When you have clogged drains or pipes, it is critical to have a plumber come out and solve the problem as soon as possible. But what if the problem isn’t with the water draining but with the volume of water flowing out? Water pressure in the average home is between 40 and 45 pounds per square inch (or PSI). If you have low water pressure, it is likely that your pressure has dropped below this level.

The average American household consumes 300 gallons of water every day. We rarely consider where the water comes from or how it gets to our faucets. When the water pressure dips, most of us don’t know where to look.

Low water pressure can be caused by a number of reasons, but determining the root of the problem can be difficult. If you are experiencing low water pressure in one section of your house or commercial facility, it is easy to determine the source of the problem. If you have low water pressure throughout your house or building, it might be an indication of a larger plumbing problem.

1. An issue with your Water Supplier

Before you turn on the faucet and tap into your pipes, first check with your neighbors to see if they are experiencing the same problem. If so, it is not likely that you will be able to pinpoint the source of water pressure issues in your home.

Contact your water supplier to see whether they are aware of and working on a water supply problem. If the problem is transient and can be rectified quickly, you will have to wait for it to be resolved.

However, if they continue to fail to address the issue or do not recognize it as a problem, you may have to take action. You did not imagine that thoroughly washing your shampoo out of your hair would also need petitioning.

2. Change of City’s Regulations

In addition, your city has likely changed some of its water rules, in which case your water supplier has no choice but to comply.

If you have low water pressure, you might want to consider installing a water pressure booster system. Water pressure boosters are designed for homeowners who wish to increase the amount of water available in their faucets. They should be installed by a professional plumber so as not to cause any problems.

The size and age of your home’s pipes influence the installation. After making this type of improvement to your property, you may also need to hire an inspector. Hiring a plumber will make all of these processes much easier.

3. House Shutoff Valve Open All the Way

If you find that you are the only person in your neighborhood with low water pressure, it is time to look at your own household for the culprit.

It is essential for homeowners to understand how to locate and turn off their main house shutoff valve. Now we’ll go through what happens if it’s not completely open.

If you haven’t had to deal with a leak or busted pipe, you’re probably unaware that this valve exists. It might be outside your house, but it’s more than likely within the city supply pipes that bring water inside your home.

Turn the handle counter clockwise as far as it will go if it is similar to a hose sprayer. If the handle looks like a lever, it should be parallel to the pipe. Otherwise, the valve is not fully open and the pressure is low.

4. The Water Meter Valve Isn’t Fully Open

The water meter valve is the second valve that controls your home’s water intake. Because this valve is owned by the water company, most people will never have to deal with it directly. Some of them, particularly those placed underground, are extremely difficult to access.

If you’ve recently had work done on your household, especially if that’s when you noticed you’re having low water pressure, you should call your water provider. Most likely, the valve was not fully opened after the job was completed, and someone will need to go in and fully open it.

5. Your Pressure Regulator Fails

Most plumbing does not have a pressure regulator. If you do not have one, this solution is not for you.

If you do, there is a test you may do to determine whether the pressure regulator is failing to provide an accurate reading. Connect a water pressure gauge to an outdoor hose spigot, preferably the one nearest to your pressure regulator. When you switch on the water, the pressure gauge displays your current water pressure.

If it is lower than what your pressure regulator is indicating, the problem might be with the pressure regulator. These regulators are intended to reduce the pressure in your water supply line to a safe level for your pipes. If it isn’t reading, it assumes it is performing its job even if it is allowing a low PSI to get through.

You can replace your pressure regulator on your own, but it is usually best to call in a plumber if you are not familiar with plumbing.

6. Clog Pipes

Clogs do not just occur beneath drains. Clogs may build deep inside your plumbing, and even a little blockage can lower your water pressure.

This type of blockage can occur anywhere beneath your property, therefore it is critical to contact a plumber to resolve the issue. You don’t want to start ripping pipes apart and then not be able to reassemble them.

You should also bear in mind that you may not be aware of what you’re causing to come loose or contaminate your pipes. It’s one thing to employ hazardous chemicals to dissolve obstructions, however, this is not recommended. It’s another thing entirely to employ dubious or harmful chemicals in the pipes that provide your drinking water, which is strongly discouraged.

