How to Fix Low Water Pressure in Your House

Turning on a shower or faucet only to discover a sad, slow drizzle of water is never a good feeling. How exactly are you supposed to wash a pan or take a quick shower when it takes 10 minutes to rinse a little soap? The good news is there's always a cause of low water pressure, typically one with an easy fix. Here are some of the most common causes of low pressure in houses and what you can do to resolve the issue:

What Causes Low Water Pressure?

• Debris and mineral deposit buildups
• Leaks in pipes or fixtures
• Faulty main shut-off valves
• Debris and mineral deposit buildups
• Partially closed valves in your plumbing system
• Pipes narrowed by corrosion
• Clogged faucet aerators
• Peak water use times in your neighborhood
• Problems with local water supply

Why is My Shower Pressure Low? offers more insight into low water pressure in the bathroom. 

How to Diagnose the Problem

• Check all plumbing valves to ensure valves are fully open. Remember to check the main shut-off valve near your water meter. 
• Use a pressure gauge to get an accurate pressure reading. Normal water pressure is between 40 and 80 PSI. 
• Inspect faucets for clogged aerators.
• Check for leaks around pipes or fixtures. To check for hidden leaks, shut off all the taps in the home for two hours, then check the meter reading. An increase in the reading suggests a possible leak.
• Check your water supply pressure regulator to see if it is functioning correctly. 
• Call your water company to see if they have water supply issues.

If none of these factors explain low water pressure in the house, the problem may lie in your pipes. Have a professional plumber check the pipes for hidden leaks, corrosion, or mineral buildup. 

Ways to Fix Low Water Pressure

• Open all plumbing valves. Your water pressure will drop if a plumbing valve is not fully open. Ensuring all valves are open can sometimes restore water pressure. 
• Repair fixture aerators. Over time, fixture aerators trap dirt, rust, and minerals, reducing water pressure. Cleaning or replacing aerators often resolves low water pressure. If this fails to fix the problem, the issue may lie with the faucets' connections or seals, and the faucet may need replacing. 
• Have a plumber clear pipe clogs. Roto-Rooter technicians clear mineral deposits and debris from water supply pipes, clearing the pipe from end to end.
  Replace corroded pipes. Galvanized steel pipes start to corrode after 20 years, brass pipes have a 40 to 70-year lifespan, and copper pipes start corroding after 50 years. Professional plumbers can either clean or replace corroded pipes. 
• Seal leaks. Even small leaks can cause low water pressure. If you detect a leak, contact Roto-Rooter. We’ll use video cameras to check your pipes and identify all leaks, then repair or replace pipes as needed to restore water pressure.
• Replace your pressure regulator. Your pressure regulator is a control valve that sets water pressure to safe levels, as excessively high water pressure can damage plumbing and appliances. Malfunctioning pressure regulators can cause high or low water pressure in houses. Pressure regulators are best serviced by professional plumbers. 

When to Call a Plumber

Call a plumber for help with low water pressure if:

• You cannot identify the cause of low water pressure.
• Significant leaks or severe pipe damage are an issue. 
• You need to replace a faulty pressure regulator.
• Your pipes need professional cleaning.

It can be challenging to answer the question, “Why is my water pressure low?” without the help of a professional. Roto-Rooter plumbers are on-call 24/7, 365 days a year, so we’re always ready to assist if your house's water pressure drops to a depressingly slow trickle.