How to Troubleshoot Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can make all sorts of little tasks, from taking a shower to washing the dishes, less efficient (not to mention less pleasant). Inadequate pressure at a faucet may result from clogs and corrosion in pipes and in-line devices, or from low water volume or delivery pressure. Only after determining the cause can you and your plumber evaluate the solutions. Here's a diagnostic guide.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. If the problem is limited to a fixture, try unscrewing any in-line device, such as a faucet aerator or showerhead, by hand or with pliers, and rinsing off or replacing clogged or corroded screens and parts on an in-line device such as a faucet aerator or showerhead.

2. If the problem is that the supply lines feeding a branch (say, in an addition) are too small, increase their pipe size.

3. If the problem is inadequate flow to the entire house, as might occur when you add new fixtures to an existing system, increase the size of the main supply pipe from the water meter to the house.

4. If the problem is inadequate pressure--for example, at the end of a municipal system or from a well located downhill--install a booster pump.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak showerheads in a vinegar-and-water solution to dissolve mineral deposits.

• When you install an irrigation system that includes backflow prevention in an existing home, you may see a significant loss of water pressure.

• Water pipes made of galvanized steel, found in some very old homes, become clogged over time. Replacement is the only effective solution.