5 Causes of Low Water Pressure

There is nothing quite as frustrating as stepping into your shower, turning the knob, and getting a weak trickle rather than a satisfying stream. While low water pressure may come across as a minor inconvenience at first, it can cause serious disruptions to your day-to-day life over time.

From longer dishwashing times to inefficient laundry cycles, when your plumbing suffers from low water pressure, it slows everything down and can make even the most basic household tasks feel like a chore.

Aside from the annoyance of low water flow, it can also be an indication that there are deeper issues within your plumbing system, ranging from clogged pipes and hidden leaks to aging infrastructure that is due for repair.

If these problems are left unaddressed, they can lead to a variety of issues, such as increased utility bills or costly water damage. In other words, low water pressure in your house is more than just poor performance; it can be a warning sign that your plumbing needs serious attention.

Biggest Causes of Low Water Pressure, and How to Solve Them

If you want to tackle issues related to low water pressure in your home, you should have a solid understanding of the causes that lead to the pressure plummeting. The truth is that there are several potential causes of low water pressure. Let’s examine some of the primary low-pressure causes and solutions for each of these concerns.

1. Clogged pipes

It is a common misunderstanding that clogs form right below drains. It is actually much more frequent that these clogs form deep within your plumbing system. Even the smallest clog can sometimes block your pipes enough to cause low water pressure.

Since such clogs can be located anywhere within your pipes, it is not a good idea to start searching for them on your own. This work is best left to professional plumbers who are skilled at locating and eliminating a blockage. If a clogged pipe is the cause behind the low water pressure in your house, once the clog is addressed, the pressure should return to normal.

2. Corroded pipes

Blockages are not the only factor that can impact your pipes and cause low water pressure; corrosion can have the same effect. Pipes have a limited lifespan, typically ranging from 40 to 70 years for brass pipes, approximately 50 years for copper pipes, and around 20 years for those made from galvanized steel. If your house is older, your pipes may be approaching their expiration date, and if that is the case, this may result in low water pressure in your home.

If extra plumbing fixtures, like an additional bathroom or washing machine, were added after the house was initially built and the branch lines of your plumbing were not enlarged, this could also lead to your pipes working overtime and corroding at a faster rate. However, if pipe corrosion is the source of your problems, the only solution is to have a plumber re-pipe your home.

3. Faulty fixtures

Do all of your plumbing fixtures have low water pressure? The issue is likely stemming from your pipes or your water supply. However, if this problem is specific to one or two fixtures in particular, faulty fixtures could be the cause.

Faucet fixtures include aerators that are deigned to lower the volume of water coming through the faucet. However, dirt and limestone can clog these aerators over time, and they can rust as well. Remove these aerators from the faucets in your home that are affected by low water pressure, and see if they need to be cleaned.

If cleaning the aerator does not change anything, it may be the fixture itself that is clogged. Since the majority of fixtures are relatively affordable, the best option for fixing water pressure issues may simply be to replace the entire fixture.

4. Closed water valves

All homes have two main shut-off valves that control the water flow. If one of these valves is accidentally turned off partially or fully, it can result in low water pressure in your house. This can happen when your home’s water is shut off temporarily and then turned back on. If you are experiencing low water pressure, make sure you inspect both of your home’s water valves to ensure they are open all the way.

Typically, one of these valves is in your home and the other is located outside at your water meter—unless you live in an area that experiences harsh winters. If that is the case, you can likely find the second valve in your basement. If you notice that one of your valves appears broken, call a professional plumber to check if it needs to be replaced.

5. A water supplier issue

If nothing else is fixing the water pressure in your home, ask your neighbours if they are experiencing similar issues with their pressure. If so, chances are good that the issue is not within your plumbing system, but is rather connected to your water supplier.

Contact your water supplier to inquire about whether they are aware of the issue and inform them of the problem you and your neighbours are facing if they are not. You may have to wait for them to come up with a suitable solution if the problem is on their end. If they refuse to do so, you may need to petition to inspire the needed action.

How Advanced Plumbing & Drains Can Solve Low Water Pressure With Premium Plumbing Solutions

If you are tired of dealing with low water pressure or low hot water pressure in your home, and you want to solve this problem, Advanced Plumbing & Drains can offer quick and effective plumbing solutions that can make a world of difference.

We understand how frustrating low water pressure can be. Thus, our highly trained technicians will do whatever it takes to locate the source of the problem and efficiently resolve it. We can also advise you on how to increase water pressure in your home.

With years of experience under our belts and a considerable amount of knowledge and expertise, we can handle plumbing issues of all types professionally and help you prevent the issue from escalating and causing further damage.

In addition to providing effective plumbing solutions for fixing your water pressure using modern tools and techniques, we also provide top-notch customer service, tailoring our solutions to your needs.

Not only do we always show up on time, but we also treat each customer interaction with the utmost professionalism. Plus, we offer fair and transparent pricing for all our work, so you can resolve your low water pressure without hurting your budget.

For more information about our methods for fixing low water pressure, or to learn about the variety of other plumbing services we offer, call Advanced Plumbing & Drains at (866) 863-9539 or contact us here.