Low Water Pressure Causes & Fixes

Few things frustrate as much as turning on the faucet to have a shower, or to make coffee and there's very little water coming out. It shouldn't take that long to rinse of your hair or brush your teeth. Low flow or low water pressure is a frustrating problem, but there are many ways to fix it, provided you know the causes.

Causes of Low Water Pressure

Understanding what causes the low water pressure can help you find a quick and (in most cases) simple fix. Some common causes for low water pressure include:

Debris in the water: Old pipes may be rusted and there could be plastic particles from broken pipes. Debris and algae clog up valves and aerators.

Built-up mineral deposits: Over time, minerals build up inside shower heads and clog up faucets, preventing the water from flowing as it should.

Low municipal water pressure to your home: Sometimes the city's supply is just not sufficient due to leaks and pressure. Keep reading to find out how it can be solved.

Water leaks: Damaged water pipes can result in leaks, which in turn results in low water pressure. Some water will be leaking out of the cracks into the surrounding soil, rather than into your home.

Damaged water valves: Wear-and-tear, excessive water pressure and other issues can damage your valves.

If you can identify one of these issues as the cause of your home's low water pressure problem, it is easier to troubleshoot the issue and make the necessary repairs.

Here's how to handle the different issues:

Clogged Aerators - Simply unscrew the aerator and see if the flow improves at all without it. If it flows fine, then clean the aerator from debris and mineral deposits before screwing it back on. If it is not flowing well, the problem could be downstream.

Pressure Booster - You can test the water supply from the city by buying a test gauge with a hose connection. Screw it onto the hose faucet and test all your fixtures. The pressure should be between 55-75. If the city's pressure is too low, you can also install a pressure boost system for your house.

Water Leaks - Find out if you have a leak by turning off all water using appliances and faucets and looking if the meter is still running. Since this is one of the most common causes of low water pressure and costly wastage, it is important to have all leaks fixed immediately.

If your home has a water pressure regulator, you may want to check whether you can adjust it for improved flow. Again, it should be between 55-75.

If you have checked everything and still can't find the cause of the problem, and the low water pressure persists beyond a few weeks, you should get in touch with a professional plumber who can assess the problem. Most low water pressure issues become worse with time, and the longer you wait, the more challenging - and potentially costly - the fix becomes. Also, it makes living in the home uncomfortable.

Here at Anta Plumbing, we frequently deal with a range of water pressure problems, and we can help you too. Get in touch to find out more about how we can resolve your low water pressure issues.