When you turn on your sink and get a slow trickle instead of the usual stream of water, it's not time to panic—but it is time to act fast and get an answer to the question, "Why is my water pressure low?" Low water pressure is a warning sign for multiple different types of plumbing problems, from blockages to simply too many people using the water at once. At 1-800-Plumber +Air, we want to give you the tools and knowledge you need to make the right decisions as soon as you notice low water pressure. Learn more about the common causes of low water pressure and some potential options for how to fix water pressure you can try before calling in a trusted plumber.
What Is Causing My Low Water Pressure?
So, why is your water pressure low? Consider these common causes of water pressure being low in a house:
Clogs, especially due to hard water buildup and sediment
Leaks that are diminishing the available supply
Closed or partially closed valves
Issues with the water provider or water supply
Malfunctioning pressure regulator
Multiple draws on the water supply, such as peak use hours in a multi-family complex or running multiple appliances and faucets at the same time in a single-family residence
Use this list to assess your home's plumbing and identify any other symptoms or problems in the background. Also, note if you have low water pressure in a sink or other single fixture or across the entire property. Then, you can contact your plumber with more details or start troubleshooting independently.
How Do I Fix the Low Water Pressure?
Some of the problems listed above are intermittent or circumstantial. These problems may be easy to solve or will indicate that your plumbing itself is not at fault. Examples include:
Multiple draws: If you're running your dishwasher, washing machine, and irrigation system simultaneously, your water pressure may fluctuate. You can address this with significant plumbing upgrades or stagger usage. However, don't continuously draw water from multiple sources, as this can increase water hammer.
Low water levels: If you have a well or your region is experiencing significant droughts, water may intermittently be low. Contact your water provider or inspect your well if the problem continues.
Closed valves: If you've recently done plumbing maintenance, you may have shifted a valve. Check the inlet valves to ensure they are fully open.
Other problems may indicate that your building's plumbing needs servicing and maintenance. Schedule a plumbing appointment if the issue is due to buildup or gauge malfunctions. Plumbers can also inspect for leaks and invisible issues contributing to the problem. Routine servicing also helps prevent similar problems, such as supply and drainage clogs, small leaks due to worn joints and o-rings, and stuck valves.
Call an emergency plumber for plumbing emergencies, such as a crack or leak. You can also shut off your main water supply to prevent water damage from sudden leaks.
The most important thing you can do if you notice low water pressure is to immediately start investigating the problem. You may be able to determine the cause yourself or need a professional inspection. But don't wait for additional problems to develop, especially if the pressure is significantly low or it's recurring. Ask, "Why is my water pressure low?" until you have a definite answer.
Contact the Experts at 1-800-Plumber +Air for All Your Plumbing Needs
The trusted team of expert plumbers at 1-800-Plumber + Air is always available to help homeowners and commercial building owners. Reach out today to speak to a plumber or schedule a service appointment. We provide servicing and maintenance services, repairs, upgrades and installations, and emergency plumbing services.
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