How To Fix Low Water Pressure

What to Do About Low Water Pressure

Do you ever turn on your sink or shower and find the water to be barely flowing out? This could mean you have low water pressure. Low water pressure could be an easy fix or it could mean a much larger and extensive problem. That is why, regardless, it is important to get these issues immediately resolved. Even though the problem of low water pressure is visible, the cause of it could be a multitude of issues.

Here are the most common issues:

• A leak in your plumbing system
• Water valves
• Mineral deposit buildup
• Particles in your water
• Clogged pipes

It is important when discovering low water pressure to explore all options when finding a solution considering low water pressure could be an easy fix or a very extensive one.

First, determine if the low water pressure in your home is only flowing from one location or are all water fixtures in your home having low water pressure. This could determine if it is the plumbing fixture itself causing the low water pressure. If it is just the one plumbing fixture, this could point to either a clogged fixture or you may need to replace the aerator. If this is the case, you will need to remove your faucet and clean the aerator and make sure it is free of debris and buildup. Once cleaned and put back together, check if the water is flowing correctly, if not, then this means your home has an overall plumbing issue.

If you have tested for a singular location and came up negative, your next move should to be to check the following:

• Check to see if low water pressure is only occurring when you are drawing warm water. If this is the case, the issue may be your water heater.
• Shut off valves can also be an issue. Check to make sure your shut off valve is not closed. Sometimes the valves can loosen making the water pressure not as strong.
• If you have not flushed your water heater recently, you may have mineral deposit build up that needs to be flushed out. Our blog The Importance of Annually Flushing Your Water Heater explains why this is important.
• Check your pipes! if you have old cast iron pipes, you may need to descale them. The buildup in these pipes can block flow of water leaving you with low water pressure. Our blog What You Need to Know About Descaling Sewer Lines explains in further detail.
• Lastly, check for leaks. Leaks can mean a major problem in your plumbing lines and you will need to call a professional to solve this issue. It is best when discovering a leak to then turn off your water valve until a professional is present to make sure there is no further damage to your home or plumbing system.

Call Aztec Plumbing & Drains when this problem occurs, do not try to fix this issue yourself as it could result in even more damage than before. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers at Aztec Plumbing Inc. have got you covered from A to Z!