7. Leak Pipes

Flooding in a basement or foundation can cause structural damage to a property as well as leaks in pipes and other water service lines. However, even a minor leak can have an impact on water pressure. The leak is causing the water supply to be misdirected, resulting in insufficient water flow even if everything else is operating properly.

If you have access to your pipes, have a look around to check if there are any wet areas or pools of water. Determine which pipe is leaking and attempt a fast remedy.

First, switch off your water supply and thoroughly dry the outside of the faulty pipe. Then, put a rubber patch over the cracked or corroded area and secure it to the pipe with electrical tape and a pipe repair clamp.

This will not repair your problem permanently, but it may stop more harm for a few days. Even if a temporary remedy is in place, contact a plumber as soon as possible. Leaky pipes not only cause foundation damage, but they can also contaminate your drinking water.

If you notice a difference in water pressure as a result of leaking pipes, you most likely have many leaks. It’s also conceivable that the leak is just one of numerous factors contributing to low water pressure.

8. Shared Pipelines

Shared pipelines are those that provide water to more than one household. Your water pressure will drop when your neighbor takes a shower or washes their car. This does not imply that you are paying for their water consumption; rather, it signifies that your water supply is shared by two or more homes.

Consider what you’re experiencing as a shift in water pressure. You may notice a difference in water pressure when running the dishwasher or washing your hair. Only this time, it’s because of someone next door, not someone you can scold for using so much water while attempting to wash.

You’ll have to evaluate how inconvenient it is to have intermittent low water pressure. Experimenting with time and modifying your routine may be beneficial. You should be all right as long as you can tell when your neighbor isn’t using their water.

If you think that pipe replacement is the best option for you, do your homework and choose a plumbing company that will not charge you hidden costs or unreasonable upcharges. If they aren’t upfront about their rates, don’t be shocked if your bill is far greater than you anticipated.

9. You have Faulty Fixtures

If all of your plumbing fixtures have low water pressure, the problem is almost certainly with your water supply or pipelines. However, if one or more fixtures appear to have a low flow, you should investigate.

A faucet aerator is meant to lower the amount of water coming from your faucet without affecting the pressure. Aerators can become clogged with dirt and limestone over time, or they might rust out.

Check the aerators on your low-pressure faucets to check whether they need to be cleaned. Replace them after they’re entirely clean of any build up and see if your water pressure improves.

Fixtures may become blocked. Because most fixtures are inexpensive, replacing them now may be a smart idea. Turn off the water supply to the plumbing fixture before removing it for cleaning or repair.

10. Rusty Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes have an expiration date. In fact, after only 20 years, they might begin to corrode. Copper pipes are typically sufficient for 50 years or more, whereas brass pipes should last between 40 and 70 years.

If you live in an older home, the probability of corrosion rises. Newer pipes aren’t generally composed of galvanized steel, so their plumbing should last for years, but older homes that haven’t been updated may require repiping.

Corrosion may also be a concern if you installed plumbing facilities in your home after it was constructed, such as an extra bathroom or a washing machine. When you add plumbing fixtures to an already finished house, you should usually extend the branch lines of your pipe. Otherwise, some sections of your pipes would deteriorate faster since they are working overtime.

How Caccia Plumbing Can Help?

Low water pressure is frequently fixable with a simple do-it-yourself activity like checking valves and utilizing drain snakes. The issue, however, might be the source of the low water pressure and the reason for it.

If you have low water pressure in your home or building, a professional plumber may be required to assess the situation. If the problem is caused by old plumbing, you may need to replace your entire plumbing system. Water pipes that are clogged or broken can create more difficulties than just reduced water pressure.

Caccia Plumbing is a professional plumbing company offering a wide range of services to customers throughout California. Our plumbing technicians have the knowledge and expertise to fix all types of plumbing problems, from leaks and clogs to faulty appliances and sinks. Our plumbers also offer installation and repair services for any size commercial property or single-family or multi-family home. Contact us now for a free quotation on your next plumbing project!