Why Is My Water Pressure So Low?

Why Is My Water Pressure So Low? Common Causes and Solutions

Have you ever turned on the kitchen sink only to have a trickle of water flow out? Or try to take a shower and a sluggish stream of water comes through the showerhead? The cause of these types of problems is usually low water pressure. There are many contributing factors to low water pressure. The first thing you should do is check to see if it’s occurring only in your home or if other neighbors are experiencing the same issue. If so, then it’s a problem with the municipal water system. If it’s not a water system problem, then your low water pressure could be due to one of the following causes.

Clogged Pipes/Sediment

If you are experiencing low water pressure or slow fixture performance in other rooms in your home, you may have a clogged pipe somewhere in the plumbing system. Another cause of low water pressure could be sediment build-up in the pipes or corrosion. If you have hard water, mineral deposits and sediment can adhere to the pipes, causing clogs. Corrosion occurs if you have old pipes made of galvanized steel. Over time, rust and minerals will build up and constrict the water flow. For clogs and dirty or corroded pipes, contact a plumber.

Leaks

If there is a leaky pipe somewhere inside or outside of your home, it can negatively impact water pressure. If you can’t locate the leak yourself, a plumber can use leak detection equipment to find it.

Supply Issues

If there is a high-water demand time in your home or your neighborhood or city, it can decrease water pressure. At home, schedule times for running appliances, such as during the late morning or early afternoon when other household members aren’t showering. During hot, dry summer months, many people may be watering their yards (if permitted) or showering and doing laundry more frequently, which can cut into supply and demand.

Faulty Regulators/Valves

Your water pressure regulator is a valve installed near the main water shutoff valve. It controls the water pressure through an adjustment screw inside the valve. Its purpose is to control the water pressure throughout your home. If the pressure is too high, it can damage your appliances or even cause the pipes to burst. When it’s too low, then you don’t have adequate water pressure to shower, run appliances, etc.

Atlas Butler Can Help Diagnose Water Pressure Issues

If you are experiencing low water pressure and have determined that it’s not systemic, then reach out to the plumbers at Atlas Butler at 1-800-FURNACE. We’ll check your plumbing system for leaks, faulty valves, and other causes and recommend repairs and/or replacements. We have served the Central Ohio area for decades and you can trust us with your family’s plumbing needs.