From unsatisfying showers to a tub that never fills, low water pressure can be an annoying disruption to your daily routine. Plus, if left unaddressed, it can also lead to bigger plumbing problems or signal that one is already happening.
Low water pressure is a common problem in many homes, and luckily, there are several ways to fix it. BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair is here to help with expert advice on how to fix the issue yourself and when it’s best to call in a professional for help.
What Is Normal Water Pressure for a House?
Water pressure is the rate at which water flows from your faucets. It is measured in “pounds per square inch” (PSI). Most homes have water pressure that falls somewhere between 40 and 60 PSI.
Anything below 40 PSI is considered low and can make showers weak, sinks slow to fill, and appliances work less efficiently. On the other hand, water pressure that’s too high, over 80 PSI, can damage your plumbing system.
The ideal pressure for most homes is around 50 PSI. It gives you a strong, steady flow without stressing out your pipes or fixtures.
If your water pressure is low, you can easily test your water pressure with a small pressure gauge, which attaches to an outdoor faucet.
Most Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
When your water pressure drops, it’s likely that something in your plumbing system is blocking, restricting, or leaking water.
Let’s look at what causes low water pressure in a house and how each one can affect your system.
Clogged or Corroded Pipes
Over time, minerals from hard water, sediment, and rust can build up inside your pipes. This buildup reduces water flow and causes low water pressure.
This problem is especially common in older homes with galvanized steel or cast iron pipes. Signs include brownish water, frequent clogs, or low pressure in specific areas of your home.
Clearing this buildup can be difficult without professional tools. A plumber may need to inspect your pipes to either clean the buildup or replace the damaged sections to restore proper water flow.
Leaking or Damaged Water Lines
If water is leaking before it reaches your faucet, pressure will naturally drop. Leaks can happen underground, inside walls, or in areas you can’t easily see. Signs might include water stains, mold growth, or higher-than-normal water bills.
Detecting hidden leaks often requires specialized equipment. Professional leak detection can help locate the problem fast and avoid unnecessary damage.
Partially Closed Main Shutoff Valve
Your home’s main shutoff valve controls all water that enters your home. If this valve is partially closed, it can restrict water flow throughout the entire system.
You can usually find this valve near the water meter or where the main line enters your home. If it’s a round wheel-style valve, turn it counterclockwise to open it fully. For lever-style handles, make sure the lever is in line with the pipe.
You can carefully check the position of your main shutoff valve and fully open it if needed. If it seems stuck or damaged, call a professional plumber for assistance.
Water Meter Valve Not Fully Open
Another valve that controls water flow is the water meter valve, which your water utility provider usually maintains. It’s located near your water meter and might not be easily accessible.
If this valve isn’t fully open, you may notice a sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home.
You can visually check the valve if you can access the meter, but only a licensed plumber or utility technician should adjust it. If you suspect the meter valve is partially closed, call your water provider for inspection.
Failing Pressure Regulator
Many homes have a pressure regulator valve (PRV) installed where the water line enters the house. This device keeps your home’s water pressure within a safe range. When the pressure regulator starts to fail or gets stuck, it can cause water pressure to drop or fluctuate.
You might notice inconsistent water flow, pressure changes during the day, or water pressure that’s too low even when the main supply is fine.
A faulty pressure regulator usually needs to be repaired or replaced by a plumber. Regular maintenance can extend its lifespan and prevent pressure issues before they start.
High Demand at Peak Hours
In some areas, water pressure can drop during times when many people are using water at once, like early morning or evening. This “peak demand” means that your local plumbing system can’t keep up with everyone’s water needs.
You might notice lower pressure mostly during busy times, which usually improves when fewer people are using water.
If peak demand causes low pressure regularly, installing a water pressure booster pump or a pressure tank can help stabilize your home’s water flow. Consult with a plumbing professional to determine the best solution for your situation.
Shared or Old Plumbing in Multi-Unit Homes
If you live in an apartment or a multi-family building, you may share plumbing lines with other units. Older or undersized plumbing systems in these buildings can struggle to provide consistent water pressure to all residents.
