Experiencing low water pressure when you shower or use your sink can be irritating and inconvenient. What should be a stress-relieving and relaxing activity can become the opposite when things aren’t functioning as intended. But what exactly causes low water pressure, and what can you do about it? 

Several different factors can affect the water pressure in your home, and you’ll likely have to do a bit of investigative plumbing work to discover the issue at hand.

Test Multiple Locations

Homeowners should first verify if the issue occurs at other faucets and not just at one location. Test the water pressure of various faucets throughout your home. If every other faucet functions correctly, the problem is exclusive to one source. 

One common cause of low water pressure with showerheads or faucets is clogs caused by rust or mineral buildup. Homeowners will need to clean and remove anything that may be disrupting water flow to get things back to how they should be. 

Check For Leaks 

When experiencing problems with low water pressure, leak detection might be necessary. Toilets and areas like bathroom and kitchen sinks are common sites for leaks and should be the first places you examine. 

Some leaks can be challenging to spot, however, as they are hidden deep in the foundations of your home. In this instance, you’ll want to watch your monthly utility bills. If you suddenly find yourself paying much more on your water bill than before with no clear explanation, leaks could be the cause. 

As soon as you can confirm the existence of a leak, contact your plumbing service to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Unaddressed leaks can result in mold growth, waste tons of water, and severe plumbing issues. 

Examine Your Shut-Off Valve

Homeowners may have low water pressure simply because of their shut-off valve. A partially closed shut-off valve will reduce the water pressure throughout your home. 

Locate your shut-off valve and ensure it is entirely open so that your water flow isn’t disrupted. Most homes will have a shut-off valve in their basement. If this isn’t the case for you, you’ll need to look around your home for it. 

Check Your Hot and Cold Water

Your water heater could be to blame if you suffer from low water pressure. Check both your hot and cold water to confirm if this is the case. If your cold water runs as normal, there likely is something wrong with your water heater. 

Take a look at your water heater’s shut-off valve to check if it is partially closed, as it can affect your home’s water pressure. Opening your shut-off valve should fix the problem if this is the issue. If you continue to have low water pressure even after doing this, you’ll need to reach out to a professional plumbing service for help. 

The best source for world-class plumbing solutions is ProFlo. Our industry-leading plumbing services will fulfill whatever residential and commercial plumbing need you have. Our skilled team of plumbers has successfully worked to deliver long-lasting, healthy plumbing services to countless Murrieta, Temecula and Canyon Lake residents. To experience our plumbing services for yourself, call us today at (951) 694-1300 to schedule an appointment or request a free estimate.