You may have noticed that your shower doesn’t seem as powerful as usual, that your washer takes longer to fill or that your kitchen faucet is slow. These are all symptoms of water pressure issues.
These types of problems are common, and their causes can range from the simple to the complex. You might simply have a clog in one of your fixtures, or your water lines might be failing.
In the article below, you’ll learn more about why your water pressure may be low, ways to diagnose the problem and what the solution might be.
Quick Takeaways
- Your normal water pressure should be 40-60 PSI.
- The problem may be at just one fixture or throughout your house.
- Clogged aerators, valve problems, corroded pipes, leaks and pressure regulator issues are common causes.
- If you have old underground pipes or a damaged water service line, this could slow water flow into your house.
- You may need professionals to inspect your plumbing and potentially replace your water line if pressure problems persist.
What Is Normal Water Pressure in a House?
Water pressure is measured by pounds per square inch, or PSI. Normal PSI is 45-80. Under 40 is considered low.
If your water pressure is too high, it can damage your pipes and increase the wear and tear on your appliances. If the pressure is too low, it can reduce the efficiency and performance of your appliances.
Signs of low water pressure include toilets and appliances filling slowly and weak water flow. Noisy pipes may also point to water pressure issues.
How to Tell If Your Home Has Low Water Pressure
If the faucets in your home are running slowly, your appliances are taking longer than usual to fill or your shower pressure is weak, you probably have a low water pressure problem. Another sign is if using multiple fixtures causes a pressure drop.
Is the Problem in One Fixture or the Whole House?
Low Pressure in One Fixture
The aerator is the small screen that is screwed onto your faucet to catch debris. You can unscrew it and see if debris has collected there.
If the screen is white or reddish-brown, the problem may be mineral buildup. You might also see this kind of buildup in your showerhead.
It could be a valve issue. You can check under your sink to see if the valve is partially turned off. On your shower, you’ll usually need to remove the handle to check the valve.
Low Pressure Throughout the House
The main shutoff valve to your house might not be open all the way, or the pressure regulator, which is next to it, might not be working correctly. Pipe corrosion or issues with the water service line could also be a problem. Low pressure could also be related to the municipal water supply instead of something at your home.
10 Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
1. Clogged Faucet Aerators or Showerheads
This can happen if limestone, dirt or other sediment accumulates. If your fixtures are old, they might also need replacement.
2. Partially Closed Main Shutoff Valve
If you know where the main waterline to your house is, the valve should be near it. Your valve may have been turned off at some point and then not turned back on all the way.
3. Pressure Regulator Failure
A pressure regulator keeps your water pressure from going too high, since this can damage pipes and fixtures. However, if your water pressure is too low, it may be time for a replacement.
4. Hidden Plumbing Leaks
While you might hear running water or notice discoloration or wet patches on walls, floors or ceilings, leaks aren’t always obvious. A plumber has the tools and expertise to detect hidden leaks.
5. Mineral Buildup Inside Pipes
Your pipes can get buildup just as your showerhead can, particularly if you have hard water. If your pipes are coated in limescale, it will affect your water pressure.
6. Corroded Galvanized Plumbing
Copper and brass are both resistant to corrosion, but galvanized steel only lasts for about 20 years. If you have galvanized steel pipes and water pressure problems, your pipes may be to blame.
7. Municipal Water Supply Problems
Your water pressure problem might have nothing to do with your plumbing system. Contact your water supplier to find out if there is a water main break or another issue.
8. Water Heater Sediment Buildup
Sediment can build up in your water heater just as it does in your pipes. If the pressure issue is only your hot water and not your cold, this could be the cause.
9. High Household Water Demand
Sometimes, the water pressure issue could just be too many fixtures in use at once. If your washer, dishwasher and shower are all running, water pressure might be affected.
10. Aging or Damaged Water Service Line
If your home is older, the problem could be with your water service line. If this is the case, the issue is not specifically one of water pressure but of water flow.
How Plumbers Diagnose Low Water Pressure
Plumbers have a number of tools and techniques they can use to diagnose what’s causing your low water pressure. They might start with valve inspections to make sure they are open and working correctly.
They can also use a pressure gauge to check your water pressure as well as cameras and other high-tech tools to detect leaks and inspect pipes. In addition, they can use these tools to check the main water service line.
When Low Water Pressure Means Your Water Line May Be Failing
Whole-house pressure issues, water pressure issues that get worse over time and discolored water are all signs that the problem could be your water line. Another sign is yard leaks or wet spots.
If you have older underground plumbing, a failure of the water line is also more likely. The flow of water is restricted in corroded pipes or pipes that have buildup.
Solutions for Low Water Pressure
Simple DIY Fixes
You may be able to simply remove the debris from the aerator. If there is mineral buildup, you can soak it in vinegar.
Opening the valve under sinks is fairly straightforward. With showers, you may need to remove the handle.
Your main valve is either a ball or gate type. If you have a ball valve, you open it by pushing the handle so that it’s parallel to the pipe. For a gate valve, you need to twist it counterclockwise until you meet resistance and then clockwise a quarter turn to that it doesn’t get stuck.
Drain your water heater by turning off the power and water, attaching a hose to your water heater and draining the water out. You then need to turn the water back on and let it run until the water from the hose is clear.
Professional Plumbing Repairs
A plumber can perform more complex tasks, including repairing leaks and replacing the pressure regulator. In some cases, you may need a pressure booster system installed in order to get your water pressure to an acceptable level again.
Water Line Replacement
A plumber can replace your water line if the issue is because of a clog or corrosion in the system or if the pipes have collapsed altogether.
FAQ About Low Water Pressure
Why is my water pressure suddenly low?
Your water pressure could be low for a number of reasons, including mineral or debris buildup, damaged pipes, clogs, partially closed valves, a failing pressure regulator or problems with your municipal water supply.
What is considered low water pressure in a house?
Water pressure under 40 PSI is considered low.
Can a leak cause low water pressure?
Yes, and in some cases, you might not be aware of the leak.
Can old pipes cause low water pressure?
Yes, old pipes are more likely to collapse, corrode, clog or accumulate buildup.
How do plumbers test water pressure?
Plumbers have a tool called a pressure gauge that they attach to an outdoor water spigot to check your pressure.
Restore Your Water Pressure With Professional Help
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we serve homes throughout Gainesville, FL and surrounding areas.
Our punctual plumbers can identify the correct cause of your water pressure problem and apply the right solution. This can prevent long-term plumbing damage. We perform water line inspections and can do a full replacement if needed.
Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today for fast and accurate solutions to your water pressure problems throughout the Gainesville area.