How do I fix low water pressure in my NB kitchen after renovation?

Low water pressure in your NB kitchen after a renovation is usually caused by a clogged aerator, a partially closed shut-off valve, debris in new supply lines, or an undersized supply line connecting to older galvanized plumbing. The fix depends on the cause, but most are straightforward to diagnose.

Start with the simplest fix first: the faucet aerator. New plumbing work dislodges sediment, mineral deposits, and pipe debris that flow to the faucet and clog the aerator screen. Unscrew the aerator from the tip of your faucet (most twist off by hand or with gentle pliers), rinse out any debris, and reinstall it. This solves the problem in roughly half of post-renovation low-pressure cases and costs nothing. If your water pressure improves dramatically with the aerator removed, you have found your culprit.

Next, check the shut-off valves under the sink. During renovation work, plumbers frequently close the hot and cold shut-off valves and sometimes do not reopen them fully. Turn both valves coompletely counterclockwise to ensure they are fully open. Also check the main shut-off valve for the house, as it may have been partially closed during the renovation and not fully reopened.

Common Causes in Older NB Homes

If your home was built before 1980, there is a strong chance you have galvanized steel supply pipes. These corrode internally over decades, building up mineral deposits that restrict water flow. When a renovator connects new copper or PEX supply lines to existing galvanized pipes, the junction point and the remaining old pipe become the bottleneck. If the renovation only replaced the visible pipes under the sink but the lines running through the walls and floor are still original galvanized, that older section is likely restricting your flow. Replacing the remaining galvanized supply lines with PEX or copper is the permanent fix and typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 depending on accessibility and how much pipe needs replacing.

Another post-renovation cause is a kinked or undersized flexible supply line. The braided stainless supply hoses connecting your shut-off valves to the faucet come in different diameters. If a 3/8-inch supply line was used where a 1/2-inch line is needed, or if the hose has a sharp bend restricting flow, pressure will drop noticeably. Replacing the flex lines is an inexpensive fix at $10 to $20 per hose.

If the low pressure only affects the hot water side, your hot water tank may be the issue. Sediment buildup in the tank reduces output pressure, and the dip tube inside older tanks can deteriorate and restrict flow. Flushing the hot water tank costs nothing if you do it yourself or $100 to $200 for a service call.

For persistent low pressure that none of these fixes resolve, call your renovator back. Any reputable NB kitchen contractor should address post-renovation issues within their warranty period. If the plumbing work required a permit, the final plumbing inspection should have checked for adequate water pressure. If no permit was pulled for plumbing changes, that is a separate concern you should address with the contractor. For plumbing issues beyond basic troubleshooting, find a licensed plumber through the New Brunswick Construction Network at newbrunswickconstructionnetwork.com.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Gionetterenovations
• Thirty Four Renovations