddings and careers. His articles, features and news stories have appeared in newspapers, consumer magazines and on various websites. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and journalism from University of New Hampshire Durham.
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