Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

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Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

March 09, 2016, 08:46:16 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159280

The flow rate of cold water has been decreasing and is down to almost a trickle. The hot water comes thru as normal. The cold water in the bathroom is normal. Ideas?

Bob, '01 RK

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #1 – March 09, 2016, 09:54:51 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159283

Hello Bob. I'll try to brainstorm with you. Since there is good flow to the BR, then the problem must reside with the kitchen faucet or cold water line. While I don't know what your faucet looks like, I've fixed so many over the years I'll take a guess. I'd be surprised if the cold water line is plugged, but it might be kinked or bent. So I'd check that as my first step. Secondly, I'd remove the aerator and turn the cold water on, which could flush any debris. If that gives good flow without the aerator, then the aerator is damaged.

If that faucet has a single cartridge for both hot and cold, I'd pull and examine that single cartridge for wear and corrosion. If the faucet has both cold and hot water handles, then I would remove both the hot and cold water side cartridges, examine each for wear and corrosion. If there is a hot and cold water cartridge, I'd swap them and see if the cold water has better flow.

If this old faucet doesn't use cartridges, but rather seats and washers, then examine the cold water seat for corrosion or hard water deposits. Generally, ACE hardware and Home Depot have replacement kits for both types of faucets.

Sight unseen, these are my best suggestions.

Ed & Margee Fort Worth

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #2 – March 09, 2016, 10:17:51 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159284

If the faucet has a screen or aerator, it could be clogged with mineral deposits. If it is, soak it in vinegar to try to get it cleaned out. Otherwise it could be the valve assembly in the faucet itself.

Art

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #3 – March 10, 2016, 08:50:47 am

Yahoo Message Number: 159292

First, I assume that you have a kitchen faucet with a single handle and a single spout. All the following are based on that.

If the problem were the screen or aerator, the flow would be slow for both hot and cold, as both come through that aerator. Thus, the aerator is not the issue. The way LD does the plumbing, you are extremely unlikely to have a kink in the feed line because those are rigid lines. That leaves the faucet base where the feed line enters the faucet, and the cartridge.

To check the faucet base you need to pull the faucet, turn it over and look - a big job. Instead, pull the cartridge. Most likely there will be some bits of lime, calcium or other debris that have accumulated and are partially blocking the cartridge. You can clean the cartridge, removing any debris that you find. Inspect the cartridge for any visible damage. All looks ok? Next, get some towels. Spread them under the faucet and over the spot where the cartridge connects. Now, flick the pump on, then off right away. This will send a pulse of water up through the feed lines, flushing any collection there. Reassemble the cartridge and test it. Still slow on one side? Replace the cartridge.

If you have two handles, one for hot and one for cold, the problem is almost certainly in the faucet, either in the valve (most likely) or between the valve and the faucet head. Disassemble the cold faucet valve and look for debris or damage. Once again, cover everything with towels and pulse the water to flush the line. This time, with the hot side closed, the flow rate will be strong if the line prior to the valve is clear, and slow if the line is obstructed. Repairing the valve is usually a matter of cleaning and putting in a new washer or, in the case of dual cartridges, replacing the cartridge.

Ken F in NM

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #4 – March 10, 2016, 09:42:22 am

Yahoo Message Number: 159294

Thank you very much, Ed, Art and Ken.

I do have a single handle faucet and have checked the screen. I replaced the cartridge about a month ago.

I will remove the cartridge and examine it and look for debris in the feed line. I'll try covering with a towel and turning the pump on. I'll let you know how it goes.

We're headed to the Morro Bay rally today so might not get to it today. Are any of you going to be there? We will be in site 125 and would love to meet you.

This is our 1st big trip in our rig and we are on a very steep learning curve, including how to use this Yahoo post system.

Bob, '01 RK

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #5 – March 10, 2016, 10:08:52 am

Yahoo Message Number: 159296

Somewhere in my owner's manual, I remember reading that the water pressure to the kitchen faucet is less as compared to say, the bathroom sink faucet. Reason?? But I went looking in my manual because I was discouraged with low pressure at the kitchen sink. So...I guess I live with it and be happy!

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #6 – March 10, 2016, 12:17:37 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159300

Bob, now that you have checked for a kinky line, look for a filter in the cold water line. If you have one, turn off the water pump, remove the filter cartridge, and replace the filter housing without the cartridge, turn the water back on and check the flow. Good luck or "break a leg" if you've ever been in show biz.

ronC

1a Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Wed Mar 9, 2016 6:46 pm (PST) . Posted by:

The flow rate of cold water has been decreasing and is down to almost a trickle. The hot water comes thru as normal. The cold water in the bathroom is normal. Ideas?

Bob, '01 RK

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #7 – March 11, 2016, 06:01:22 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159318

Ron, et al,

I don't see a water filter, at least under the sink.?

I tried the pump on into a towel with the cartridge removed with no luck.

I talked to Vince and he thought it was mineral build up in the cold water side of the faucet. He said I could remove the faucet and try and clean the cold side out or get a new faucet. A higher faucet and one that reaches the adjoining sink better might be nice - if there is such a thing.

Think I'll tipple this windmill when I get home in a few weeks. We don't turn on the water heater often and get great flow rate from the hot side of the faucet.

Bob, '01 RK

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #8 – March 11, 2016, 07:07:25 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159320

Bob,

My '15 RB has a nice goose neck (if that's what you call it) faucet in the kitchen. Pivots left/right to reach over both sinks.

It also has a sprayer/faucet head that allows you to pull it out to keep the water closer to each sink and then easily retracts back into the goose neck.

Actually very useful for us.

Kent

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #9 – March 12, 2016, 09:40:34 am

Yahoo Message Number: 159328

Thanks, Kent. I'll start looking at new faucet options. I hear the new faucet requires plumbing changes.? Is your faucet spout in the center of the 2 sinks?

I would like to figure out a way to confirm the problem is in the faucet. I assume removing the faucet will confirm this.?

We're having fun in Morro Bay. Sunny this morning:-) Hear there are over 50 rigs!

Bob, '01 RK (Turtle)

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #10 – March 12, 2016, 09:59:31 am

Yahoo Message Number: 159330

Hi Bob,

The faucet is entered over the right sink. I posted a shot of the '16 RK (?) I just walked through last Thursday. It's I identical to mine.

The plumbing below is all woven flex hoses. Nice since you can work pots and such around it a bit without much trouble.

Working today, wish I was in Morro Bay.

Enjoy,

Kent

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #11 – March 13, 2016, 07:36:19 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159361

Thanks, Kent. The picture looks great. Thanks. We saw a new faucet at Morro Bay but not in a RK. It was a great event.

Bob, '01 RK, On the Road from Vancouver, WA

Re: Kitchen Cold Water Flowing Very Low Volume, '01 RK

Reply #12 – March 13, 2016, 08:14:08 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 159362

Hi Bob,

Always glad to help. The Morro Bay GT sounds like a blast. Lots of news already filtering back to the forum in many regards.

Hopefully somebody will post a few shots of all those wonderful LD's.

Kent

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