6 Common Causes of Low Water Pressure, and How to Fix It

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There’s no denying that low water pressure is an inconvenience. From taking showers to running a load of laundry, you rely on your home’s water supply—and as a result, low water pressure can significantly affect your daily routine.

There are many potential causes of low water pressure. We’ll discuss the most common culprits below and how to fix these pesky low water pressure problems.

1. There’s a Water Supply Issue

First and foremost, you want to check if your neighbors are also experiencing water pressure problems. If they are, a quick call to your water supplier can determine if a water supply issue is the cause of your low water pressure. Alternatively, you may find out that another problem is to blame.

If your water supplier tells you that they are aware of the problem and are currently working to fix it, you will most likely have to wait before the water pressure in your home is fully restored.

2. You Have Faulty Fixtures

If your water supplier isn’t to blame, it’s time to turn to your plumbing fixtures. Are all of your plumbing fixtures experiencing low water pressure, or is the problem only evident with a few fixtures?

Next, determine if poor water pressure is prevalent with both cold and hot water. If the problem is confined to just your hot water, there may be a problem with your water heater.

3. Your Shut Off Valves Are Closed

Your home’s water intake is controlled by two valves: the main house shutoff valve and the water meter valve. First, let’s inspect the main shutoff valve to see if it’s the cause of low water pressure. 

Shutoff valves need to be fully open to provide your home with standard water pressure, and if the valve is partially closed, your water pressure will be limited.

How do you fix this low water pressure issue? If your main shutoff valve has a wheel-like handle, turn the handle as far as it will go in the counterclockwise direction.

Next, turn to your water meter valve. These valves can sometimes be left partially open after a plumbing repair. Your water meter valve may be on an outside wall of your home, in an interior utility area, or a basement. Like your main water valve, your water meter valve is fully open when the handle is parallel to the water pipe.

4. Your Pressure Regulator is Failing

Water pressure regulator problems can also be a cause of low water pressure. Your home’s pressure regulator stabilizes the water pressure in your home; as a result, when your pressure regulator fails, your water pressure can become too high or too low.

To determine if a faulty pressure regulator is your culprit, try attaching a water pressure gauge to an outdoor hose spigot near your pressure regulator. This gauge should give you an accurate reading of your home’s water pressure.

5. You Have Old Steel Water Pipes

If your home still has old steel pipes, there’s a good chance these pipes have already begun to corrode. Corrosion from old steel pipes—such as galvanized steel—can restrict the flow of water in your home. As a result, you may see a significant dip in your water pressure.

The only way to fix this problem is to contact plumbers in Hicksville, NY, to replace your corroded pipes with new piping.

6. There’s a Leaky Pipe

Some leaks are easy to spot. However, you may be experiencing a small, unnoticeable plumbing system leak that can still affect your water pressure.

If you believe a leak is to blame, it’s time to identify its exact location:

• Main Water Line Leak: Shut off the water to your home and watch your water meter. If the water meter reading has increased after two hours, you have a leak.
• Drain Leak: Run your sink and, as the water drains, look for leaks in your drain pipes.
• Plumbing Supply Leak: These leaks can be identified by puddles of water under a sink or water stains on your ceiling.

If you think a leak is the cause of your low water pressure, get in touch with your local plumber to fix the issue. Professional plumbers have ample experience and know how to fix low water pressure.

Don’t Suffer Through Low Water Pressure

There’s no reason why you should have to endure another day with water pressure that doesn’t meet your standards. Gold Star Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has the expertise and equipment to handle all of your Hicksville plumbing needs. If you’re unsure how to fix your low water pressure, contact us to get the problem fixed right away!