Low water pressure in your house? Here's why and how to fix it

Every time you turn on a sink or shower, you experience the magic of water pressure. Water pressure is the measure of how quickly water travels through pipes — and eventually out of faucets. Water pressure has implications for everything from showering to washing dishes, filling a tub, and watering plants

Having good water pressure is important not only for the quality of your morning shower; it can actually preserve the plumbing system in your house. Unfortunately, low water pressure is a common problem in many homes. 

How to measure water pressure

Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), and measuring it is easier than you might think: all you’ll need is a water pressure gauge. This is a fairly inexpensive investment that can be handy to have around. You can find one online or at your local hardware store for about $10. To measure or test:

• Start by ensuring that all indoor and outdoor taps are turned off 
• Attach the pressure gauge to an outdoor tap 
• Turn the tap on fully to get an accurate reading 
• Check the gauge display to see your water pressure in PSI 

Ideally, you’re looking for a reading of 40 to 60 psi, which indicates healthy residential water pressure. Anything below 40 psi is considered “low pressure.” 

What is considered good water pressure for the house?

Every home is different, so there’s bound to be some variation regarding water pressure. That’s why the 40 to 60 psi range is considered to be good water pressure for a home. Most homeowners prefer something in the middle, right around 50 psi. This level of pressure ensures comfort and effectiveness for showering, watering, and washing. 

It’s also important to not have the water pressure too high because it can damage your pipes and other plumbing fixtures. It’s best not to exceed around 60 psi. If your water pressure is about 50 psi, it will be strong enough to clean effectively but not so strong that it will cause damage. 

How do you diagnose low water pressure?

Unless you notice that the stream or water coming from your shower or sink doesn’t feel strong enough, your water pressure is probably just fine. But if the water flow out of your faucet or shower head feels weak or cleaning feels like it’s taking longer than usual then you may have a problem. Again, the simplest way to test your water pressure is to head to the hardware store and pick yourself up a pressure gauge. 

What are the causes of low water pressure?

There are many possible causes of low water pressure in your home, and it can also be affected by your water source. Homes with well water may experience lower water pressure if the well pump is not functioning properly or if the well is running dry. Homes with city water may experience low water pressure due to issues with the city's water supply or distribution system. In both cases, it's important to identify the root cause of low water pressure and take appropriate steps to fix it.

Some are easy fixes you can do yourself; others require professional help. If your water pressure feels low or you measure it to be low, consider these potential issues:

Mineral deposits and buildup 

If there is any kind of buildup of debris in your pipes, it can significantly slow down the flow of water through them, affecting water pressure. This might be dirt, sand, food or calcification and erosion. 

One of the biggest causes of low water pressure is the buildup of limescale in fixtures like your faucet. If you don’t deep clean every few months, this grime will slow water down as it flows out of sinks and shower heads. 

This can happen more with hard water, which has higher mineral content, and installing a water softener can solve the problem.

Leaky or corroded pipes

A water leak in your pipes can be the cause of many plumbing issues, including low hot water pressure. This is because the water isn’t flowing all the way to its destination; it leaks out while on the way there. If you're only experiencing low hot water pressure, it could be due to water heater issues, including clogs which make it unable to produce enough hot water for your needs. 

The easiest way to find out if you have a leak is to check your water meter. Leave all taps off for a few hours, then check the meter again. If the number has changed, you most likely have a leak. 

Mechanical malfunctions Water meter and main shutoff valves

Your water meter valve should be fully open to allow for proper water flow. If you’ve recently had plumbing work done by your water provider, this valve might be closed or only partially open. This valve will be located at your water meter, which is usually outside your house. 

The other valve that controls the flow of water into your home is the water shutoff valve. It needs to be fully open for you to enjoy the highest possible water pressure. This is also located at your meter. Different homes have different types of valves, so you may need to look further into how to open your specific kind. 

Failing water pressure regulator

There’s actually a mechanism designed to manage the water pressure in homes and other buildings. The pressure regulator will maintain whatever water pressure it is set to. If this breaks or malfunctions, there is nothing there to regulate the flow. Either it needs to be adjusted to maintain a higher psi or it has to be replaced by a plumber. You even need to have a water pressure booster pump installed. 

How does low water pressure impact daily life?

Low water pressure is an annoyance at best. The worse it gets, the more it can negatively impact your daily life. Tasks take longer to complete: from showering to washing dishes to watering plants. 

Not only does your shower take longer, it’s also just not as enjoyable. Because water is flowing through pipes slower, it doesn’t flow out fast enough to be effective. So, washing away soap requires more time and effort than it should. Your shampoo is much harder to rinse out of your hair. Plus, the water is moving more slowly so it has time to cool off before it reaches your body. A lukewarm shower due to low hot water pressure is a frustrating way to start or end the day.

Aside from showering, other tasks are less efficient. Filling up a watering can or bathtub takes far too long. It also negatively affects the performance of dishwashers and washing machines. Even soap scum and other buildups are attributable to poor water pressure.

