November 8, 2021

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure | The Spruce

Author

Update First Last in Content -> Business Text -> First Last field

Date

November 8, 2021

Share

Home water pressure problems may present themselves in different ways, all of which can be quite frustrating. Faucets may take forever to fill a sink or bathtub, or a showerhead may not give you that strong spray you want. Your dishwasher or washing machine may take much longer to run a cycle than it should.


When only one fixture has  low water pressure , it's likely that the problem can be remedied if you just focus on fixing that one fixture or the pipes serving it. But widespread water pressure issues affecting the whole house indicate different problems. If your home  water pressure seems low , then the first thing to do is to narrow down the cause. 




1 of 4 - Is the Water Meter Valve Fully Open?


  • In many homes, there are two major  shutoff valves  controlling water to the home. The first is the water meter valve, located right next to the water meter on the main city supply pipe serving your home. Normally, you will not use this valve, as technically it belongs to the water company and is typically used only by water company personnel. But if your water pressure is low throughout your house, especially after some work has been done on your plumbing system, it's possible that this valve is not fully open.
  • If you have recently had a repair done and are now noticing a reduction in the water pressure throughout your house, check the meter valve. It may be located on an outside wall of the house (in warm climates), in an underground box between the house and the street, or in an interior utility area, such as a basement or attached garage. 
  • The valve is fully open when the valve handle (which may be just a metal tab that is turned with a special wrench) is parallel with the water pipe. If the handle is set at an angle to the pipe, it is not fully open.


2 of 4 - Is the Main House Shutoff Valve Open?


  • The other main shutoff valve is the home's shutoff, usually located inside the house, near where the main city supply pipe enters the home through the foundation wall. In warm climates, the main shutoff may be outdoors. Make sure this valve is fully open. If this is a gate valve, indicated by a wheel-like handle, make sure the handle is turned fully in the counterclockwise direction. If it is a ball valve, indicated by a lever handle, the handle must be parallel to the pipe direction to be fully open.
  • As with the water meter valve, this main shutoff valve is sometimes left partially closed after some kind of repair has been done to the system. If your water pressure has mysteriously lessened after a recent repair, there is a good chance that the valve wasn't fully opened after the repair was completed. ​​

3 of 4 - Is the Pressure Regulator Failing?


  • Another common cause for home water pressure problems is a faulty pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve. A   pressure regulator   is a control valve that reduces the input pressure in your plumbing system to a safe level that will not damage your pipes. Not all homes have them, but for those that do, a failing pressure regulator can cause a serious upward spike in water pressure. It can also have the opposite effect: a sudden reduction in your water pressure. 
  • When the pressure regulator fails, you will notice the effect on all of the fixtures in the home, and it will happen rather suddenly. Although a pressure regulator can sometimes be replaced by yourself with the same brand and size, in most cases is it better to call a professional to take care of it. Replacing it requires shutting off the water to the home at the water meter shutoff valve.
  • To get an accurate reading of your water pressure, you can  test the pressure  by attaching a water pressure gauge to the outdoor hose spigot closest to the water main or pressure regulator. Recommended water pressure is about 75 pounds per square inch depending on where you live. If your pressure tests very low, this may indicate a failed pressure regulator.


4 of 4 - Do You Have Old Steel Water Pipes?


  • The most serious and potentially expensive reason for low water pressure occurs when old galvanized steel water pipes are corroded to the point that water flow is significantly restricted. These pipes corrode on the inside (so you usually can't see the corrosion, but over time, the buildup of corrosion and scale gradually closes off the pipe.
  • This problem develops over decades, so the reduction in water flow is very gradual; you will not notice a sudden drop in pressure. However, if you move into an old house with steel pipes, the pipes may have significant corrosion to start with and the problem may worsen relatively quickly.
  • Unfortunately, the only solution for corroded pipes is to re-pipe the system with new copper or plastic water supply piping. It is the only way to solve the problem. Usually the best option for re-piping these days, in terms of cost and ease of installation, is to use  PEX tubing  rather than copper pipe.


< Older Post

 Newer Post >
Chrome bathroom faucet with running water into a white sink.

10 Tips for Plumbing in an Older Home

October 17, 2025
Protect your older home’s charm and efficiency with expert plumbing contractors. Tim Rausch Plumbing LLC modernizes systems while preserving history.
Plumber repairs a bathroom sink, using a wrench.

How to Plan For a Plumbing Inspection

June 17, 2025
If you have a plumbing inspection coming up, here's what you need to do to plan before your local plumbing contractor visits your home.
Plumber with wrench fixing a leaky pipe under a sink. Water is spraying.

4 Things That Can Happen if You Ignore Your Plumbing Issues

July 22, 2024
When we ignore issues that need plumbing service, they often get to be much larger than what they originally were. Read on for what can happen!
Person using a wrench to work on plumbing under a kitchen sink.

3 Signs You Need to Call a Plumber

February 13, 2024
Are you experiencing plumbing issues? Read more to identify the signs you need to call a professional plumbing contractor.
Bright white kitchen with a wooden island, stainless steel appliances, and gray walls.

What to Do About a Leaking Refrigerator | The Spruce

September 27, 2022
A leaking refrigerator can feel like a drastic enough situation that you may think it's time to shop for a new fridge. But a leaking refrigerator doesn't necessarily mean that your fridge is on its way out .
Person plunging a white toilet with a black plunger.

Why Is My Toilet Overflowing? | The Spruce

September 27, 2022
An overflowing toilet is a relatively common problem that many people have had to deal with, but the commonality of this issue doesn't mean that it isn't a serious situation that needs to be handled quickly. The water from an overflowing toilet can soak into wood cabinetry, seep into the walls, or damage the floorboards, making it easier for mold, mildew, and rot to spread throughout the infrastructure of your home.
Hand turning dial on a washing machine, tools and level on shelf above.

How Long Does a Washing Machine Last?

September 27, 2022
A washing machine is an essential appliance to ensure that towels, linens, clothes, and bedding are regularly washed and sanitized. Whether you use a professional cleaner to launder your clothes, take laundry to a local laundromat, or use a personal washing machine in the comfort of your home, it's necessary for your personal hygiene to have clean clothes to wear to school, work, or when you meet up with friends.
Plumbing tools: shower head, faucet, valves, hoses, and sealing materials on a dark gray surface.

What a T&P Valve Is and How to Fix It | The Spruce

July 12, 2022
On the side or top of your water heater tank is a valve connected to a metal or plastic discharge tube pointing downward. The valve is called a T&P valve, or TPR valve, for "temperature and pressure relief."
Basement with white brick walls, open doors, water heater, and various pipes.

The Differences Between a Boiler and a Water Heater

July 12, 2022
Boilers and water heaters are important to the heating and water supply operations of the home. While they provide different services to the house—one for space heating , the other for domestic water usage—there is some slight overlap in the form of combined boiler/heater devices.
Empty room with brick walls, two windows, and a shiny, wet concrete floor.

Sump Pump Maintenance For Your Home

March 29, 2022
Most of the time, your home’s sump pump works efficiently and invisibly in the background. In areas with much groundwater, the sump pump's regular on and off sounds merge with the tapestry of your home life.
Show More