What Causes Low Water Pressure and How Can You Fix It?

Low Water Pressure

If you’re noticing a serious dip in your water pressure, you’re not alone. Many Americans say they’ve struggled with inconsistent water pressure at some point in the past year.

There are a lot of different things that could cause low water pressure. Once you’ve figured out the exact cause of your problem, it’ll be easier to know how to fix it.

Ready to get started? Read on to learn more about the most common causes of low water pressure and how you can fix it.

Clogged Aerator on Your Faucet

Water pressure issues can have several causes, such as a clogged aerator on your faucet. The aerator minimizes the water stream and is the most common cause of low water pressure in the home.

To fix low water pressure, start by unscrewing the aerator from the faucet head and thoroughly cleaning out the filter. Once the filter is clean, re-screw it back onto the top of the faucet and test the water pressure to see if it improved.

If the water pressure is still low, it may be a sign of bigger issues, such as a broken pipe or a blocked water main. In that case, it’s best to seek professional help and have a plumber check out the issue.

Leak in a Pipe

A leak in the pipe can significantly reduce water pressure as it allows water to escape. To determine if a pipe is leaking, check for signs of water around the suspected area or use a pressure gauge to measure the pressure in the pipes.

To fix a leak in the pipe, use a pipe sealant to form a barrier around the inner walls of the pipe. This will prevent any further water from escaping and will restore the water pressure to normal levels.

Additionally, cleaning away any mineral deposits from the walls of the pipes can also help increase water pressure.

Broken Pressure Regulator

Low water pressure is often caused by a broken pressure regulator. These regulators play an important role in ensuring the water pressure in your plumbing system remains consistent with the pressure that’s set by the local water provider.

When the regulator malfunctions, the pressure may drop. To fix this issue, the regulator must be replaced. If you’re comfortable doing this project yourself, you first need to shut off the supply of water to the regulator.

Once the water is off, unscrew the regulator and replace it with the new one. Make sure to check the gaskets, washers, or O-rings while you’re at it since they can also be subject to wear and tear.

When you’ve replaced the pressure regulator, turn the water on and test the pressure. 

Problem With the Water Main

A water main is a major underground pipe that supplies water to the home. When this pipe is blocked, damaged, or cracked, the water pressure coming into the house is weakened.

To fix the issue, first, identify the source of the low pressure. Once the source has been identified, then hire these plumbers to replace the faulty water main. 

Fix the Causes of Low Water Pressure Today

By identifying and fixing the causes of low water pressure today, you can help safeguard against potential issues and save money, time, and frustrations tomorrow.

Don’t wait; start troubleshooting the major contributors now.

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