Have you ever turned on your shower, looking for a cool blast of water, only to get a sad trickle? Low water pressure can turn everyday chores like washing dishes or laundry into time-wasting drudgery.
Besides the frustration of the slow trickle, these low-pressure issues typically mean you have serious plumbing issues that don’t need to be ignored. If you’ve wondered the causes of low water pressure in your house, you’ve come to the right place. Below are the top 10 reasons and how you can fix them.
1. Clogged Pipes
Those pipes that are coursing through your house aren’t exempt from buildup. As time passes, minerals in hard water, minute particles, and even rust may settle within your pipes, progressively constricting the pathway for water. As water has less room to move, pressure necessarily decreases, causing water pressure to drop in the house.
The repair isn’t always easy, but you can begin by attempting a drain snake on reachable pipes. Hiring a professional plumber who can employ specialized tools to remove the clog without destroying your plumbing system is better for tougher clogs or pipes that are out of reach. Maintenance can prevent these clogs from occurring in the first place.
2. Corroded Pipes
If your house was constructed before the 1960s, it may contain galvanized steel pipes, which were used at that time. These pipes corrode from the inside out over time and develop rough surfaces that impede water flow and eventually cause water pressure to drop in the house.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for corroded pipes; they’ll need replacement. Consider upgrading to modern materials like copper or PEX piping, which resist corrosion and will provide reliable water pressure for decades. While the initial investment might seem steep, it prevents future headaches and can increase your home’s value.
3. Municipal Water Supply Issues
There are times when the water pressure is suddenly low but is entirely unrelated to your house plumbing. The local water supply system is under maintenance, has a surge in demand during rush hours, or may simply have pressure restrictions due to the elevation of your area.
To find out if this is your problem, ask neighbors if they have the same issue. If it’s a community-wide problem, call your municipal water supplier to ask about water pressure in your neighborhood. For long-term low pressure from the municipal supply, install a water pressure booster system to provide your home’s water with the extra boost it requires.
4. Faulty Pressure Regulator
Most houses have a pressure regulator, typically a bell-shaped fixture found where the main water line enters the home. This device regulates water pressure entering the house to prevent it from being too great (which harms pipes) or too weak.
If this regulator malfunctions, your water pressure is unexpectedly low throughout the house. Check your water pressure with a cheap gauge attached to an outside spigot. If it is below 40 PSI, your regulator may need to be adjusted or replaced a task best left to the experts to prevent possible flooding or pipe damage.
5. Water Leaks in the Plumbing System
Hidden leaks can be sneaky culprits behind water pressure issues. When water escapes through even a small leak, less reaches your faucets and fixtures, resulting in diminished pressure. These leaks might occur anywhere in your system from the main water line to pipes within your walls.
Watch for telltale signs like unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots on walls or ceilings, or the sound of running water when nothing’s turned on. If you suspect a leak, it’s crucial to address it immediately to prevent water damage and mold growth. Professional plumbers can use specialized equipment to locate and repair hidden leaks without excessive damage to your home.
6. Partially Closed Main Shutoff Valve
Following plumbing jobs or home construction, your main water shutoff valve may never be completely open. This main valve regulates water flow into your dwelling, and when partially closed, it can appreciably curb flow and engender water pressure problems throughout the house.
Find your master shutoff valve near your water meter, basement, or where the main water line comes into your home, and open it completely. Most valves on homes are gate valves (turn multiple times counterclockwise) or ball valves (handle must be parallel to the pipe when open). This quick check may correct your pressure issues right away.
7. Issues with the Water Meter Valve
Beside your residence’s master cutoff valve is the water meter valve, which is usually operated by your water utility company. Occasionally, during service or meter reading, this valve may not be opened fully.
Unlike your principal cutoff valve, you’ll need to call your water company if you think that’s where the trouble lies. They can dispatch a technician to test and trim the valve as required. Don’t ever try to fiddle with this valve yourself; it could be illegal locally and may put you in danger of fines.
8. High Water Demand in Your Home
Today’s homes utilize water in several locations, one showering when the dishwasher is operating and another washing clothes. Your water system is limited, and pressure is lost at every outlet when demand outstrips supply.
The easiest option is to stagger water use in your home. If that isn’t feasible for your family, think about upgrading your plumbing to meet increased demand. A plumber can evaluate your system and suggest bigger pipes or a pressure-boosting system that can supply your family’s water needs without sacrificing pressure.
9. Problems with the Water Heater
If your low pressure only impacts hot water, your water heater could be the problem. Sediment forms on the bottom of tank-style heaters after a while, perhaps clogging up the hot water outlet and causing flow impediments.
Prevent this condition with regular maintenance specialists suggest flushing your water heater yearly to clear out sediment deposits. If you already have issues, draining and flushing the tank may remedy the situation. For extreme conditions or older equipment, replacement would be the best option, particularly if you are also facing other water heater issues simultaneously.
10. Shared Water Lines with Neighbors
In some older communities, houses might have shared water supply lines a configuration that can create pressure fluctuations when neighbors use water simultaneously. This is especially apparent during high usage, such as mornings and evenings.
If you have eliminated other sources of the problem and believe shared lines are your problem, talk to a certified plumber about possibilities for running a dedicated water line to your home. Although this is costly, it offers long-term pressure constancy and obviates competition with neighboring water usage.
Don’t Let Low Pressure Slow You Down
Knowing the reasons for low water pressure is the initial step to addressing the issue. Although some problems, such as closed valves or short-term municipal supply issues, have easy solutions, others may need professional help. For minor problems, home remedies may be sufficient, but don’t be afraid to call professionals for complicated problems with your water supply system.
At Berks Plumbing, we’ve been assisting Pennsylvania homeowners with water pressure issues for years. Our skilled technicians can identify the precise reason behind your low water pressure and offer effective, long-term solutions. Don’t let water pressure problems get in your daily life; call your local plumbing professionals today for a comprehensive evaluation and enjoy the strong, dependable water pressure your home needs!
