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.

[mariapdasilva]

on 5/28/2009 My toilet has low water pressure. What can I do to troubleshoot issue?

[bonzo12681]

on 3/26/2009 I recently just replaced my water heater in my home that is only about 7 yrs old. Since the install, my water pressure has decreased in both my showers but dont really notice it in the sinks or anywhere else. Does anyone have any troubleshooting tips?.....thanks

[festus]

on 11/27/2008 My master bath shower has low water pressure while the adjacent bathroom tub/shower has great water pressure. This is a new home with pex plumbing. Any suggestions or ideas as to the cause of the low pressure?

[sweetness275]

on 11/3/2008 My problem is I have no pressure for hot water...the cold water is fine. I was wondering if anyone knows what that may be??? Please help.

[thunderny]

on 8/12/2008 We have low water pressure at our outside faucets. When we turn on the faucet to use the hose(s), there is a "whining" noise we hear coming from the water lines under the house. We get low pressure from the spray nozzles on the hoses. How can we check and fix this solution and/or boost it? The pressure in the house seems normal. The showers could use more pressure but that is probably from the shower heads.