Pressure might drop during peak times or when neighbors use a lot of water. Corrosion and wear in aging pipes can also worsen the problem.
Property owners may need to upgrade plumbing infrastructure to improve pressure for everyone. For individual units, installing pressure boosters or checking for leaks can help. Professional plumbing services are required for any replacement or installation.
Municipal Water Supply Issues
Sometimes, low water pressure isn’t caused by your home’s plumbing but by problems with the city’s water supply. These can include maintenance work, main breaks, or changes in water pressure on the utility’s side.
If your neighbors are also experiencing low water pressure, this might be the cause.
Contact your local water provider to report the problem or check for alerts. In some cases, they can adjust pressure or repair the system quickly.
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Common Signs of Low Water Pressure
Not sure if your water pressure is low? Here are some clear ways to tell when pressure is below normal. Recognizing these early can save you time and money by catching issues before they get worse.
Weak Shower Streams
One of the most noticeable signs of low water pressure is a weak shower. Instead of a strong spray, you might feel just a thin trickle or uneven water flow. This can make showers less enjoyable and harder to rinse off soap and shampoo.
Low pressure in the shower usually means there’s a blockage in the showerhead, pipes, or the overall water system.
Try cleaning the showerhead to remove mineral deposits first. If that doesn’t help, it may be a bigger plumbing issue requiring professional help.
Slow-Filling Toilets
If your toilet tank takes longer than usual to fill after a flush, low water pressure could be the cause. This delay can be annoying and may affect how well the toilet flushes.
The fill valve or the pipes supplying the toilet might be clogged or damaged.
Check for blockages in the fill valve or supply line. A plumber can replace faulty parts or fix leaks to restore proper pressure.
Long Wait for Hot Water
When water pressure is low, hot water may take longer to reach your faucets or shower. This is because the flow of water through your water heater is slower than normal.
Waiting longer for hot water can waste energy and increase your water bill.
Flush sediment from the water heater or have a plumber inspect the system to improve flow.
Washing Machine Takes Too Long to Fill
Laundry can take significantly longer if your washing machine fills slowly. Low water pressure reduces the water flow rate, making your washer take longer to fill with water.
This can also cause washing cycles to run longer or not work properly.
Check supply valves for full opening and look for leaks or clogs. A professional plumber can help diagnose persistent problems.
Low Water Flow from Faucets
If your kitchen or bathroom faucets have a slow or weak flow, it’s often a sign of low water pressure. The problem usually comes from clogged faucet aerators or issues within the internal plumbing.
Low flow can make simple daily tasks more frustrating than they need to be.
Start by cleaning or replacing the faucet aerators. If that doesn’t fix the issue, it’s a good idea to have your pipes professionally checked for blockages or other problems.
How to Test Your Home’s Water Pressure
If you’re dealing with low water pressure, the issue could likely be inside your home. A quick pressure test can help you figure out what’s going on.
Follow these simple steps using a pressure gauge:
- Choose the right faucet: Use an outdoor spigot or laundry faucet near where the main water line enters your home.
- Attach the gauge: Remove any hoses and screw the gauge onto the faucet securely.
- Turn the water on: Open the faucet fully and watch the needle. It will show your home’s water pressure in PSI.
- Check the reading: Normal pressure is 40–60 PSI. Anything below 40 could signal a problem.
- Test again later: Try testing at different times of day to check for fluctuations.
It’s helpful to also check for leaks. Turn off all water and watch the gauge for an hour. A pressure drop of more than 3 PSI could mean there’s a hidden leak.
For more help with testing or fixing low water pressure, check out our plumbing services.
Can a Water Softener Cause Low Pressure?
Water softeners are great for removing minerals that cause hard water, but sometimes they can also cause low water pressure in your house.
This typically occurs when the softener’s resin bed becomes clogged with sediment or if the system is old and not functioning properly. A softener that’s too small for your home can also slow down water flow.
To check if your softener is the problem, use the bypass valve to temporarily shut it off. If your water pressure goes up, the softener may need cleaning, repairs, or replacement.
