Why Is My Water Pressure Low?

It’s never fun washing a pile of dirty dishes or bathing the dog in the tub with a trickle of water from the faucet. Low water pressure in your home is a giant headache and can make even the smallest tasks feel like they take up all your time.

There are a few possible reasons your home is experiencing water pressure problems. These could be anything as simple as a valve not being properly opened or something as complex as a corroded pipe. Let’s take a further look at the reasons your water pressure is low. 

The Main Shutoff Valve Is Not Fully Open

You’ve likely never touched the main shutoff valve unless you’ve had to deal with a leak or broken pipe. If you’re unsure where it is, it’s most likely indoors where the main city supply pipe comes into your house.

It may have a handle like a hose spigot or a lever. If it has a handle like the one you would use to turn on the hose, make sure it’s turned counterclockwise as far as it will go. If it has a lever, ensure the lever is parallel to the pipe. Both of these tactics will guarantee the main shutoff valve is fully open.

The Water Meter Valve Is Partially Closed

Another valve controlling the flow of water throughout your home is the water meter valve. This valve is typically located underground and may be difficult for you to reach.

You may be having issues with this valve if you’ve recently had work done on your home, and someone forgot to open it all the way once the work was completed. You’ll need to call your water company to check the water meter valve.

The Pipes Have a Clog

If adjusting the two main valves doesn’t solve your low water pressure problem, there may be a more serious issue at play. Sometimes, blockages go beyond a simple drain clog, and when this happens, the flow of water in your home can be affected.

If a clog is affecting your home’s water pressure, you’ll want to call a licensed plumber to clear the blockage. Liquid cleaners full of chemicals can do more harm to the plumbing system and even your family’s health. So, instead of managing the issue yourself and causing further problems, trust a professional plumbing company.

The Pipes Have Corroded

Unfortunately, pipes do not last forever. If you live in an older home, your piping could be outdated and rusted. Check with the previous homeowners and city records to determine how old your water pipes are. It may be time to replace the piping in your house.

The Pipes Are Leaking

Water pressure issues can arise when there’s a leak in the plumbing. You’ll want to take a look in the basement or crawl space for wet spots or pools of water. If you notice any of these signs of a burst pipe, you’ll want to call a plumber for residential plumbing repairs right away. Leaky pipes can damage the house’s foundation and allow contaminants to make their way into your drinking water.

The Pressure Regulator Is Acting Up

Not every home is equipped with a water pressure regulator. However, if you do have one, it could be the cause of your low water pressure. The pressure regulator is designed to stabilize the flow of water throughout your house.

If the pressure regulator is faulty, you may experience water pressure that is too high or too low. You can replace this part yourself, but if you’re not used to working with plumbing, it may be a good idea to reach out to a plumber.

The Fixtures Are Dirty or Outdated

If your low water pressure issue is isolated to only a few plumbing fixtures, such as a single showerhead or sink faucet, the problem may simply be a result of an old or faulty fixture. Sometimes, cleaning the screen or aerator on the fixture can remove any clogs causing the low water pressure. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, it may be time to replace the fixture.

There’s Too Much Water Demand

A common cause of low water pressure is a high water demand. Some households simply cannot handle all the requests for water. For example, if two people are showering while the washing machine is running, you may only get a trickle of water when you wash your hands. This is definitely a frustrating scenario, but you can prevent these types of situations with some coordination.

Still Having Water Pressure Issues? We Can Help!

Whether you were able to find the cause of your low water pressure or you are still mystified, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber, such as our team at Xcalibur Services. The sooner you address water pressure issues, the sooner you can enjoy a steady flow. Get in touch with us today for everything from plumbing repairs and diagnoses to plumbing installation services in Homewood, AL.

Published: December 2nd, 2021