How to Fix Low Water Pressure: With Causes and Signs

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Low water pressure is the noticeable reduction in the force of water flowing from the fixtures in the house. You can observe low water pressure by poor shower performance, difficulties in filling tubs and tanks, reduced water flow in the faucets, and inconsistent temperature in water heaters.

These signs can be caused by clogs in the pipelines, leaks in the pipelines, faulty fixtures, pressure regulator problems, valve issues, and municipal water supply problems. When you observe these issues, you should fix them.

These are the 6 Ways to Fix Low Water Pressure:

1. Clean the fixtures
2. Fix the leaks
3. Open the main valve
4. Inspect the pipelines
5. Adjust the pressure regulator
6. Call the water supplier

What Is Low Water Pressure In The House?

Low water pressure is the noticeable reduction in the force of water flowing from faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing fixtures. Low water pressure can cause mainly five negative effects in the house such as frustration and inefficiency, cleaning difficulties, appliances’ performance, and underlying pressure uneven pressure in the house.

How to Fix Low Water Pressure in 6 Ways?

These are the 6 ways to fix low water pressure DIY. You can take a action to prevent low water pressure by following the below 6 ways.

1. Clean the fixtures
2. Fix the leaks
3. Open the main valve
4. Inspect the pipelines
5. Adjust the pressure regulator
6. Call the water supplier

1. Clean the fixtures

You can fix low water pressure by checking and cleaning the fixtures. Fixtures such as aerators, shower heads, and faucets can be clogged by the mineral deposits. Deposits can block the water flow and reduce the water pressure. To prevent this, you can clean the fixtures to remove deposits using vinegar to soak them. You can also replace the fixtures if the problem persists.

2. Fix the leaks

You can fix low water pressure by fixing leaks. Leaks can occur in pipelines, showerheads, and joints. Lekas can disturb the constant water flow and lower the water flow in the house. You can seal leaks using teflon tapes, pipe claps, and a heat gun to fix leaks. You might need to replace the relevant parts, such as washers, gaskets, showerheads, washers, or O-rings for severe leaks.

2. Open The Main Valve

You can fix low water pressure in the house by opening up the main valve. Loose valve connections can cause water seepage and leaks while restricting the constant flow rate of water. This will create low wate pressure. If the main valve is partially closed, by opening it up, the water pressure will be increased, and the low water pressure will be reduced.

3. Inspect The Pipe Line

You can fix low water pressure by inspecting the pipelines. Deteriorated pipelines and leaks in the pipelines will disturb the water flow rate. You can recognize and fix worn-out parts and leaks by inspecting the pipeline. If your galvanized steel pipelines are corroded, you should replace them, and you can seal leaks in the pipelines using plumbing and teflon tape. For further fixing, you can hire a professional plumber to inspect the blockages and corroded parts and repair them.

4. Adjust The Pressure Regulator

You can fix low water pressure by adjusting the pressure regulator. An improperly fixed pressure regulator will create uneven water pressure inside the house, resulting in low water pressure and leaks. You should locate the pressure regulator near the main water line. Use a pressure gauge to test if the water pressure is up to the recommended level ( 40–60 psi), and if it’s below the recommended level, you should adjust it or replace the regulator.

5. Call the water supplier

You can fix low water pressure by calling the water supplier. If the water supply provides low pressure, water pressure inside the house will also be low. You can contact the water supplier to come and check your home’s water pressure if you suspect the issue is with the municipal supply.

What are the 4 Signs of Low Water Pressure?

Low water pressure problems can be observed by the below 4 signs. When you observe these signs you should check and fix the water lines properly.

1. Poor shower performance: Low water pressure can be observed by the poor shower performance. You can observe weak, laminar flow, and low volume flow rate through the showers. It will affect to longer shower time to rinse off the shampoo effectively.
2. Difficulties in filling tubs and tanks: Low water pressure takes longer time for filling bathtubs, water tanks, or other large containers to fill in. It can be convenient and time wasting.
3. Reduced water flows in faucets: Low water pressure can take too much time for washing hands, rinsing dishes during faucet using. It can increase the frustration for residents.
4. Inconsistent temperature in water heaters: Low water pressure can be observed by the inconsistent water temperature in the water heaters. When the water pressure is dropped it can cause to increase hot water temperature.

What Are The 6 Causes Of Low Water Pressure?

Low water pressure can cause due to clogged pipelines, leaks in the plumbing systems, faulty fixtures, pressure regulator problems, valve issues, and municipal water supply problems.

1. Clogged pipes in the pipeline: Water pressure can be low due to clogged pipes. Over time, pipes can be clogged due to mineral deposits, rust, frozen pipes and other debris buildup in the pipeline. It can reduce the cross section and reduce the pipe water flow.
2. Leaks in the plumbing system: Water pressure can be reduced due to leaks in the plumbing system. Plumbing leaks can occur due to deterioration of pipes, damaged joints, clogged lines, high water pressure, and loose water connections. Plumbing leaks disturb the constant flow of water and reduce the water pressure in the house.
3. Faulty fixtures: Water pressure can be reduced due to faulty fixtures. Faulty fixtures can occur due to mineral buildup, worn-out parts, damaged aerators, and debris accumulation. Faulty fixtures create resistance to the water flow. When water pressure tries to push through the fixture, water pressure will be reduced due to the resistance.
4. Pressure regulator problems: Pressure regulator problems can reduce the water pressure. Pressure regulators can malfunction due to inconsistent water pressure, low overall pressure, and pressure spikes. Pressure regulator problems will disrupt the balance between incoming and desired water pressure in the plumbing system. This disruption will create a low water pressure.
5. Valve issues in the plumbing system: Valve issues in the plumbing system will create low pressure in the house. Valve issues in the plumbing system occur due to worn-out parts, corrosion, and debris build-up. Improper installation and faulty valve type. Valve issues will create leaks in the plumbing system and disrupt the constant water flow. It will directly cause the low water pressure in the house.
6. Municipal water supply problems: Municipal water supply problems can reduce the water pressure. Municipal water supply problems can occur due to water shortages, infrastructure issues, contamination events, and system maintenance. A low water supply from the municipal council will limit the available water volume, disrupt pressure regulation in the house, and create low water pressure.