Many of us have been there, you step into the shower, turn on the tap and you feel like you would have better success at getting your hair wet by standing in the rain. Or perhaps you turn on your faucet to do the dishes and you can’t even get enough pressure to rinse a plate. Low water pressure can be frustrating, the good news is though it could be an easy fix!
If you are experiencing low water pressure the first step is to determine where the issue lies. Is it localized (i.e. kitchen sink) or an issue in the entire home?
Entire House
If it is the entire home there are a few things you can check:
- Find out if your home has a water pressure reducing valve. If it does have one then ask a plumber to adjust the valve so that it allows an increase in flow (pressure) to the house. Here is an example of what it might look like:
- If there is no valve check to see that the main shut-off valve is open all the way. This you will be able to adjust yourself.
- Still having an issue? Check for leaks in the main by looking for water in the basement and/or garage. Also try looking outside to check the ground (if possible) where the main meets the city supply. If the ground should be dry and it is wet that may be where your issue lies.
- If it is just your hot water that has low pressure the issue will be related to the hot water heater. Check to see that the shut-off valve leading to the tank is open all the way. If it is then you will need to call a plumber to assess the appliance.
Localized Issue
If the issue with water pressure has to do with one fixture like your kitchen faucet or your shower head look for the following:
- Hard water build-up: This is a very common problem and an easy fix. The build-up can look like this:
To fix this issue soak the fixture nozzle in vinegar. You can do this by disassembling the nozzle and putting it in a bucket with the solution or even tying a bag with vinegar over the nozzle like this:
- If this doesn’t solve the issue then it could be a clogged line leading to the fixture. This is best handled by your plumber.
If you still are unable to pinpoint the issue of your low water pressure or you found it and you are unable to safely handle the issue yourself, contact your local plumber to fix the damage, especially if it is located underground.
Does this post answer your questions? Please comment below, we would love to hear from you!