If you’re not sure, call a licensed plumber to inspect the system and make sure everything is working as it should.
Solutions to Fix Low Water Pressure at Home
If you’re dealing with low water pressure, there are plenty of ways to fix it. Some you can do yourself, and others require a professional. The key is knowing where the issue is coming from and taking the right steps to solve it.
Below are the most common fixes, and whether they’re DIY-friendly or better left to the professionals.
Clean or Replace Clogged Aerators
Faucet and showerhead aerators can get blocked with mineral deposits or debris, especially in areas with hard water. You can fix this with a quick DIY solution. Unscrew them, soak them in vinegar to dissolve buildup, or replace them completely. This quick fix can instantly improve water flow.
Flush Water Heater Sediment
Over time, sediment collects inside your water heater, reducing hot water pressure. Flushing the tank once a year helps keep the system running smoothly and maintains pressure. Some homeowners choose to do this themselves, but if you’re not sure how, a plumber can help.
Adjust or Replace Pressure Regulator
A pressure regulator controls the water pressure entering your home. If it’s faulty, pressure can drop across all fixtures. A licensed plumber can test the regulator and adjust or replace it if needed to restore proper flow.
Replace Corroded Pipes or Fixtures
Old, rusted pipes and fixtures can severely limit water flow and may even lead to leaks. Replacing these parts is a job for a professional plumber, especially if corrosion is widespread or hidden behind walls.
Upgrade Main Supply Line
In some homes, especially older ones, the main water line might be too small to handle modern water use. Upgrading to a larger line can improve pressure, particularly during high-demand times like mornings or evenings. This is a complex job that requires a licensed professional.
Why Call a Plumber for Low Water Pressure Issues?
Low water pressure can happen for lots of reasons. And, problems like hidden leaks, rusty pipes, or a broken pressure regulator can be tricky to spot or fix if you don’t have the right tools or know-how.
Trying to fix things yourself could make the problem worse or end up costing more in repairs. Calling a licensed plumber means the job gets done right. This saves you time and money in the long run.
Plus, plumbers can give you tips to keep your water pressure steady and avoid future issues. If you’re dealing with low water pressure in Las Vegas, BEST Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair is ready to help get your water flow back to normal.
Contact Us for Water Pressure Repair in Las Vegas, NV
At Best Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair, we know how important steady water flow is for your home. Our expert team is ready to help Las Vegas homeowners get their water pressure back to normal, quickly and reliably.
To help keep your water pressure steady, we offer:
- Regular plumbing inspections to catch problems early before they get worse.
- Seasonal maintenance to protect your pipes from freezing.
- Inspections to find and prevent root damage near your water lines.
If you’re dealing with low water pressure or suspect plumbing issues, Best Air Conditioning Plumbing Repair is here to help. We provide professional leak detection, pipe repairs, and water pressure solutions tailored to your home.
Low Water Pressure FAQ
Can a plumber fix low water pressure?
Yes. A licensed plumber has the tools and expertise to find the root cause of low water pressure and fix it properly. Whether it’s leaks, clogged pipes, or faulty pressure regulators, a professional can resolve these issues safely and efficiently.
How do I know if low pressure is a city water problem?
If your neighbors also have low water pressure or you notice a sudden drop at certain times, the problem might be with the municipal water supply. Contact your city water provider to confirm if there are ongoing maintenance or pressure issues.
Does hard water affect water pressure?
Hard water itself doesn’t usually cause low pressure. However, mineral deposits from hard water can build up in pipes and fixtures, which may restrict water flow over time. Regular maintenance helps prevent this buildup.
Will installing a booster pump help?
Yes, a booster pump can increase water pressure in homes where the municipal supply pressure is low. However, a plumber should assess your plumbing system first to determine if a booster pump is the right solution.
Are pressure regulators required in all homes?
Not all homes have pressure regulators, but many do. They help maintain safe water pressure levels. If your water pressure is too high or fluctuates, installing or replacing a pressure regulator can protect your pipes and fixtures.
