There are a few reasons that your water pressure may be low. One reason could be that there is a leak in your pipes. This can cause the water pressure to drop because the water is escaping from the pipes instead of flowing through them. Another reason could be that the valves in your home aren’t open all the way, which can restrict water flow. Finally, sediment build-up in your pipes can also cause low water pressure. If you have any of these issues, it is best to contact a plumber to have them fixed. But there are a few at-home remedies before making a plumbing repair call.
Leaking Pipes
Leaking pipes can cause water pressure to drop because the water is escaping from the pipes instead of flowing through them. The best way to determine if you have a leak is to turn off all the water in your home and check your water meter. If the meter is still running, then you have a leak. To fix this, you will need to find and repair the leak. If you’re unsure where the leak may be, call a plumber, and they can troubleshoot the issue more effectively. Leaks can sometimes be obvious, but other times can be tricky.
Valves
If your home has more than one bathroom, there may be a shut-off valve for each bathroom. These valves are used to regulate the water pressure for each room. If one of these valves is not completely open, it can cause water pressure issues. To fix this, turn the valve all the way open.
Pipes
If your pipes are old or corroded, it can lead to low water pressure. In some cases, you may need to replace the entire piping system. It’s a big job and will require the help of a plumbing repair professional. Older houses usually have this issue because the materials used back then corrode and build up sediment faster.
Water main
If your home is connected to a municipal water supply, there may be an issue with the water main. This is a big problem, and you will need to contact your city or water company to have it repaired.
These are just a few possible causes of low water pressure. If you still have issues after checking these things, you may need to call a plumber for help.
Is the Low Pressure Localized?
Another way to troubleshoot the problem before calling a plumber is to check if it’s only in one part of the house or if it’s in an entire room.
For example, a shower head with low pressure could mean a few things. It could mean there’s a leak somewhere in your pipes, reducing the pressure. If the pressure isn’t due to leaking pipes, it could be from a sediment blockage or limescale build-up. This is an easy fix. Remove the showerhead and apply water and white vinegar to the affected areas. Leave it to soak overnight, and in the morning, scrub away any excess sediment, and your pressure should be back to normal.
Now, if it’s not just a single faucet or shower head affected, but a whole room? Like a bathroom, kitchen, or your whole house? It could be a valve issue. Check your main water valve to make sure it’s opened all the way. If not, turn it until it is. You’ll know it’s completely open when you see water running freely from the valve. If there’s no change after opening the valve, or if you’re unsure how to do this yourself, please get in touch with a professional for help.
Other potential causes for low water pressure include a broken water line or a waterlogged pressure tank. But those are issues for a plumbing repair professional to deal with and not something you can fix on your own.
If you’ve checked all the above and there’s still no change in your water pressure, please contact your local water company. They’ll be able to help you determine the source of the problem.
Is It Just Your Hot Water With Low Pressure?
If your cold water pressure is fine and only your hot water is affected, the most likely culprit is your water heater. Check your shut-off valve to make sure it’s fully open. If it is, then the problem may be with your water heater itself.
There could be sediment build-up in your water heater, causing low water pressure. You can try flushing your water heater to see if this solves the problem.
Tried Everything and Still Low Pressure?
If you tried everything listed above and still have low water pressure issues, it could be a problem outside your home. Ask a neighbor if they’re experiencing low pressure. If they are, it’s likely an issue with your municipality’s water supply, and you’ll need to contact them directly.
If none of your neighbors are affected, the problem is most likely with your home’s main water line. This is a serious issue that will require the help of a plumbing repair professional. Do not try to fix this problem yourself, as it could further damage your home.
Contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible to have the issue resolved.
