Match what you notice
- Hot and cold are both weak at one tap
- The aerator at the end of the spout can become restricted. On a pull-out mixer, the handset or hose is also worth checking.
- Only one side is weak
- Tell us whether hot or cold is affected. We can check the local valve, connector and the relevant side of the mixer.
- Several cold outlets are weak
- Check whether the cold kitchen tap and nearby homes are affected. A wider change can involve the incoming supply.
What an aerator and cartridge do
An aerator sits at the outlet and shapes the stream. Inserts vary in size and thread. A mixer cartridge controls water inside the tap. Before choosing a replacement we check the tap model and whether the problem starts at the outlet or further back.
What to tell us about the change
Say when the flow changed and whether it followed work on the tap, plumbing or water meter. Send a photo of the whole tap and its outlet. If another tap works normally, tell us which one. A weak stream at one tap can help locate a restriction but does not measure mains water pressure.
Further reading
- Portsmouth Water advice on pressure and flow
- Bristan Dune mixer specification with outlet and valve details