The downside is that low water pressure can have a large negative impact on so many functions of your household. Thankfully, this means fixing your water pressure can solve most or all of these problems

10 ways to fix low water pressure

If you're experiencing low water pressure in your home, it can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to identify and fix the issue. Here are some tips to help you get your water pressure back up to par:

Contact the local water authority

If you get water from the city, as opposed to a well, there might be an issue with the municipal water supply that’s causing you to have low water pressure in your home. Call your local water authority or utility company to report the issue and ask if there are any known problems with the water supply. You can also touch base with your neighbors, too, and see if they’re having any similar issues before you start investigating further.

Check your water main valve

 The water main valve controls the flow of water into your home. If it's not fully open, it can cause low water pressure. Check the valve to make sure it's fully open, which can be a simple solve to the problem.

Check the water pressure regulator

 Your home's water pressure regulator is responsible for controlling the water pressure in your pipes. If it's not functioning correctly, your water pressure may be too low. Check the regulator and adjust it if necessary.

Check for leaks

A leak in your plumbing system can cause low water pressure. Check for leaks in your pipes, faucets, and fixtures. If you find a leak, repair it as soon as possible to restore your water pressure.

Adjust your regulator

Since your regulator will maintain pressure at the level you set, try setting it bit higher to feel higher pressure. Just remember not to exceed about 60 psi to keep your pipes in good working order. 

Adjust the aerator

An aerator is a device that is installed on the end of a faucet and it works by mixing air with the water as it flows out of the faucet, which can help to reduce splashing and improve water pressure.

Aerators typically have a screen that filters out debris and sediment from the water. Some aerators are adjustable, allowing you to control the flow rate and customize the water pressure to your needs. It’s also possible that your aerator is dirty, which is why you should…

Clean your faucets and showerheads

Fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the faucet with a rubber band. Check back in an hour and scrub off any loose debris. They should be as good as new.

You should also remove any aerators and similarly clean them thoroughly with vinegar or a decalcifying solution. 

Install a water softener

A water softener works by removing minerals from the water supply, which can help to prevent buildup and improve water flow and pressure. By installing a water softener, homeowners can enjoy better water pressure and avoid the costly repairs and damage caused by mineral buildup in their plumbing system.

While it is possible to install a water softener by yourself, it is not recommended unless you have experience with plumbing and electrical work. Installing a water softener typically involves a variety of complex tasks, such as cutting and soldering pipes, installing electrical connections, and programming the system.

Replace old pipes ones

 If your home has older pipes, they may be corroded or clogged, which can cause low water pressure. Consider replacing them with newer, more efficient pipes to improve your water. Here are a few signs that you can alert you to old pipes:

• Age of your home: Homes built before the 1960s typically have older pipes.
• Color of the pipes: Older pipes are often a dull gray color, while newer pipes are brighter and silver.
• Signs of corrosion: Look out for rust or discoloration.
• Water quality: Older pipes can release contaminants into your water, which can impact its taste and smell.

Call a professional plumber

If you've tried these steps and still have low water pressure, it may be time to call in a plumber. They can identify and fix more complex issues that may be causing your low water pressure, and hiring one may be a necessary cost of homeownership.

Measure regularly

This way, you’ll know sooner rather than later. Once a month or so, use your water pressure gauge to measure the flow. While you’re at it, check to make sure the valves are open. This way, you’ll know right away, before you have to deal with all the inconveniences of low water pressure. 

If you have low water pressure, there’s plenty you can do about it. Even something as simple as maintaining the proper water pressure is a great way to reinvest in your home and your everyday quality of life. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, address it (or call a trustworthy plumber) to get the most out of this essential system.

FAQs

Here are more answers about low water pressure in homes. 

Q: Why is the water pressure low in my house suddenly?

 Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, such as clogged pipes, leaks, or problems with the municipal water supply.

Q: How can I fix low water pressure in my home?

To fix low water pressure, you can try adjusting your water pressure regulator, checking for leaks, cleaning your aerator, replacing old pipes, checking your water main valve, and calling a professional plumber.

Q: What is considered too high for water pressure?

A: Water pressure that exceeds 80 PSI (pounds per square inch) is considered too high and can cause damage to your plumbing system. If your water pressure is too high, you can install a pressure-reducing valve to regulate the pressure.

Q: Can hard water cause low water pressure?

Yes, hard water has a higher magnesium and calcium content, which can build up in your pipes over time, and ultimately lower the water pressure. If you have hard water, you may notice other signs of mineral buildup in addition to low water pressure, such as scaling on your faucets, soap scum in your shower, or a white film on your dishes. Installing a water softener can help to remove these minerals and fix the problem.

Q: How do I prevent water pressure issues?

To prevent low water pressure, you can schedule regular maintenance for your plumbing system, avoid flushing non-degradable items down your toilets, and avoid pouring grease or oil down your drains. You can also install a water pressure regulator to keep your water pressure at a consistent level.

Q: Should I hire a professional to fix low water pressure in my home?

If you've tried troubleshooting low water pressure on your own and haven't found a solution, it's a good idea to hire a professional plumber to identify and fix the issue. A professional can also help to prevent future plumbing problems by identifying potential issues and recommending preventative measures.