Low water pressure is an annoying occurrence that affects everything from your daily shower to washing your dishes. Even worse, it could cause a full system failure that grinds your household activities to a complete halt.
What causes low water pressure in your house, and what can you do about it? We’ll teach you about the most common causes, warning signs, and why to contact a professional.
The 6 Biggest Causes of Low Water Pressure
“Why is my water pressure low?” or “Did something happen to the pipes?” are usually the first thoughts that come to mind when your faucets aren’t working. Let’s take a look at the biggest causes of low water pressure.
You Have a Problem With Your Main Shutoff Valve
An improperly working shutoff valve is usually the result of active tampering or a recent issue with a burst pipe. That said, it doesn’t hurt to take a look and make sure that your shutoff valve is fully open.
Even a slightly closed shutoff valve can completely change the water pressure.
There May Also Be a Problem With Your Water Meter Valve
The average homeowner won’t have access to the water meter valve since they’re usually underground. If the valve isn’t working properly, it could be from an improper installation or a recent home remodel.
Your Pressure Regulator Doesn’t Work Anymore
Does your home’s plumbing come with a pressure regulator system? This valve helps reduce the incoming water pressure flowing into your home so you’re not dealing with a sputtering, spurting mess.
Your Home Has a Clogged Pipe Affecting Water Flow
Low water pressure in your house can be caused by a blocked drain, which could be located much deeper than a DIY approach can reach.
Your Home Fixtures Could Be Too Old
Older fixtures have a tendency to drop in water pressure due to mineral buildup and corrosion. If your house is 30 to 40 years old or has iron pipes, age could be the main factor here.
Your Plumbing Layout Could Be Poorly Designed
Sometimes a home’s plumbing wasn’t made with steady water pressure in mind. An experienced plumber can look at your piping setup for opportunities to improve the pressure.
3 Tips for Checking Your Water Pressure
Wondering if you should call a water and gas specialist? Try these easy tips first to gauge the severity of your situation so you’re better prepared for a consultation.
Double-Check If Your Issue Is Isolated to One Feature
This tip is a great way to start narrowing down why you have low water pressure in the house and ruling out other causes. For example, if your water pressure is only an issue in your kitchen sink, it could be due to a gunky faucet head.
Compare the Hot and Cold Pressure
Is your water pressure only low at certain temperatures? This could be a sign that the shutoff valve to your water heater isn’t doing its job right.
Remove and Clean Your Aerators
Your faucets have little screens that help keep physical contaminants from getting into your water. We recommend removing and cleaning these once or twice per year to keep your water flowing smoothly.
Can You Fix It Yourself or Should You Call a Plumber?
With the exception of a very simple fix (such as clearing a minor clog with a drain snake), it’s best to call a plumber for the more serious issues. Failing to fix a minor problem early could make the issue even more costly and time-consuming later.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have more questions about low water pressure, we’ll answer them here.
Is Low Water Pressure Common in Southern Californian Homes?
Yes, low water pressure is relatively common in Southern California due to heavy mineral deposits or aging pipes.
Will This Affect My Water Bill or Appliances?
Yes, low water pressure can sometimes increase your bills or reduce the performance of your appliances.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Low Water Pressure in a House?
The full cost of fixing low water pressure depends on the cause, the amount of labor involved, and the materials. However, the final cost of fixing low water pressure in your house is always worth it for the safety and convenience.
Fix Your Water Pressure with True Flow Plumbing
You shouldn’t have to live with frustrating water pressure. Let True Flow Plumbing help you get back to normal. We provide in-depth consultation and quick appointments for all your water-related issues, whether you need help with sewer repair or water and gas.
Think you have an emergency? Get a free consultation and estimate for our 24-hour emergency services to fix your water pressure fast!
