8 common reasons your water pressure is low, and when to call a plumber
Low water pressure is annoying to deal with and can have several causes. Here's what you need to know about what you can fix and when to call a plumber.
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Low water pressure is frustrating and inconvenient. It takes longer to fill sinks and bathtubs and makes rinsing shampoo from your hair more time-consuming. Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines may not function efficiently, leading to grimy dishes and longer wash cycles.
Sometimes, low water pressure indicates a potential plumbing problem, like clogged pipes, leaks or issues with the water pressure regulator. Ignoring the issue can cause further damage that can be costly to fix . We spoke with professional plumbers to learn more about the causes of low water pressure and their solutions.
Potential causes of low water pressure
Water trickles out of a shower head due to low water pressure
Tommy Malozi, owner of Tommy Malozi Jr Sewer Drain and Plumbing in Allentown, Pa., told Yahoo Local that several factors could reduce water pressure, but each has a solution. Sometimes, it takes a phone call or a simple DIY fix to resolve. Other times, it's best to call a plumber.
1) Issues with the water supplier
If your home is connected to the city's water supply, check with a neighbor to see if they're experiencing similar issues. If they are, call the water company to alert them. If they're already aware of a problem, ask for an estimate on how long it will take to fix.
2) The shutoff valve isn't completely open
Check the shutoff valve where the main water supply enters your home. You probably haven't touched the valve if you haven't had any recent plumbing work done. However, it's a good idea to confirm it's open. Malozi told us you can do so by rotating a spigot-type handle fully counterclockwise or aligning a lever-type handle parallel to the pipe.
3) The pressure regulator has malfunctioned
A water meter connected to a house
Not all home plumbing systems have a pressure regulator, but Malozi said you can conduct a simple test to check its accuracy if yours does. Connect a water pressure gauge to the outdoor hose spigot closest to the regulator. Turn the hose on and check the numbers. If the reading is lower than the pressure on your regulator, the component could be faulty. It's possible to replace a pressure regulator yourself, but call a qualified plumber to check if you aren't comfortable with the task.
4) Clogged pipes
Obstructions don't just happen beneath your drains. Sometimes, clogs build up within the plumbing system, and even a minor blockage can impede water flow and reduce pressure. If you have a drain snake, you might be able to try accessing a clog near a bathtub or sink drain .
If snaking the pipes doesn't work, Robert Miller, owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing in Seattle, Wash., told us you should consider calling a plumber or a Roto-Rooter service for professional help.
5) Corroded pipes
Pipes, especially galvanized ones, have a limited lifespan and can begin to corrode after just two decades. Per The Spruce , copper pipes last 50+ years, galvanized steel starts corroding after two decades, and PVC or brass pipes can last 70 years or longer.
The likelihood of corrosion increases in older homes. It can also become a problem if you've added fixtures like another bathroom or a washing machine. When you integrate new fixtures into an existing system, the branch lines should ideally be enlarged to accommodate increased demand. Otherwise, those pipe sections can become overworked, which accelerates corrosion.
Since you can't spot corrosion from the outside, Malozi recommends asking a plumber to perform an inspection if you suspect corroded pipes are the problem.
6) Leaky pipes
A busted copper pipe with water flowing through a large crack
Pipe leaks usually come with obvious signs, like a flooded basement or foundation (or a notification from a smart water leak detection system , if you have one). However, even minor leaks can affect your water pressure by diverting the water supply and preventing a full flow, even if all other components are properly functioning.
If your pipes are accessible, inspect them for damp areas or puddled water. According to The Home Depot , you can make a temporary repair until the plumber comes by. First, shut off the main water supply and dry the outside of the pipe. Then, use electrical or plumber's tape and a pipe repair clamp to secure a rubber patch over the break, crack or corroded section. This solution is temporary but will help minimize damage in the short term.
Here's the bad news: If water pressure has decreased because of a leaky pipe, you probably have more than one leak. Miller said it's also possible that the leak is one of several contributing factors to the low water pressure. If that's the case, you'll need to call a plumber to properly diagnose the issue.
7) Faulty fixtures
A clogged faucet aerator
If low water pressure affects all your showers and faucets, you probably have a larger issue with your main water supply or piping system. If only one or two fixtures have a weak flow, the problem could be localized to those specific fixtures.
Y our first stop should be to check the aerator on the affected faucet. This component is meant to reduce water volume without affecting pressure. Over time, sediment and mineral deposits like limestone or rust can block the aerator. Try removing it from the problem faucet and cleaning it thoroughly (follow our aerator cleaning guide for instructions). Reattach it after you've removed any debris and check the water pressure again. If the problem persists, maybe it's time to replace it with a new faucet aerator .
Fixtures can also develop internal clogs. Since most are relatively inexpensive, replacing them might be your best bet. Shut off the water supply before cleaning or replacing a fixture to avoid any messy accidents. You can also always call your plumber to help.
8) Water softener problems
If you have hard water and use a water softener system, Miller said some malfunctions could affect your water pressure. These systems prevent scale accumulation within pipes and fixtures by extracting calcium, magnesium and other minerals from the water supply. However, if the unit isn't operating properly and fails to treat the water efficiently, you may have a mineral buildup and a subsequent decrease in water pressure. Your best bet with water softener issues is to call a plumber to have a look.
Know your limits
A plumber works on pipes underneath a sink with a garbage disposal
While some issues may have simple fixes that you can try yourself, it's best to be realistic with your limitations. Plumbing systems are complicated and it's easy to screw something up that may cause even more costly issues . When you feel like a low water pressure problem is beyond your skills to fix, lean towards calling in a professional plumber to be safe.
