If multiple people in the homeowner's neighborhood are experiencing problems with their water pressure, this is likely a sign of a problem with the water supplier. In this situation, homeowners should contact their water supplier to find out if the supplier is aware of a problem impacting the homeowner's neighborhood.
A fast drop in only one faucet means there's a problem with the faucet. Rapid low pressure affecting one area of the house may mean a corroded pipe issue. An abrupt water pressure drop affecting the whole house may mean a water main break (municipal water) or a well pump problem (well water).
Clogs in your water supply pipes that lead to low water pressure are an issue for your plumber. Your plumber needs to assess the pipes to determine if cleaning is possible to remove buildup within the line or if the pipes need to be replaced.
There can be a variety of reasons for low water pressure in the outdoor faucet. These can include issues such as the faucet itself causing the problem, an issue with the water meter, and a leak in the water supply line.
If your pressure gauge reading was excessively low, it's time to visit the pressure regulator under your home. Your regulator will have an adjustment screw that can be adjusted to increase pressure with a clockwise turn of the main screw.
Check for leaks, twisting, and blockages. Fixing these issues will increase the pressure. If your hose is in good shape, then try a high-pressure nozzle or pressure booster to increase your hose's power. Also check your home water pressure and turn it up if it's too low.
The good news is that you can easily replace faucet aerators, clean showerheads to remove limescale, or simply buy new fixtures to replace the defective ones, which can improve your water pressure. However, it is important to know that repairing or replacing faucets and fixtures is only a temporary solution.
Low water pressure can be a symptom of a wide range of underlying conditions. While the appropriate response to some issues is to simply wait for the problem to resolve, other problems will require contacting a plumbing professional for emergency water leak repair.
If there's an accumulation of sediments in your hot water tank, it can lower your water pressure. The presence of kinks in the flexible water pipes used in water heaters can result in low water pressure. If the shut-off valve isn't fully open, water pressure can drop.
Expensive Water Bills: If your water bills seem a lot higher than expected, you're using more water than usual. This can be a sign that your pressure is too high.
“What's wrong with my faucet? It's sputtering water!” If you've encountered these issues recently, you likely have air trapped in your water pipes. These air bubbles usually find their way to the highest points in your plumbing system, lower water pressure, and inhibit the flow of water through the pipes.
Check Your Aerator
If you have especially hard water, aerators become clogged with hard water buildup, a common cause of low water pressure in kitchen fixtures. Clean your aerator for a quick and easy DIY fix. Remove the aerator from the faucet using pliers and a towel (to prevent scratching).
If you notice a sudden drop in your water pressure, this should be reported to your local water provider. If neighbours are having the same problems, it could be that there is a leak in the mains water pipe, stopping a lot of the water getting into your home in the first place.
Some of the first signs of a failing pressure regulator are a leaking water heater or commode. The water coming from a faucet may also exit with such force that splashing or water “hammering” may occur.
If you're suddenly getting low water pressure in one area of the house… ...the supply pipes to that area may either be corroded, leaking or blocked. If all the fixtures in an entire bathroom or the entire kitchen are suddenly getting low water pressure, you can trace the issue to the plumbing pipes.
If you have a combi boiler or unvented system, you're unlikely to experience any issues with low water pressure. However, with a gravity fed system, you may run into problems if you don't buy a shower suitable for your water pressure.
If the low water pressure seems restricted to a single faucet or showerhead, the problem isn't with your pipes or water supply, but with the fixture itself. If it's a sink, the most common causes are a clogged aerator or clogged cartridge.
Water Pressure Readings
Normal water pressure is generally between 40 and 60 PSI. Most homeowners prefer something right in the middle around 50 PSI. Once you measure the water pressure in your house, you can adjust it to a setting that is ideal for all family members and household uses.
Pressure-Reducing Valve
Look on the main supply pipe near your water meter for a conical valve that has a bolt sticking out of the cone. To raise pressure, turn the bolt clockwise after loosening its locknut.
Noisy pipes: Loud banging, hammering, or gurgling noises coming from your pipes can indicate the presence of air bubbles. Sputtering faucets: If your faucets are sputtering or spitting water when turned on, this is a clear sign that air is trapped in your plumbing system.
Air in water pipes also can have light sounds like hisses or small pops, so listen carefully. Now, sounds can come and go as regular use may help solve small pockets of air. However, if you hear these noises consistently, it is a sign that your plumbing system may need treatment.
Typically, water pressure regulators cost about $50 to $100 on average1, though you could end up paying up to $2001 depending on the size of incoming water line.
Do All Homes Have a Water Pressure Regulator? No, and in some cases, you may not need one. Certain municipal supplies regulate their water pressure safely, but if that pressure runs above 80 psi, you'll want to protect your plumbing system by installing one.