
Whether rinsing shampoo from your hair, washing dishes, or filling a bathtub, low water pressure in your house can be inconvenient. If your faucets have slowed to a trickle, read on to learn more about the causes of low water pressure, the signs to look for, and when to call the plumbing team at Ricky Heath for pipe repair, pipe replacement, and more.
Reasons for Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure doesn’t happen without a reason — rather, it’s a sign that your plumbing system isn’t working as it should.
1. Blocked pipes
Blocked pipes are among the most frequent causes of minimal or no water pressure in houses. Pipes accumulate minerals, sediment, and other debris over time, particularly in areas with hard water.
Depending on the source of the blockage, plumbers can clean the sections using augering or hydro jetting. Depending on their condition, pipes may need partial or full replacement.
2. Leaky pipes
When water escapes from cracked or damaged pipes, it compromises flow to your fixtures and appliances. Even minor leaks may cause significant pressure loss. Leaks stem from a range of problems, such as:
- Corrosion
- Aging pipes
- Freezing and thawing
- Tree root infiltration
- Shifting foundation or soil
To address leaky pipes, plumbers identify the primary source with a combination of visual inspection, plumbing cameras, and other tools. Minor leaks may only need epoxy putty, while extensive damage or leaks may necessitate trenchless pipe repair or replacement.
3. Old or corroded pipes
Pipe corrosion, especially when accelerated by acidic water, narrows the pipes and slows water flow. Galvanized steel, copper, brass, and iron pipes are most prone to corrosion, especially when paired with old age and accumulated wear. Discolored water is a clear signal of corrosion, especially if it affects fixtures throughout your home. Plumbers can recommend pipe options and replace corroded sections of your plumbing.
4. Clogged faucets and fixtures
Isolated issues with water pressure suggest that the fixture is faulty. Mineral deposits, corrosion, and other debris can clog faucets, shower heads, and other fixtures or appliances. Faucet aerators, for instance, are designed to reduce water volume without altering pressure — if they become clogged with dirt, rust, or other materials, aerators restrict water flow.
Problems isolated to a single fixture are usually straightforward. Removing the aerator, soaking it in vinegar, scrubbing, and reassembling it can often resolve low water pressure. If not, consider repairing or replacing the fixture itself.
5. Municipal water supply issues
Some water pressure issues don’t trace back to your plumbing system. Instead, problems with your municipal water supply may reduce water pressure in your home, typically due to maintenance, repairs, construction, or high demand. In this case, contacting your local water supplier can provide you with information regarding causes and expected timeline for repair or service restoration.
6. Pressure regulator problems
Water pressure regulators are small devices that help keep water pressure within safe and consistent levels, preventing leaks, appliance damage, burst pipes, and other issues. A faulty pressure regulator may fail to lower water pressure from the main lines, leading to damage, leaks, and subsequently bad water pressure throughout your system. If it’s stuck in a low psi setting or the valve is blocked, it may also fluctuate or reduce water pressure.
Plumbers may resolve blocked pressure regulators by disassembling and cleaning mineral buildup off. Malfunctioned pressure regulator valves may require replacement.
7. Main water line leaks
The main water line is the connection between your home and the municipal water supply. If this line degrades and develops leaks, it may significantly reduce water pressure to all of your home’s fixtures and appliances. Besides low water pressure, signs of main water line leaks include:
- Puddles in your yard or driveway
- Hissing or bubbling sounds from pipes
- Discolored water
- High water bills
8. Shared water lines
Some homes share main lines from the municipal supply, most often in apartment buildings, houses with multiple units, and older homes. When households on shared lines use water simultaneously, the shared line may not provide sufficient water flow to supply each home and subsequently cause reduced water pressure. This is most noticeable during periods of heavy usage, such as during evenings when using dishwashers, laundry machines, sinks, and other fixtures at once.
Planning around your neighbor’s schedule may be inconvenient and unsustainable. A plumber can install a new main line dedicated to your home to permanently resolve this problem.
9. Closed valves
The main water shut-off valve controls water flow into your home. If it’s partially or fully closed, it restricts water flow in your home. Likewise, partially or fully closed water meter valves and individual valves, such sink calves, can also restrict water flow.
What to Do When You Notice Low Water Pressure in House
Follow these steps to troubleshoot and address low water pressure:
- Inspect for leaks: Look for signs of leaks, such as damp or stained walls or ceilings, sponge-like flooring, mold growth, musty odors, and peeling or bubbling wallpaper. Higher-than-normal water meter reading can also signal a water leak.
- Check the valves: Find the main shut-off valve and ensure it’s open. Check the individual valves for fixtures and appliances.
- Look for other signs: Identify associated problems with leaks to narrow down the potential source. For example, low pressure isolated to one fixture likely means the problem is localized, while low pressure across multiple areas suggests a deeper issue with your plumbing.
- Contact your utility company: Inquire with your municipality or local utility company about ongoing supply problems, repairs, or maintenance.
- Call a plumber: If you’re unable to troubleshoot and resolve low water pressure, consult with a plumber. A professional uses specialized tools and techniques to pinpoint underlying plumbing issues and provide a permanent repair or pipe replacement.
Rely on Ricky Heath for Sewer Line Replacement
Serving Macon and other Georgia areas, the licensed plumbing team at Ricky Heath are expert sources for sewer line replacement, leak detection and repairs, and other plumbing services. Our team is committed to quality and speed with every service, and we’re here to address weak water pressure and other concerns. Contact us or schedule a service online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do water softeners affect home water pressure?
Water softeners don’t affect home water pressure when they’re properly installed and in good repair. They can, however, affect your water pressure in certain conditions. These include:
- Slow regeneration cycles
- Tank clogs from minerals
- Undersized water softening system
- Clogged sediment filters
Can low water pressure indicate serious plumbing problems?
While low water pressure may result from minor problems like clogged faucets or fixtures, it also suggests more significant problems. For example, plumbing leaks obscured behind your walls or in the ground reduce water pressure as well as cause water damage, high water bills, mold, and other issues. Prompt repairs help prevent leaks and other concerns from escalating and causing further damage.
Do all homes have a water pressure regulator?
Not all homes have a water pressure regulator. Some municipalities regulate the water supply pressure to stay below 80 psi. Some building codes require homes that receive water pressure above 80 psi to have pressure regulators — regardless, a pressure regulator is generally beneficial for any home with a high-pressure water supply.