There is nothing more frustrating than hopping into the shower only to find that the faucet is at a trickle, or having to run a dishwasher multiple times before the plates come back clean. Before you blame your appliance, we recommend that you test your water flow. Water pressure issues are incredibly common in homes across the Lower Mainland, but that doesn’t mean you should have to live with the low water pressure.
A drop in water pressure is more than an annoyance; it can be a symptom of much bigger issues in your plumbing system. This is why it’s important to consult a plumbing expert at the first sign of reduced water pressure.
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
There are plenty of reasons that you might be experiencing low water pressure, ranging from clogged pipes, failing pressure regulators, closed valves and other serious plumbing issues. In certain cases, reduced water pressure can be solved with a thorough cleaning of faucet aerators or clogged showerheads, while others might need more in-depth repairs.
- Showers and faucets are delivering less water than usual.
- Toilets, tubs and sinks are taking longer to fill.
- Weak flow in both hot and cold water taps.
- Appliances like washing machines or dishwashers take longer to run.
The first step to solving a problem is to identify the root cause, and an experienced plumber can help. It is not possible to fix low water pressure if you don’t know where the pinch-point is. Plumbers will review flow rates, determining if low pressure is relegated to one area or if it is widespread throughout the home.
Outdated Plumbing Systems: Depending on the age of your home, the plumbing systems might be outdated. Many older homes were built using half-inch pipes. The narrower your pipes are, the less water pressure you’ll have. Combine these narrow pipes with buildup or small clogs, and there will be a major reduction. Newer homes are built using 1-inch pipes for increased water pressure and a lower risk of clogging. Plumbers can update older systems.
Unopened Valves: This one might seem obvious, but it’s a common mistake for homeowners. Before panicking over low water pressure, check that each valve is fully open and that water can pass through. If you’re not sure where to find each of these valves (including the valves attached to the main water meter), just ask a plumber! Valves will often require specialized tools, and using the wrong ones can cause damage. With that in mind, it’s always better to call a plumber!
Hidden Leaks: Not all plumbing leaks are obvious. Even a small leak somewhere in your plumbing system will reduce water pressure, but it can also cause serious damage to walls and flooring. If there is a leak in a low-traffic area of a home, like crawlspaces, basements or attics, it can go months or years without detection. In addition to low water flow, some symptoms of leaks include water stains, damp drywall or spikes in water bills.
Old or Corroded Pipes: After decades of use, it’s common for pipes to experience mineral buildup. This buildup narrows and restricts the pathway for water flow. Water will have to work through this buildup to reach faucets or showerheads. The more buildup there is, the harder it has to work and the more frustrating it will be for you. Reduced pressure will take a shower from relaxing to stressful and make everyday chores like washing dishes that much more difficult. Plumbers will inspect pipes looking for any signs of leaks or breakage. These will create low water pressure and drive up water bills. These can be caused by force, root damage or corrosion and these issues will only get worse over time, so call a plumber at the first sign of trouble.
Faulty Pressure Regulators: Pressure regulators are designed to stabilize the flow of incoming water. A failing regulator might lower pressure in multiple areas throughout a home. Failing regulators might show up as low or irregular flow (think drops and spikes). A plumber has the right tools to test and replace regulators as needed. For larger homes with older plumbing systems, it’s common to have booster pumps installed to help increase movement through water lines.
Clogged Faucets & Showerheads: In areas with hard water, mineral deposits can collect in the screens of faucets and showerheads. If low water pressure is regulated to one room or a specific tub or shower, there’s a really good chance that a deep cleaning and removal of mineral deposits will take care of this specific problem.
In certain cases, low water pressure can be caused by a municipal water supply issue. For homeowners without plumbing experience, this can mean enacting a whole lot of trial and error, only to find out that the problem is out of your hands.
Working with a Plumber to Fix Low Water Pressure
Plumbers use specialized testing methods and tools to identify the root cause of low pressure. These methods can include visual or camera inspections, pressure testing and specialized leak detection methods. Once they’ve identified the culprit, plumbers create a pathway forward, whether it’s updating plumbing, clearing blockages, fixing regulators and other core services.
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections, particularly in older homes.
- Install filtration systems to minimize buildup and keep that water flowing.
- Replace aged or failing fixtures like boosters
- Call a plumber at the first sign of low water pressure!
