There’s nothing quite as annoying as low water pressure when you are trying to shower, wash dishes, or fill up a pot to cook. Low water pressure might seem like a minor issue at first, but over time, it can impact your daily comfort, slow down your household chores, and even reduce your home’s efficiency.
Instead of settling for a frustrating low water flow, it’s important to identify the causes behind the problem. From simple fixes to more complex plumbing issues, understanding the potential causes is the first step toward restoring proper water flow in your home.
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure and Their Fixes
Low water pressure can stem from a variety of plumbing issues. Here’s a look at the most common causes and what you can do about them:
Partially Closed Valves
If your home’s main shut-off valve or the water meter valve is even slightly closed, it can restrict the flow of water throughout your plumbing system.
To fix this issue, locate your home’s main water shut-off valve and the water meter valve. Ensure both are turned fully open by aligning the lever handle of a ball valve with the pipe, or by rotating a gate valve handle counter-clockwise until it stops. If a valve is difficult to turn, do not force it, contact a professional plumber near your home to prevent damage.
Clogged Pipes
Over time, sediment, rust, or mineral buildup can collect inside your pipes, especially if your home has older plumbing. This reduces the internal diameter of the pipe, slowing water flow.
If that is the case, you can call a professional plumber for pipe cleaning or replacements in case the issue is more serious.
Leaky Pipes
Water leaking somewhere in your plumbing system can lower the overall pressure. These leaks aren’t always visible and can silently waste hundreds of gallons a day, affecting your plumbing efficiency and daily routine.
To address a suspected leaky pipe in your home, look for visual cues like unexplained water stains, mold, or spikes in your water bill. If you find any of these signs, call your nearest licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing and do the necessary repairs.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
If your home has a pressure regulator to control the water pressure entering your plumbing system, and you are facing a water pressure issue in your entire house, then most probably the pressure regulator is the cause. Because when this device fails, your water pressure can drop.
If you suspect a faulty pressure regulator, have an experienced plumber test the regulator and do repair or replacement as required.
Aging or Corroded Pipes
Corrosion inside the pipes, especially in older homes with galvanized steel plumbing, can seriously restrict water flow over time.
If you feel your plumbing is corroded or very old, it’s better to look for a professional pipe replacement. Upgrading to modern, durable materials can be the best course of action.
Too Much Demand at Once
If the demand for water is high at once, like the washing machine, shower, and kitchen faucet in your home all turned on together, it can overload your home’s water system.
This is not a major issue and can be fixed by just spreading out water usage when possible, or by considering a pressure booster for added consistency.
Shared Water Supply with Others
In some areas, like in apartment buildings, you might be sharing water lines. If your neighbors are using a lot of water at the same time, you may face a low water pressure issue in your home.
If that is the case, staggering your usage can help, but long-term improvement might require plumbing upgrades or installing pressure-boosting systems by reliable plumbers.
Clogged Aerators
If that is the case, remove the aerator by unscrewing it from the faucet. Then, soak the aerator components in a bowl of white vinegar to dissolve the mineral buildup. After soaking, gently scrub any remaining deposits with a small brush or toothpick, and then reassemble the aerator and screw it back onto the faucet.
Mineral deposits from hard water can clog faucet aerators and showerheads, leading to lower water pressure even when pressure is fine elsewhere.
These are some of the issues in your plumbing system that can cause low water pressure in your home. However, sometimes water pressure issues can arise from external sources, such as:
Municipal Water Supply Issues
The municipal water system might be undergoing maintenance, or your neighborhood could be experiencing low pressure due to high demand.
If that is the issue, contact your water provider to find out if there are any ongoing issues or temporary pressure drops.
New City Water Regulations
If regulations are the cause, call a licensed plumber to make plumbing system adjustments within allowed limits.
In some areas, new laws or conservation efforts may include restrictions on water pressure or mandatory flow limiters, leading to low water pressure issues in your home.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
We have seen above that some low water pressure issues can be resolved with a bit of troubleshooting and basic DIY skills; others require the expertise of a licensed plumber. It’s important to assess the complexity of the plumbing problem and know when it’s time to bring in a professional.
Ideally, you should call a plumber if:
- You’ve checked valves, aerators, and fixtures, but the issue persists.
- There are signs of leaks, corrosion, or outdated piping.
- You suspect problems with your pressure regulator.
- You’re dealing with ongoing or widespread pressure issues throughout the home.
Remember, when hiring a plumber, always verify their credentials. Look for professionals who are licensed, insured, and bonded. This ensures that you are working with someone qualified to perform the necessary repairs and that you are protected in case anything goes wrong during the job.
