Low water pressure problem in kitchen faucet

[LBrandt]

Hello,

I have a Price-Pfister 2 handle kitchen faucet (model number 36 H86), and I'm getting very, very little pressure from both the hot and the cold sides. I know that there's no problem with city pressure, because I'm getting excellent pressure from every other faucet in the house. I also know that the input valves under the sink are fully open.

Isn't it most likely that the problem is in the center (is the correct word "mixer") under the spigot? And if so, what should I be looking to replace there?

And if it's only in the center, shouldn't I be able to do the repair without turning off the water supply as long as I leave the cold and hot valves closed?

Thanks,
Louis

 

[Jerome2877]

It sounds like the aerater, take it off and run the water and clean if necessary.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[LBrandt]

I've already done that, and the pressure is no greater even when the aerator is off.

Thanks,
Louis

 

[Jadnashua]

I don't know if Moen does, but some faucets use a metal screen filter in their hoses to try to keep crud from the cartridge. YOu might take the hoses off, check the flow out of the shutoffs, and check for a filter screen.

 

[LBrandt]

Jim,
Thanks for the reply, but I installed the faucet myself a few years ago. I used hoses that I purchased from Home Depot. These were not Moen hoses. I think that if the problem were in the hoses, it would be unlikely that BOTH hoses were bad or filled with crud. My thinking is (and I'm not a plumber by any means) is that the problem is in the "center" where the hot and cold come together.

Thanks again,
Louis

 

[plumbtired2]

On moen faucets . I noticed they don,t have as good pressure as some others do .

 

[LBrandt]

I DON'T have a Moen faucet. It's a Price-Pfister.

 

[Redwood]

Does it have a side spray?
If so how is the flow out of that?

 

[Terry]

Is the home 60's or older?
Sometimes the short sections of galvanized pipes are blocked where it meets the brass shutoff.
If you disconnect the supply lines to the faucet, you can determine if you have flow before the faucet.

 

[LBrandt]

No, the home was built in 1973. And to answer Redwood's question, I just checked the side spray, and I get good pressure from it. Interestingly, when I use the side sprayer, some water comes out of the center spout.

Thanks again,
Louis

 

[Redwood]

The diverter valve is bad!

I assume you typo'ed the model number and meant H36.
If so the diverter is located under the spout.
Click here to see the parts diagram.
You can order parts from Price Pfister at http://parts.bdhhi.com/default.aspx?brand=p

 

[LBrandt]

Thanks again Redwood. Your analysis sounds like the right one.
Yes, I did type the model number in wrong. You're right, it's the H36.

Yes, I've ordered parts from Price-Pfister before. One more question: If the diverter is under the spout, I shouldn't have to turn the main water off to the faucets, should I? I mean, if I leave the hot and cold handles turned off, there won't be any water coming through when I remove the spout to get to the diverter, will there?

Thanks again,
Louis

 

[Redwood]

Yep just leave the hot and cold handles off and you will be fine.
The water that is in the gooseneck spout will leak out but that is all.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to order a new "O" Ring for the spout while you are getting parts as well.

 

[LBrandt]

Thanks again Redwood.

Louis

 

[Steve Miller]

I have the same problem and ordered a replacement valve which was plastic but mine is brass. Will the plastic one work? It looks to be held on with a clip, but mine appears to have a collet of some sort holding it in place. I have seen that there are 2 different part numbers from Price Pfister but this is the one I received. I never use the sprayer anyway (it sticks open), can I bypass the valve completely and leave it off?
Thanks

 

[Steve Miller]

Never mind, I just went and got a Moen today and put it in instead of fooling around with the Price, thanks anyway

 

[Price Pfister]

Quick Follow-up

Hi LBrandt,

We just wanted to chime in and see if you're still having problems with your Price Pfister faucet. If you need further assistance, please contact us at pfistersocial@bdhhi.com.

Hi Redwood,

Thanks for helping out LBrandt with this issue. We really appreciate it.

Best Regards,

The Price Pfister Team