It's not something anyone wants to do. However, a shower that has water pressure so low that it feels like hydro-jetting is happening should not be done. Even worse is the feeling of having to wash dishes by hand when only a little water is coming out of the tap. What causes low water pressure?
Low water pressure can occur for many reasons. However, it may prove difficult to locate the source of the problem. It's much easier to find the problem if you have low water pressure in a single area of your house or commercial building. Low water pressure in a single area of your home or commercial building could indicate a larger plumbing problem.
15 Common Reasons for Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be caused by clogs and other drain obstructions. However, there are many other reasons why your water pressure may be lower.
1. Municipal Water Problems
Your water pressure problem may not be related to your home or your pipes. It could be a municipal problem. Ask your neighbours if they are experiencing the same problem. If so, this could be the cause.
Your water supplier is the solution. You can contact your water supplier to inform them about the problem or find out if they are already working on fixing it.
2. Changing City Regulations
Even though you should have been notified, the city may have modified its water pressure regulations. If this is the case your water supplier will be affected.
You have two options: Deal with it or buy a water booster system. A plumber can install one for you.
3. The House Shutoff Valve isn't fully open
Are you a homeowner who has had plumbing work done in the past? Maybe the house shutoff valve (or stop cock) was temporarily closed while work was being done and then not fully reopened. To provide good water pressure, the water shutoff valve should be fully open. This value could be found outside of your home, or within your home where the main city supply line enters. It will be similar to the handle you use to turn the hose on and off.
Solution: Turn the valve counterclockwise until it is fully open. If the handle appears like a lever then make sure it is parallel with the pipe.
4. Water Meter Shutoff Valve isn't fully open
Are you a homeowner who has had recent work done to your home? It is possible that the water company's water meter valve was not fully opened after the project was completed.
You can fix it by calling the water company to have them check the shutoff valve of your meter. These valves are difficult to access and can even be underground, so it's not a project we recommend.
5. Failure of Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulators regulate the input pressure to your plumbing system. They keep your pipes safe and your piping from being damaged. Failing regulators can lead to both a spike and a decrease in water pressure, which will impact all fixtures in your house or building.
You can fix this by checking the PSI (pounds/square inch) setting. The majority of water pressures should be set at 50 PSI. However, if it is lower, your water pressure will feel too low. (Remember that too much water is not a good thing. Water pressures above 80 PSI can cause damage to your plumbing fixtures. For a replacement regulator, make sure the PSI setting is correct.
6. Old Steel Pipes
Galvanized pipes that are older than five years old can be very expensive to repair. Some piping materials corrode faster over time, and this can lead to water flow problems. It is important to get an inspection done as soon as you can to determine the age of your plumbing system and what material it is made from. Some piping materials are no longer compliant with U.S. building codes, and they have been declared obsolete.
The solution: Call a plumber to inspect your pipes and get recommendations for how to fix them.
7. Pipes clogged
Even if there isn't a clog below the drain that you can remove on your own, it could be deep within your pipes. This can cause water pressure to drop.
The solution: Use a drain cleaning product (check out safer alternatives to chemical drain cleaners by clicking here) and a snake to clear the obstructions. If all else fails, you can contact a plumber who can reach these hard-to-reach clogs using safe chemicals that won't damage pipes.
8. Peak Time Use
Low water pressure could be caused by the guy next door singing in the shower. Low water pressure could also be caused by high water usage in your neighbourhood due to shared pipelines.
Fix: Make sure to check your water pressure when you aren't using it. You can change your shower schedule if it is better during these times.
9. Leaky Pipes
Low water pressure may occur because of a simple leak. The water that escapes your pipes can cause less water to reach your showerhead and other fixtures in your home or building.
You can fix the problem by calling your plumber to have a video drain inspection done. This will pinpoint the source of the leaks.
10. Aerator Buildup
Low water pressure may occur when your aerator, which reduces water volume without changing pressure, has mineral or rust buildup.
To determine if the aerator needs to be removed, you can remove it. It should be given a thorough scrub before you replace it.
11. Faulty Fixtures
It is not unusual for fixtures to become clogged from mineral or debris buildup.
You can fix it by removing the fixture and cleaning it. You may be tempted to replace fixtures as they are quite inexpensive.
12. Frozen Pipes
Although this is unlikely in California, freezing temperatures in Sacramento are uncommon. However, traces of freezing precipitation were recorded as recently as 2009 in Sacramento. Frozen pipes can cause water pressure to drop or even stop the flow.
You can fix it by waiting for them to heat up or heating them manually. Then consider pipe insulation to decrease the chance of them freezing again.
13. Water conserving devices
Although they are great for the environment and water pressure, water-conserving devices such as low-flow faucets or showerheads can cause problems.
You can fix it by replacing the existing faucet or showerhead with one that is more capable of handling low water pressure.
14. Poorly functioning or malfunctioning water filters and softeners
When they are not performing at their best, water filters can significantly lower household water pressure. Water softeners are also a common option due to Sacramento's hardware.
You can fix it by replacing the filter or softener. Sometimes, you may have to replace the whole unit, but for now, you might want to get a new filter.
15. Gravity
Good old gravity could be the problem. Water is subject to gravity when it travels uphill. The higher the elevation, the lower the water pressure. You may experience low water pressure if your home is high up, such as a condo or apartment with multiple stories.
The solution: You can't fight gravity. However, a professionally installed water booster may improve water pressure.
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