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Oct 15, 2024

What Causes Low Water Pressure?

Rochel Maday is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home improvement topics and is dedicated to providing valuable information that empowers homeowners to tackle their

Rochel Maday is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home improvement topics and is dedicated to providing valuable information that empowers homeowners to tackle their projects with confidence.Her work has been published in Angi, Bob Vila, Forbes and elsewhere. When not writing, Rochel enjoys digging into gardening projects and watching documentaries with her husband and their four kids.

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Low water pressure can be caused by clogged pipes, leaks or faulty pressure regulators.

Regular cleaning of aerators and showerheads helps prevent buildup and pressure drops.

If DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a professional plumber.

Dealing with low water pressure can turn everyday tasks such as showering, washing dishes or running the washing machine into a frustrating experience. Many experts emphasize that maintaining steady water pressure is key to avoiding long-term damage to pipes and appliances.

“Low water pressure can stem from clogs, leaks or even issues with the municipal supply, and ignoring it can lead to bigger problems down the line,” said Andrew Miles, retired master plumber and co-owner of Water Filter Cast in Huntsville, Alabama.

While a leaking pipe can sometimes be a quick fix, problems with the entire plumbing system or the local water supply may require more attention.

Low water pressure can result from various factors inside your home or from external sources. Because identifying the root cause is key to resolving the issue, here are some common causes of low water pressure in your home’s plumbing system.

One of the most common causes of low water pressure is problems within the plumbing system, such as incorrect pipe sizing or corrosion buildup.

“Incorrect pipe sizing as well as reduced water flow due to interior piping scale or corrosion build-up can reduce the interior annular diameter of piping and lead to pin holes in pipes,” said Debra Held, national director of plumbing operations at Air Pros based in Hollywood, Florida.

When pipes are too small for the demand or have been damaged by corrosion, water flow becomes restricted, causing noticeable drops in pressure throughout your home. This is especially true in older homes with galvanized steel pipes, which are prone to rust and mineral deposits that block water flow over time.

Water pressure can dip if multiple fixtures, such as the shower, washing machine and dishwasher, are used simultaneously. Your home’s system may struggle to maintain steady pressure with so many demands on the water supply at once, especially if it wasn’t initially designed for modern appliances.

A malfunctioning pressure regulator can cause inconsistent water pressure throughout the home. If the regulator is not properly adjusted or has failed, you may experience sudden drops in pressure.

If there’s a water main break or ongoing maintenance on the municipal water supply, pressure can decrease throughout the entire neighborhood. This can cause low water pressure until repairs are completed.

Sometimes, the main shut-off or water meter valve may only be partially open, limiting water flow. This partial closure can lead to a noticeable drop in water pressure.

During certain times of the year, such as summer, increased water demand can affect your home’s pressure. High usage from lawn sprinklers, pools or community water activities can lower the water pressure in your area.

Although seemingly small, clogs caused by mineral deposits in aerators or showerheads can restrict the water flow in some fixtures, reducing pressure where it’s most noticeable.

There are often noticeable signs when you have low water pressure. Catching these signs early can help prevent bigger plumbing issues later on. Here’s what to look for if you think your water pressure is too low.

One of the most common signs of low water pressure is a weak flow from your showerhead. If your shower feels more like a trickle than a steady stream, it’s often a sign of low pressure or a clogged fixture.

If your washing machine takes longer than usual to fill, low water pressure could be to blame. This is especially noticeable when using other fixtures simultaneously, which can reduce the water flow.

A dripping or sputtering faucet, rather than a consistent stream, may indicate low pressure. It could also be a sign of air in the pipes or buildup in the aerator that needs cleaning.

Weak water flow from outdoor faucets, especially when using hoses or sprinklers, is another telltale sign of low pressure. It may affect your ability to water the garden or wash the car within a reasonable time frame.

