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8 Reasons Why Your Water Pressure Is Low

Aug 25 2022
A faucet with low water pressure

Broken pipes and clogged drains are some of the common plumbing issues that have people calling a plumber for help. However, sometimes the problem is with the amount of water coming out of your faucets.

When your shower or kitchen faucet has slowed to a trickle, it’s time to find the source of the pressure drop. Take a look at these eight common causes so you aren’t left wondering, “why is my water pressure low?” Once you understand what is happening, it’ll be clear when you must call an expert plumber to resolve your low water pressure.

1. Clogged Pipes

Clogs in your pipes cause more than just blocked drains. They can also affect your water pressure. 

The location of the clog is often difficult to find and may lie underneath your home. Because a DIY approach is not applicable here, it’s essential to call an expert as soon as possible to find the source of the problem and repair it. This is to avoid causing additional water problems from broken or damaged pipes.

2. Plumbing Leaks

Leaks are easy to identify when you have flooding in your basement or a noticeable and consistent drip from a faucet. However, small leaks are harder to spot and can affect your overall water pressure. 

Leaky pipes also pose a serious threat to your home’s foundation. In this case, calling a plumber is the best course of action.

3. Corrosion

If you’re wondering, “why is my water pressure low?” there’s a chance that corrosion is the culprit, depending on the material of your pipes. Metal pipes like galvanized steel, brass, or copper don’t last forever. The type of metal used determines the expiration date of your pipes and can range anywhere from 20 to 70 years. Corrosion is more likely in older homes and can affect the quality and safety of your drinking water as well.

Water pipes with rust

4. Closed Valves

There are two valves to check when it comes to low water pressure. The first is the main shutoff valve. Locate it and make sure that it is open all the way. A partially closed valve can easily cause low water pressure. This valve is either outside or inside your house where the main water supply line connects to your home.

A water meter valve that isn’t entirely open causes similar problems. This valve is often difficult to reach and belongs to your water company. Therefore, you must contact your water company if you suspect a problem with your water meter valve.

5. Water Supply Problems

Sometimes, the source of a low water pressure issue stems from your water supplier. The best way to find out if this is the case is to contact your water supplier directly and ask about any known problems in your area. Checking with your neighbours to see if they have similar challenges is another quick way to determine if the problem is within your own home or not.

It’s also possible that the water regulations in your area have forced your supplier to comply with stricter guidelines. If this is the root of the problem, a qualified plumber can install a water pressure booster system.

6. Faulty Fixtures

Low water pressure isolated to one location could indicate that your fixtures are faulty. Either the aerator or the faucet can become clogged. You can try cleaning them or simply opt for a replacement to be installed.

7. Broken Pressure Regulator

If your plumbing system has a pressure regulator, this could be a source of low water pressure. The pressure regulator’s purpose is to adjust the pressure of the water entering your home, so it’s safe for your pipes. A broken pressure regulator may unnecessarily lower PSI (pounds per square inch) if the readings are off. For most people, it’s best to contact a plumber to get a new pressure regulator rather than attempting to tackle the job by themselves.

8. Shared Pipelines

Another possibility is that you have shared pipelines that run water into multiple homes. In this scenario, when your neighbour uses a lot of water, it’s normal to experience a drop in your water pressure. An easy fix for this would be to adjust your schedule of taking showers or doing laundry at a different time of day to avoid the issue. Or, you can hire a plumber for pipe replacement to resolve the situation.

A plumber fixing a sink pipe

1st Rooter Can Fix Your Water Pressure Issues

If you are experiencing low water pressure in your home, call the experts at 1st Rooter

We have more than 25 years of experience in providing unparalleled services to our clients. Our expert plumbers have the skills and knowledge necessary to identify the source of any plumbing problem and effectively correct the issue.

Our team offers both commercial and residential plumbing services. Do you have an emergency? We are available 24/7 to handle any situation. Call us today and our reliable plumbers will get the job done fast.

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