Quick takeaways
- One fixture only: clean the aerator or replace the cartridge.
- All hot fixtures: water heater sediment or supply restriction.
- Whole house: PRV (pressure-reducing valve), main line, or city supply.
- Sudden drop after work was done: an isolation valve was left partially closed.
Single fixture low pressure
Unscrew the aerator (the mesh screen at the tip of the faucet) and check for sediment. In Kanata, mineral deposits are a common cause — soak the aerator in vinegar overnight and re-install. If pressure is restored, you're done. If not, the cartridge inside the faucet may be partially clogged.
Whole-house low pressure
If pressure dropped suddenly across the whole house, check whether the city is doing work in your area first (Ottawa's Service Disruptions page). If it's persistent, the next likely cause is the PRV — most Kanata homes have one near the water meter. PRVs typically last 10-15 years and fail gradually. Replacement is $400-650 installed.
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