Fixing Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be frustrating, especially if it does not result from the installation of a low-flow showerhead or tap in your home. Low water pressure often causes problems and is annoying for people because it is less efficient. It takes more water to take a shower or do the dishes. Often there is a cause for a sudden drop in water pressure, which can be fixed by yourself or an experienced plumber.

One of the most common reasons for low water pressure are clogged or corroded pipes. You often won't notice that your water pressure is slowly going down until it gets very low, because the clogs and the corrosion build up over time. If a decrease in water pressure happened gradually, you should remove your shower head or aerators on your taps and check them for mineral buildup. If there is mineral buildup, you can use a brush, toothpick or other small object, along with a little vinegar, to get the minerals off. If that was the problem, your water pressure should be back to normal again.

If you are still experiencing low water pressure after checking and cleaning your showerheads and aerators, the problem could be with your water valves. If for some reason you turned your water valves off (perhaps you had a water leak), you may not have turned the water valve back on fully.

Another cause is low water volume or a low delivery pressure. Also, the pipes that are bringing your water to your shower or sinks may be too small to handle anymore water. In either of these cases, you should hire a professional plumber to examine the problem and determine exactly what needs to be done.

Depending on what the plumber is able to determine, you might be able to fix the problem by replacing a few pipes. Other options include getting a booster or a regulator to help solve the problem.

While cleaning your showerheads or aerators or checking your water valves may fix the problem, you should call a plumber if they do not. Most low water pressure problems are going to be problems with pipes running throughout your house or even underground. A professional plumber will be able to give you the best idea of what the problem is, as well as how to fix it.