Low water pressure has a number of causes and equally as many fixes
Leaks, closed valves, and problems at the water company can all contribute to suddenly low water pressure in your home.
Cleaning dirty pipes and fixing broken system parts may be needed to increase your water pressure.
If clearing clogs in your system or opening valves doesn’t do the trick, it’s time to put down the wrench and call a pro.
Trying to rinse your hair under a showerhead that’s barely producing a trickle can make mornings stressful. You could be experiencing low water pressure for several reasons, some of which may be specific to the room or might even impact the entire house.
If you find yourself frustrated while washing dishes or filling the bathtub, here are some common causes of low water pressure and how to fix them.
Low water pressure makes showering, washing dishes, cleaning, and cooking a hassle. As you tap your foot waiting for a pot of water to fill up, you might wonder if there’s an easy fix. That depends on the cause of the low water flow.
One main cause of low water pressure is leaking pipes. Plumbing leaks divert water flow, leaving you high and dry. Some leaks are easy to identify by sound or moisture in the area. Others will require that you shut off all water taps in the house and record the water meter. Check it a few hours later, and if it shows increased usage, then you likely have a leak on your hands.
Most homes have two shutoff valves: a water meter valve and a main shutoff valve. If you notice low water pressure throughout the house, one of these valves might be closed or partially closed.
Blocked pipes are detrimental to good water flow. Old steel pipes are prone to corrosion buildup over time. Metal pipes have a lifespan of up to 100 years, after which they are more likely to rust or break down, leaving buildup within the pipes. If you live in an older home, you may have to deal with corroded pipes at some point.
Debris or minerals can also build up within pipes. These pollutants can occur naturally, as water may leave behind minerals or other residue while it moves through the pipes.
Some residences just can’t handle a high demand for water. If someone is showering in each bathroom while you run the dishwasher, you might just get a trickle of water for handwashing. Although it’s annoying, this issue is easy to resolve with some coordination.
Shared water lines, which are commonly found in multi-unit buildings and homes situated really close to one another, can create low water pressure for several reasons. For one, if multiple households use the same water line at the same time, the water line needs to distribute the water to more channels, which lowers the pressure. So, if you’re sharing a water line, you’re more likely to experience low pressure during peak usage times, like the morning and evening.
Shared water lines might also be connected to pipes that aren’t big enough to accommodate the flow of water from all of the connected units, leading to a drop in pressure. Plus, the longer that the water needs to travel through shared pipes, the more pressure it loses along the way.
Pressure regulators help maintain a balanced water flow that is neither too high nor too low. If the entire home’s water pressure drops suddenly, this can be a clear indication of a broken pressure regulator.
If you notice low water pressure only in one showerhead or one sink faucet, you’re likely dealing with a fixture issue. The fixture might be clogged or need a new aerator, or you might need to replace the fixture altogether.
Talk to a few neighbors to find out if they’re also experiencing low water pressure. If so, the problem could be your water company. The company might be performing maintenance or repairs, which could lower your water pressure temporarily.
It’s possible the company could also be having issues that are affecting the local water supply. Call them directly or check their social media accounts for an update on when it’ll be fixed.
Corrosion could be the culprit behind your low water pressure. As corrosion develops, it narrows your pipes over time, slowly reducing water pressure. If your water has a red or orange tint that runs clear after a few seconds, you could be dealing with corroded pipes.
Now that you know how to identify the cause of your low water pressure, it’s time to explore some ways to fix the problem.
Once you’ve identified a leak, you can clean and seal it yourself. More serious leaks may require replacements and help from a local plumber.
To find the water meter valve, locate your water meter. You can usually spot it on an exterior wall of the house, in your garage or basement, or in an underground box on the property. The valve is open when the valve handle is parallel to the water pipe.
Locate the main shutoff valve either on an exterior wall or in utility areas within the home, like the basement, laundry room, or garage. A gate valve looks like a wheel; spin it counterclockwise fully to open it. A ball valve has a lever; like the water meter valve, ensure the lever is parallel with the pipe to open it.
Plumbing chemicals are your friend for mineral or debris buildup in pipes. But if you’re dealing with corrosion, the pipes need to be replaced. This is a big job best handled by a professional. If left alone, the corrosion can lead to massive, costly damage. Corroded pipes can burst and flood your home.
Replacing pipes may cost upward of $10,000 in a two-bathroom home, but flooding can be more costly.
Try to coordinate with your fellow housemates to alleviate the strain on your water. Plan to run the dishwasher or washing machine at night while no one is showering or cooking. As an added bonus, you might also save money on utility bills by running water-consumptive appliances during non-peak times.
Is your pressure regulator failing? Sudden, house-wide changes in water pressure are a clear indicator of a broken pressure regulator. To confirm any suspicions, attach a water pressure gauge to an outdoor water spigot, where you hook up a garden hose.
If the water pressure is below the recommended threshold of 52 to 75 pounds per square inch, call a professional to fix the broken pressure regulator. This is not recommended as a DIY project because it involves shutting off the water and replacing the pressure regulator with an accurate model.
Faulty fixtures are a fairly easy issue to fix on your own. First, the showerhead or faucet might just be clogged, so give them a scrub to dislodge any dirt or buildup. Experts recommend changing faucet aerators about once a year and cleaning them regularly.
You can save money by fixing low water pressure problems yourself, but it’s not always a good idea. Most people can complete simple fixes themselves, like clearing minor clogs and closing water valves. But for more complex problems, like fixing extensive pipe corrosion or repairing major leaks in hard-to-reach areas, it’s best to hire a professional. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating more costly problems. So, when in doubt, save yourself the time and headaches and call a pro to tackle the problem for you.
Hopefully you can finally find a good balance of water pressure in your home after addressing the cause. But keep in mind you can also have water pressure that is too high for comfort. Plus, high water pressure can cause costly plumbing problems. Strike the perfect balance to keep your water flowing smoothly.
Paige Bennett contributed to this piece.
Water pressure for residential homes typically falls between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch (PSI). This range generally works well for everyday water use in most households. And while some homes have water pressure higher than 60 psi, once the pressure reaches 80 psi or more, it can lead to increased wear and tear on your plumbing system.
Water pressure regulators are commonly located near where the main water line enters the home. They’re often found in basements, utility areas, or outside near the water meter. They’re usually shaped like a bell and are critical for controlling the water pressure coming into the home from the public water supply.
