The basics
Water pressure is the force pushing water through your pipes. Municipal systems deliver water at a pressure suited to residential use, and your plumbing should carry that pressure to every fixture with only small losses along the way. Low pressure at the tap means something is restricting the flow, either at a single fixture or across the whole house.
The first question is the scope. Is it one tap, one floor, only hot water, or everything at once? The answer narrows the cause quickly.
Step by step
One fixture only
- Twist off the little screen at the faucet spout. Flush away grit and soak it in vinegar to dissolve scale.
- For a shower head, remove it and soak it in vinegar overnight.
- Check that the shut-off valves under the sink are fully open.
- If a single-handle faucet is still weak, its cartridge may be clogged with debris.
Only hot water is weak
That points to the water heater. Sediment can build up in the tank or at its outlet, and a partly closed valve on the hot side can also restrict flow. A flush often helps; see our water heater flush guide.
The whole house
- Check the main shut-off valve is fully open. Partly closed valves are a surprisingly common cause after repairs.
- Some houses have a pressure regulator just past the meter; one that is worn or turned down will starve every tap.
- Look for a leak. Close every tap and check whether the meter is still moving.
- Ask neighbours whether they have noticed a drop. If they have, the cause may sit in the street, such as watermain repairs.
Older pipes
Galvanized steel supply pipe, still found in some homes built before the 1970s, corrodes from the inside. Over decades the internal diameter shrinks, and pressure falls gradually. Undersized original service lines can also limit flow when several fixtures run at once.
Measuring it yourself
An inexpensive gauge that screws onto a garden tap or laundry tub faucet costs little at a hardware store. Close every other fixture, open the tap the gauge is on, and read the number. Take readings at different times of day, since demand on the street can change pressure slightly. Keep a note of your results; they are useful information for us if you call, and they tell you whether a change you made actually helped.
Time to bring in the shop
Bring us in when every fixture is weak even with the main valve wide open, when you suspect a leak, or when your home has galvanized piping. A failing pressure-reducing valve is a straightforward replacement. Pipe corrosion calls for planned work, often repiping or a new water line. If you think water is escaping somewhere, our leak detection service will find it.
Asked at the shop counter
Why is my pressure low only upstairs?
Some loss with height is normal, but a big difference suggests restricted or undersized pipes feeding the upper floor.
Can a water softener lower pressure?
An undersized or clogged softener can. Bypassing it briefly is a quick test.
Is low pressure a sign of a leak?
It can be. Use the water meter test with every tap closed to check.
Questions about this job? Call (365) 413-9125 and talk to a plumber.