Low Water Pressure? Here’s How to Fix It

Nothing is quite as terrible as a low water pressure shower. There you are, expecting a thorough head massage from your shower head, but instead the water just trickles, barely rinsing the shampoo out of your hair. Good thing we’re here to help.

Where in the house are you experiencing low water pressure?

• Throughout the whole house
• In the shower
• In the sink(s)
• In the washing machine
• Somewhere else
• It only occurs when the water is hot

Low water pressure throughout the whole house

Here’s what might be causing the issue:

• The main water valve is not open. Solution: Inspect your water heater for the issue, and open the valve completely.
• Your main water supply (your water heater) has suffered from a leak. Solution: Check the source of your main water supply, and make sure it is not leaking. If it is, call us immediately!

Low water pressure in your shower

Here’s what might be causing the issue:

• It is most likely is a result of a clogged shower head. Solution: Just undo your shower head and soak it in a water-vinegar solution for at least 8 hours.

Low water pressure in your sink(s)

Here’s what might be causing the issue:

• It could be a clogged faucet. Solution: Do the same as you would for your shower head! Undo the faucet head and soak it in a water-vinegar solution for at least 8 hours.
• Your main water supply might not be open, or its suffering from a leak. Solution: Check the source of your main water supply, and make sure it is not leaking. If it is, call us immediately!
• It could also go deeper than just the head! The drains themselves might be clogged. Solution: If you’re an expert DIY-er, take a look at our video on unclogging a slow drain to fix things up by yourself:

If you would prefer that we take care of your issue, go ahead and read more about our drain cleaning services for more information on what to do if you are experiencing issues with clogged drains, and how we can help.

Low water pressure in your washing machine

Here’s what might be causing the issue:

• Your main water valve is not open all of the way. Solution: Inspect your water heater for the issue, and open the valve completely.
• Your main water supply has suffered from a leak. Solution: Check the source of your main water supply, and make sure it is not leaking.

Low water pressure somewhere else in the house

If you are experiencing low water pressure in your home in areas other than those listed above, there might be a larger issue going on.

Before you jump to the worst case scenario, though, make sure to check on your main water supply, as explained at the beginning of this article.

If you still can’t figure out the cause, there’s likely a greater plumbing issue

Feel free give us a call or start a chat if you need advice. If you live in New England, you can book an appointment to have one of our plumbers come out and take a look in person. He or she will be able to diagnose the problem with more precision, and help you get it fixed up faster!