Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

If you’ve experienced low water pressure at home, you know just how much of a nuisance it can be. For example, low water pressure levels can make it difficult to wash dishes and can even make showering uncomfortable. In order to fix your low water pressure, you’ll first need to determine what is causing it. Here are some of the most common causes of low water pressure to watch out for.

1. Your pipes are clogged or broken.

One of the most common causes of low water pressure is a clogged or damaged pipe somewhere in your home. While clogged pipes are rare, they can happen if debris or plants make their way in from outside. This blocks some of your water supply, resulting in low water pressure.

This can also happen if your pipes are damaged and start to leak. Water drips out of the leak instead of flowing all the way to your faucet, which results in lower water pressure. If you think you might have a leaky pipe, keep an eye out for drips or water stains throughout your home as well as bubbling or hissing sounds.

2. Your fixture is damaged.

Sometimes water pressure issues are a result of damage to your fixtures rather than the pipes themselves. If you’re only experiencing low water pressure at one place in your home, this is likely the case. This often happens when dirt or debris gets into the faucet and clogs your aerator. You may be able to fix this problem simply by removing the fixture and cleaning it. However, if your fixtures are older, they may just need to be replaced.

3. There’s an issue with your city’s water supply.

Low water pressure can also happen as a result of problems with your local water supplier, rather than an issue in your home. For example, construction in your area could cause a sudden drop in water pressure if it interferes directly with your pipes. To find out if this is the case, ask your neighbors if they are also experiencing low water pressure levels.

In most cases, your water supplier will fix the problem on their own. However, if your water pressure doesn’t return to normal in a timely manner, you may need to contact them directly for solutions.

4. Your water valves aren’t fully open.

This is another common cause of low water pressure, but luckily, it’s fairly easy to fix. Most homes have a water shutoff valve and a water meter valve. These valves should be fully open to keep water flowing at an appropriate pressure level.

These valves might be knocked accidentally during home improvement projects, accidentally lowering the water pressure. These water valves can be difficult to find, so you may need a professional to help you find it. However, it’s easy to reopen them if necessary.

These are a few of the most common causes of low water pressure. If you live in South Florida and are having water pressure issues, Atlantic Coast Water Clinic is here to help. Give us a call at 772-283-4767 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.