Oh No! Where Did The Water Go? 7 Steps to Troubleshoot Low Water Pressure

There can be various causes for low water pressure, ranging from straightforward to intricate. Depending on the nature of the issue, you might be able to troubleshoot and resolve it on your own, or you may require the assistance of a skilled plumber.

If the water pressure drops suddenly, always check with your water company (or neighbors) to see if there are any issues with the water supply in your area. Sometimes, maintenance work or repairs can cause a temporary drop in water pressure.

What’s causing my low water pressure?

For other issues, see the checklist below to help you diagnose the problem:

1. Check other faucets and showerheads. Is the low water pressure affecting everything in your home or just one fixture? If it’s just one, the problem is likely localized and may be easy to fix.

2. Check your water pressure. If the water pressure is low throughout the house, use a pressure gauge (available online or at a home improvement store) to test the PSI (pounds per square inch). Here’s how to test your water pressure:

• Locate an outdoor hose bib or spigot closest to your main water supply line.
• Turn off all the water outlets in your home, including faucets, showerheads, and appliances that use water.
• Screw the pressure gauge onto the outdoor spigot or hose bib.
• Open the valve slowly and let the water run for a few seconds until the pressure stabilizes.
• Read the pressure gauge. The normal water pressure in most homes ranges between 40 and 80 PSI. Pressure below 40 PSI is under the normal range.

3. Check your main water valve. Is it fully open? The water valve is fully open if the handle is parallel to the pipe. If the valve is not fully open, water flow into your home may be limited.

4. Check the water meter. A faulty water meter can also cause low water pressure. Here’s how to determine if your water meter is defective:

• Turn off all the water outlets in your home, including faucets, showerheads, and appliances that use water.
• Next, check to see if the water meter dial is moving. The dial should not be moving when the water in your home is not being used. If the dial is moving, you have a leak or faulty dial. The water company is responsible for replacing faulty water meters.

5. Check your water filter or water softener (if you have them). A dirty filter or a softener clogged with salt can cause a drop in water pressure.

6. Check for leaks in your plumbing system. Inspect all visible pipes and fixtures for signs of water. You can also use the same method you used to check your water meter but leave all water turned off for a couple of hours and then check the meter reading. If the meter moved, you probably have a leak.

7. Check for blockages in the water lines. Over time, mineral buildup and debris can accumulate in your pipes, causing them to become clogged and reducing water flow.

Can I fix a water pressure problem myself?

Sometimes, yes.

1. If the problem is confined to one faucet or showerhead, it may be due to a mineral buildup in the aerator or showerhead. Clean or replace to see if flow improves.

2. For sluggish drains, try the following solution:

• Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain.
• Next, pour a cup of baking soda and a mixture of 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar down the drain.
• Cover and wait about ten minutes.
• Finally, pour another pot of boiling water down the drain.

3. Damaged pipes or leaking connections can drastically affect water pressure. If you are handy, you may be able to fix a leak yourself by replacing the faulty connection or applying a patch kit. For some, however, this can be a daunting task which you may not want to undertake yourself.

For everything else, it’s probably best to consult a professional plumber.  When in doubt, Save Time, Call Prime.