Low water pressure can be inconvenient, annoying and just plain frustrating. If you’re experiencing periodic or constant low water pressure, you may be asking yourself if there’s a problem with your plumbing. Let’s go over a few reasons your water pressure is low – and how to fix it. 

Too Much Water Usage 

If you notice the water pressure is lower than normal, take stock of how much water is currently being used. If two people are taking showers, the washing machine is running and you’re trying to wash dishes, too much water usage is the source of the problem. 

You likely won’t notice a difference if you’re using only a couple of appliances, but it’s a good idea to stagger activities that use water throughout the day. If you’re planning to do laundry and wash the dishes at the same time, don’t plan on showering at the same moment. Likewise, try not to let the family take showers all at once. This will help you maintain great water pressure all day. 

Is The Water Shutoff Valve Open? 

If you’ve recently had plumbing work done and have been dealing with low water pressure ever since, check your home’s water shutoff valve. This valve controls the flow of water into your home and is likely not open all the way. While you can call a plumber to fix this, you can easily do it yourself by locating your main water shutoff valve and opening it. You’ll do this one of two ways, depending on the type of valve installed:
 

• If the valve has a lever that moves only 90 degrees, turn the handle so it’s in line with the pipe. 

• If the valve has a handle that turns like a wheel, turn it counter-clockwise until it will no longer turn. Then turn it a quarter turn clockwise to prevent the valve from getting stuck. 

Check Your Pressure Regulator 

Some homes in areas that experience above average water pressure have pressure regulators installed near the main shutoff valve to prevent high water pressure from damaging the plumbing. So, if your home has a pressure regulator, your low water pressure may be caused by an incorrectly set or broken pressure regulator. If your pressure regulator is set to lower than 50 psi (the usual default setting), you can adjust it up to 50 psi. If it’s already set correctly, contact a plumber to inspect it for potential problems. 

Plumbing System Problems 

If none of the above issues returns your water pressure to normal, you may have buildup or corrosion in your pipes. Both of these are significant problems that need immediate attention. If you suspect corroded pipes or buildup in your plumbing, contact a professional plumber to pinpoint the issue and begin repairs. 

 

Contact Mr. Plumber Plumbing Company today to begin a service request or receive more information.