How Do I Fix Low Water Pressure in My House?

If every water fixture in your home has low pressure, there are a few simple things to check. First, you should check with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing the same issue. If they are, then the issue is not with your home but with the system at large. In this case, your best course of action is to report the issue to your water utility and try to get them to fix the issue. If going this route doesn’t work, then the best solution is to invest in a water pressure boosting system.

However, if your home is the only one experiencing the problem, the valves that supply water to your home may be the culprits. Homes with city water usually have two of these valves: a water meter valve and the main shutoff valve. When either valve gets partially closed, it can drastically decrease the water pressure in the home. So, opening them all the way should fix the problem.

Your system may also have a faulty pressure regulator. You can test this by attaching a water pressure gauge to a hose spigot and then running the water. Check to see if the reading on the pressure gauge matches the reading on your pressure regulator. If the reading is lower than what the pressure regulator says it should be, then you likely need a new pressure regulator. A licensed plumber will gladly install a new one for you.

When there’s low pressure in your bathroom or kitchen sink, the problem likely resides with the fixtures themselves or your pipes.

Often, when the issue resides with the fixtures themselves, excess mineral buildup is clogging an aerator. You can fix this issue by soaking the fixture in a mixture of vinegar and water until it’s clean. Or, if the problem is beyond cleaning, you can purchase a replacement aerator at a local hardware store.

However, if cleaning or replacing the part doesn’t increase the water pressure, then you’re likely dealing with a clog or damage to your pipes. Clogs often form over time as hard water flows through the pipes and leaves behind excess minerals. Water can also corrode the pipes over time if it’s overly acidic.

Clogs or corrosion could require extensive pipe replacement by a licensed plumber if not taken care of quickly. For this reason, it’s better to prevent these problems before they even start. You can do this by investing in a water softener or ionized water filter. You can learn more about each of these solutions in the “How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home” section below.

You may only experience low water pressure in the shower. The first thing to check in this case is the showerhead.

A low-flow showerhead can save you money by conserving water. However, some low-flow heads are too effective at doing this and don’t let enough water through for you to rinse. So, if you do have a low-flow showerhead, you may want to swap it out for another to see if this helps.

Limescale residue may also be clogging your showerhead. This residue builds up on the showerhead over time in homes with hard water. The best way to clean a showerhead with mineral buildup is to soak it in a mixture of vinegar and water. You’ll also want to invest in a salt-based water softener to keep the limescale from returning.

If you fix your showerhead and still experience low water pressure in your shower, then the source of the problem is in your pipes. It could be that mineral buildup from hard water has created a blockage in the pipes that supply water to your shower. Alternatively, your water could also be slightly acidic, which can wear away at the pipes and cause leaks. Either way, you should contact a plumber to inspect your plumbing system and diagnose the issue.

Maybe your water pressure is fine normally and only decreases when you turn the water temperature up. Low hot water pressure is usually a symptom of a malfunctioning water heater.

Water heater clogs often form in homes with hard water. This is because hard water leaves behind excess calcium and magnesium minerals as it flows through the water heater, clogging up the system over time. Hard water can also clog up other appliances like dishwashers and washing machines in a similar manner.

The best way to unclog a water heater with mineral buildup is to flush the tank. If this doesn’t work, consult a licensed plumber.

A few different things can cause a sudden drop in water pressure throughout the home. The first thing to check in this instance is the main shutoff valve. It could be that someone accidentally bumped it and partially closed it, so make sure it’s fully open.

If your main shutoff valve isn’t the issue, the problem could be a leak in your water main. To check this, turn off all faucets in your home and check the readout on your water meter. Make note of the readout and then wait a half hour without using any of the faucets in your home and check your water meter again. If the readout has changed, then you likely have a leak in your water main. You should contact a plumber right away to fix this issue because it can get expensive if you let it go on for too long.

A sudden drop can also occur when a water company does nearby maintenance work. So, you should contact your local water utility to see if this is the case.

Homes with well water can also encounter low water pressure throughout the home. This often happens because well water is extremely hard and leaves behind hardness minerals on the well screen. Over time, these minerals can build up and decrease the water pressure. Fortunately, a professional can easily clean out the well and fix this problem.