Water pressure impacts many of our daily tasks, including showering, washing dishes, gardening, and doing laundry. Low water pressure occurs when the flow of water through pipes and fixtures is weaker than usual. Showering or washing our hands are perhaps the activities where we most notice low water pressure, as we directly feel the difference. Below we’re covering the most common reasons for low water pressure in your home, and how to correct them!
Causes & Fixes
Low water pressure can stem from a number of sources, including:
Municipal Water Supply Issues
Scheduled maintenance, high demand, and water main breaks are all potential causes for low water pressure within a city or county’s water lines. While there’s not much you can do to personally fix a problem with your city or county’s water supply system, you can play a big role in documenting the issue and alerting those who can.
How to fix it:
- Ask your neighbors if they are experiencing any issues with low water pressure. If multiple homes are affected, it’s likely related to the city’s water line.
- Contact the local Water Authority to see if there is any maintenance taking place that might be affecting your supply. Also let them know of your specific issues. If other homeowners report the same issues, they’ll know that there could be a larger issue to look into.
Faulty Fixtures
A damaged or clogged shower head, faucet or appliance is the first thing we’d suggest checking, especially if low water pressure appears to be isolated to a specific area of your home.
How to fix it:
- First, turn off the main water supply to your home.
- Check the affected appliances for build-up or debris. In the case of a faucet, you can simply unscrew the aerator at the tip of the faucet. Showerheads should be fully detached from the water pipe.
- While the appliances are detached, you may want to check the water supply to determine if the fixtures were in fact the issue.
- To clean, soak the showerhead or aerator in vinegar and brush off any visible debris.
- Reattach the fixtures and check the water pressure again. If it is still low, there is likely a deeper issue at hand, which can be determined by a professional plumber.
Pipe Obstructions
Mineral deposits, rust or other debris within water pipes can lead to blockages or corrosion over time.
How to fix it:
When you think of a clog, you probably think of a drain clog. While there are many DIY solutions to clearing a drain, clogs in a water pipe will almost always require the help of a professional plumber. A plumber will be able to locate the affected pipe and clean out any debris or mineral deposit buildup.
In severe cases, the pipe may need to be replaced. Your plumber might also recommend a water softening system to remove the minerals from your home’s water supply that can contribute to pipe blockages over time.
Plumbing Leak
Undetected water line leaks can divert water away from your residential pipes, reducing the water pressure in your fixtures.
How to fix it:
Fixing a leak will likely require a professional plumber. Below are our top ways to identify the leak prior to doing so, which can save your plumber some time – and you, some money.
- Check your water meter by turning off all water sources and monitoring the meter for any movement, which could be a clear indicator of a potential leak.
- Check all visible pipes for signs of leaking, including water stains, active dripping or damp spots around the pipe.
- Inspect fixtures, including faucets and showerheads, for any drips.
- Test the pressure but recording the pressure with the main water valve shut off. Leave off for a few hours and test again. A significant drop in pressure is a clear sign of a leak.
A Malfunctioning Water Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator controls the pressure of water incoming from the municipal supply line. If set incorrectly or malfunctioning, it can lead to low water pressure in your home.
How to fix it:
- Turn off the main water supply to prevent any water flow while adjusting
- Find the water pressure regulator, which should be located near the main water supply valve
- Access the regulator’s adjustment nut, typically found on top of the regulator
- Adjust the pressure setting with a wrench, turning the adjustment nut clockwise to increase pressure or counterclockwise to decrease it.
- Check the water pressure at regular intervals during the process, turning the main water supply on and off as you measure each adjustment
Water Pressure Repair in Northern Virginia
Need help identifying the cause of low water pressure or repairing the issue? Our highly trained experts at Kiddco Plumbing have decades of experience addressing water line obstructions, leaks, and faulty plumbing fixtures. For 24/7 plumbing service, or any Northern Virginia emergency plumbing needs, call us at 703-435-4441.
