5 Potential Causes of Low Water Pressure

August 23, 2023

You’ve turned the knob all the way, but all that comes out is a trickle. This may be happening with only one faucet, or you might have noticed this issue occuring around the house. Low water pressure can be a sign of a more serious issue and should not be ignored. Here are 5 potential causes of low water pressure.

1. Malfunctioning Fixtures

If the shower head or bathroom faucet has lived a full life, it may be time to retire. Rust, limestone, and dirt can clog the fixture’s screen and aerator, impeding water flow. You can try cleaning the parts, or you may need to replace it altogether. If you notice a water pressure issue across multiple faucets, the issue may not be caused by the fixtures.

2. Partially Open Water Valves

If the water is barely flowing, maybe the home’s two shut-off valves are not completely open. If you’ve had maintenance done recently, the shut-off valve located on an exterior wall of your home may not have been completely opened. When turning the valve, do so gently and slowly, without applying force.

3. Clogged Pipes or Worn Out Plumbing

Pipes that clog frequently may be a sign of an issue with a small portion of the plumbing system. But if the house is older and has steel pipes, the pipes may have significant internal corrosion. We caution against attempting to unclog the system yourself — you may need to have the entire system re-piped.

4. Failing Pressure Regulator

The pressure regulator reduces the input pressure in a plumbing system to a safe level. When the pressure regulator is not working properly, water pressure will suddenly increase or decrease and affect all of the fixtures in a home. If you suspect a faulty pressure regulator, we recommend hiring a professional to replace it.

5. Poorly-Sized Main Supply Line

If the home has had fixtures added during a remodel, the water supply line may be inadequate. A licensed water main contractor can address this issue by consulting local records to verify sizing and handling the necessary adjustments.

If you suspect any of these potential issues in your home, we recommend scheduling a free inspection to identify the cause and get the problem resolved. Contact Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, A/C, Rooter at (913) 227-4943 today!