When you turn on the faucet at your sink, try to take a shower, or want to put on a load of clothes, the last thing you need is low water pressure.

Water is necessary for so many of our daily activities and to have it reduced to a drip or dribble is frustrating.

There are many causes for low water pressure and before you can find the right remedy, you must first determine exactly where the problem started.

Read on for information on what to look for and then how to fix the situation and get your water freely flowing again.

Where Is the Origin of the Problem?

The first step is to find how widespread the problem is. Is there low water pressure throughout the entire home, or just in one area? Is it limited to one faucet?

In addition, you need to turn on the hot water first. Low hot water pressure could indicate a problem with the water heater. If you determine this to be the case, you should contact your plumber right away.

Once you determine it is not a hot water issue, then resume checking all the faucets. If the problem is only low water pressure in the sink, check the screen and aerator. Mineral build-up or rust can obstruct the water flow right at the faucet itself.

If this is the case, you can either clean the screen and try again, or it may be necessary to replace completely. Over time faucets will simply wear out.

You may also find it necessary to unclog the aerator.

While you are checking, go ahead and make sure no other faucet needs to be cleaned or replaced. Taking care of this all at once will save time and frustration later on.

Is There Too Much Water Demand

Once you know the faucets are working properly, and the problem is sporadic, it could be too much demand at one time.

If someone is trying to wash dishes while another person is in the shower, neither may have enough water pressure to get the job done properly. The water has to divide where it’s going, and therefore each outlet suffers from low pressure.

Depending on the plumbing set up in the home, you may be limited to one water activity at a time. Once you are aware of this situation, a schedule can be arranged, or at least everyone can be aware to check before turning on the water.

Have You Checked the Pressure Regulators?

So, you’ve ruled out the faucets, hot water heater and the demand is not too high. You are still experiencing low water pressure in the house and need to know the next step.

Some homes have pressure regulators. If you are unsure, check to see if there is a bell-shaped device at the main water connection on the house. You may have never noticed it, as it doesn’t usually need to be changed.

However, it can be adjusted, and tightening the screw will increase the pressure. If this continues to be the issue, then the regulator is failing and will need to be replaced by a plumber.

The Main Water Valves

Another source of low pressure might be traced back to one of the main water valves.

There are two ways to turn the water off (or on) to the home. One is directly at the home, and the other one at the meter itself. If you are unfamiliar with them, it would be best to contact a professional or the utility company. You do not want to make a bad problem worse.

Unless you have recently had work done in the home that needed the water shut off, it is doubtful that is the cause. There could, however, have been a repair in the area and the water company may have changed something on their end.

Could It Be Clogged Pipes

The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to clogged pipes. So many things are washed down the drain or flushed down the toilet. If fact, if it is simply a blocked drain, these are the top 7 things to try.

However, sometimes the problem goes deeper than that. Anything could be stuck in the piping somewhere under the house.

Or just like the faucet screen, rust and mineral deposits also build up over time and eventually can shut down the water flow.

If you are still looking for your low water pressure causes, this might be the one. However, with clogged pipes, you should not try a DIY project.

Pipes run everywhere under your home. It would be quite difficult for you to determine where the clog is, and then reach to fix it. This is definitely a job for a trained plumber.

Corroded Pipes Also Cause Low Water Pressure

Not all clogged pipes are corroded, and vice versa. Just like anything else in your home, your pipes will wear out over time. Depending on the age of your home, it may be time to look into whether or not the pipes need replacing.

That sounds like a serious undertaking, and it is. However, if it is necessary, you will see a vast improvement in all aspects of your plumbing once it is completed. This, of course, is another job for the professionals.

Old and damaged pipes can sometimes burst. This will cause a flooding emergency in your home. This is what you need to know in order to handle it.

The Pressure Is On

Not everyone likes the same amount of water pressure, but everyone agrees that low water pressure indicates a problem.

There are so many causes for this issue that it can take a little while to investigate and discover the root of the problem.

If the pressure is only down in one spot, the solution may be simple. However, if it runs throughout the entire home, you need to make sure you trust the repair to a professional.

For more information on how we can service all your plumbing needs, please reach out.