Why Is My Water Pressure Low? 7 Causes and How to Fix It

Rainfall shower head — Credit:
Carlina Teteris / Getty Images

Whether you’re just about to rinse the shampoo out of your hair or washing dishes in the sink, there are few things more frustrating than the water pressure suddenly tapering. Not only an annoying inconvenience, but low water pressure can also indicate a bigger problem hiding somewhere in your house. Even for the most seasoned homeowners, pinpointing the source of the issue causing low water pressure can be tricky. While you may ultimately need a plumber or other tradesman to come perform proper repairs, it’s always a good idea to try to determine the issue yourself first to save time and money.

Ahead, we turned to expert plumbers and a professional contractor to learn the most common reasons why your water pressure is low and what to do to fix it.

Jordan Fleming, owner of That HVAC Guy & Plumbing
Ryan Meagher, business development manager at BVM Contracting
Matt Kunz, president of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, a Neighborly company

01 of 07

Clogged Pipes

water draining in shpwer — Credit: BrilliantEye / Getty Images

Especially in older homes, clogged pipes are often the culprit behind low water pressure. “Over time, minerals like calcium and rust can accumulate in pipes, constricting water movement,” says Jordan Fleming, owner of That HVAC Guy & Plumbing. Sediment buildup can definitely reduce water flow, but there are also other causes for clogs like hair collecting from the shower or flushing something down the toilet that you shouldn’t have.

The Solution: Fortunately, minor clogs can be easily dissolved by flushing your system with a vinegar-based descaling solution. In the event of a more severe clog, you’ll want to call a licensed plumber to inspect and clean your pipes thoroughly, says Fleming. In some cases, you may even need to have a section of your pipes replaced.

02 of 07

Water Supply Line Is Too Small

Some homes in larger cities with treated water experience low water pressure because the incoming line is too small.

The Solution: To restore normal water pressure, you’ll need to perform one of two solutions. You can either upgrade the incoming line size to a larger diameter or install a pump and pressure tank to artificially increase the pressure inside your home without upgrading the line size, explains Ryan Meagher, the business development manager at BVM contracting.

03 of 07

Clogged Water Heater

Your house is essentially a small, self-contained ecosystem, so neglecting one aspect of your home can lead to issues elsewhere. A prime example of this is a clogged hot water heater. “If the homeowner has not conducted regular maintenance on their water heater, then sediment can build up at the bottom of the tank and reduce the flow of water,” explains Fleming.

The Solution: If you suspect this might be the cause of low water pressure in your home, consult a trained HVAC and plumbing technician. They’ll flush your hot water heater and replace the anode rod, restoring the water pressure throughout your home, Fleming says.

04 of 07

Leaks in the Plumbing System

burst pipe causing damage in the home wall — Credit: iStock

A leak in your pipes or fixtures can result in decreased water pressure throughout your entire home. “Look for visible signs of a leak,” says Matt Kunz, president of Mr. Rooter. “There may be visible water stains, pools of water, or unusually high water bills.” You can also use a pressure gauge on your outdoor faucet to check the water pressure if you suspect there’s a leak.

The Solution: Try to find the source of the leak, being sure to check fixtures to see if the problem is as simple as a faulty faucet. Sometimes, you may not be able to spot the leak yourself, in which case you’ll need to enlist the help of a plumber. “If leaks aren’t visible, a plumber can use specialized tools like acoustic leak detectors to pinpoint and repair hidden leaks,” says Fleming.

05 of 07

Pressure Regulator Issues

City water pressure is incredibly strong, and wouldn’t be compatible with standard residential plumbing. As a result, homes have a pressure regulator that reduces the water pressure as water comes in from the public water main. If your home’s pressure regulator malfunctions, however, the water pressure in your home can drop significantly, explains Fleming.

The Solution: First, you’ll need to use a water pressure gauge to test your regulator. “If the pressure is below the recommended range, usually between 40 and 60 psi, it may need adjusting or replacement," says Fleming. Consult a licensed plumber before making any changes.

06 of 07

Flushed Water Main

The same way that the pipes in your home may need to be flushed from time to time, cities also need to flush major water mains within the community. When this happens, sediment can build up in the pipe that comes in from the street to your home, causing the water pressure to drop, says Fleming.

The Solution: You’ll need to flush your own pipes to get your water pressure restored to normal. “I recommend having a trained professional plumber flush the water coming into the house,” says Fleming. “This will remove most of the sediment buildup and restore water pressure to the sinks, toilet, and bathtub.”

07 of 07

House Water Filter

Eucalyptus in the shower — Credit:
Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images

Many homes have a whole-house water filter that helps remove sediment, chlorine, and other impurities from the water. These filters have to be replaced consistently, or else they stop working and can become clogged. “Over time, debris can accumulate and block the system, leading to a noticeable drop in water pressure,” says Fleming. If you have a pressure gauge on both sides of your water filter (and it is, in fact, the problem at play), you'll see a large pressure drop on the outlet side of the filter.

The Solution: If you can confirm that the filter is clogged or has excessive buildup, replacing it should fix your water pressure issue. “Replace the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, typically every 3 to 6 months—or sooner if you notice a significant drop in pressure,” advises Fleming. Use a piece of painter’s tape to mark the date as a reminder of when you changed it last.