If your hot water suddenly turns cold during a shower or the temperature fluctuates unexpectedly, it could be a sign of pressure issues affecting your water heater, as low pressure can reduce the flow of hot water to your fixtures.

Low water pressure can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are several ways to resolve it on your own. Try these solutions to restore your home’s water flow and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Mineral buildup in aerators and showerheads is a common cause of low water pressure. To fix this, remove the aerator or showerhead and soak it in vinegar for a few hours to dissolve the buildup. After soaking, rinse the parts thoroughly and reattach them to check for improved flow.

If cleaning doesn’t improve the water flow, replacing the aerator or showerhead may be necessary.

A pressure regulator controls the water pressure throughout your home. You may notice pressure drops in various fixtures if it’s too low.

You can test your home’s water pressure with a gauge. The ideal range is typically 40 to 60 pounds per square inch. If the pressure is too low, adjust the regulator by turning the adjustment screw that’s usually near the main water line. If you’re unsure how to do this, consult a plumber to avoid damaging the regulator or causing further issues in your plumbing system.

“If you can’t figure it out on your own, it’s time to call a pro who can isolate and test different parts of your system,” said Nathan Hudelson, owner of Schlueter Plumbing in Cincinnati. This allows a professional to properly diagnose and resolve any underlying issues.

Water leaks and blockages in your pipes or branch lines can significantly reduce water pressure. To spot leaks, check for water stains or damp areas, especially near pipes or walls. Listen for unusual sounds such as hissing or dripping, which can indicate a leak.

Blockages, on the other hand, are often caused by debris buildup in the pipes. While some clogs can be cleared with basic tools, more stubborn blockages may require specialized equipment. If the problem is too difficult to fix, calling a plumber for professional plumbing repair is the best option.

Sediment buildup in your water heater can reduce hot water flow and overall water pressure. Flushing the tank removes this sediment and restores efficiency.

To flush the heater, turn off the power or gas, connect a hose to the drain valve and drain the water until clear. This simple water heater maintenance improves water flow and can also help extend its life.

“As with any item in your home, regular [water heater] maintenance is the key to longevity,” Hudelson said.

While many low water pressure problems can be solved with DIY fixes, there are times when calling a professional plumber is necessary.

“If it’s not something fixed with DIY methods, or if the problem is whole-house and you can’t live with it more than just a couple of days, bring in the professionals,” Miles said.

Here are a few situations where bringing in a professional is your best option:

“Signs of water damage or unusual noises may point to more severe issues that have to be addressed by a professional right away,” Miles warned. Even if you’re unsure about the severity, it’s better to be safe and call a plumber. Waiting too long could lead to more serious damage and costly repairs.

Prevent future water pressure problems by regularly cleaning aerators and showerheads to prevent mineral buildup, keeping water flowing smoothly. Installing a water softener in homes with hard water can reduce mineral deposits that restrict water flow.

“Yes, hard water can contribute [to low water pressure] but can be resolved by installing a high-quality water filtration and conditioning system,” Held said. A water softener helps maintain steady water pressure by preventing buildup inside your pipes and fixtures, extending the life of your plumbing system.

By staying on top of regular maintenance and addressing potential issues early, you can maintain consistent water pressure and avoid costly plumbing repairs.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.

Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Rochel Maday is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home improvement topics and is dedicated to providing valuable information that empowers homeowners to tackle their projects with confidence.Her work has been published in Angi, Bob Vila, Forbes and elsewhere. When not writing, Rochel enjoys digging into gardening projects and watching documentaries with her husband and their four kids.

Alyssa Trostle is an editor at USA TODAY Homefront. Having read dozens of warranty booklets from every vehicle manufacturer and over 100 sample contracts from third-party providers, Alyssa is an expert in the auto categories of warranty and shipping categories. Alyssa earned an MFA in creative writing with a concentration in creative nonfiction from Chatham University, which honed her skills in writing and editing both creative and professional content. In her spare time she enjoys reading contemporary fiction and following Pittsburgh sports.

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