Don’t Put Up with Low Water Pressure
How to Improve Water Pressure in Your Home Fast
Low water pressure has many potential causes including clogged aerators and hidden leaks. Figuring out why your water pressure is weak is a critical first step. By gathering information, you can solve the problem, perhaps with the help of a professional plumber in Mesa or Chandler.
Improving Water Pressure in Maricopa County
It’s easy to notice when your water pressure has taken a sudden dip. One day, you are enjoying a refreshing shower with plenty of force, and the next morning it seems like the water is barely dripping out of the showerhead. What happened? How did your plumbing performance change so quickly?
This can be a troublesome problem for homeowners. Part of the problem is that many homeowners know little about how their plumbing works, and they don’t realize that many potential issues can cut into water pressure. The good news is that some of the potential issues here are easy to fix. Others may require help from a professional plumber in Maricopa County.
Taking a Closer Look at the Problem
By answering some basic questions, you can zoom in on the issue and start to eliminate possibilities one at a time:
Is the whole house affected?
If the water pressure in your entire house is weak, you’ll know right away that you are dealing with an upstream issue. Potential culprits include the main shutoff valve, the pressure regulator, or even the municipal supply in Maricopa County.
Are both hot and cold water weak?
If only your hot water seems to have lost pressure, the problem is probably within the water heater or its supply lines. On the other hand, if both hot and cold are weak, it could be the main line or the pressure regulator that is affected.
How quickly did the pressure drop?
Sometimes, water pressure drops suddenly without any warning. When that happens, you may be dealing with a single event, like a supply line break or a valve that was closed by accident. For gradual declines that worsen over weeks or months, you may have mineral buildup or scale accumulation somewhere in the system.
Does time of day matter?
When water pressure issues only present themselves during certain parts of the day, such as early in the morning, the problem likely resides outside of your house. It could be that too many of your neighbors are using water at the same time, causing the pressure coming from the municipal supply to temporarily drop.
The Difference Between Pressure and Flow
To the average homeowner in Maricopa County, water flow and water pressure might sound like different ways to say the same thing. That’s not the case, however. Understanding why they aren’t the same will help you better grasp why some water pressure fixes can work while others won’t make any difference:
- Water Pressure: Water pressure is the force pushing water through the pipes. It’s measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI.
- Water Flow: Water flow is the volume of water moving through a pipe over a given period of time, usually measured in gallons per minute, or GPM.
It’s possible for you to have adequate water pressure in your home but poor flow. This happens when a pipe is partially blocked by buildup, narrowing the opening that the water can use to go through. In that scenario, the water pressure at the fixture will feel weak, but it’s actually a problem of flow rather than pressure.
The opposite condition is also possible. You might have steady flow because your pipes are clear, but there could be low water pressure if your regulator isn’t working correctly, or if the municipal supply isn’t providing enough force. Knowing there are two possible reasons your water pressure feels low, you’ll be better able to work through the list of potential causes below and zero in on the likely source of the issue.
Potential Causes of Low Water Pressure
There are a few causes that lead to most residential low-water-pressure issues in Maricopa County. If you have noticed the water in your home isn’t flowing as it used to, one of the points listed below may be the cause:
Mineral Buildup
Hard water can leave calcium and magnesium deposits inside aerators, showerheads, and pipes. As those openings narrow, the amount of water reaching the fixture can drop even when the home's static water pressure is normal. This issue is a slow, cumulative process rather than something that will cause your water pressure to drop all at once.
A Partially Closed Shutoff Valve
There are a number of different valves integrated into your plumbing system. There is the main shutoff valve that can turn the water off to your entire house, for example, and there are also fixture-specific valves under sinks. If any of these is partially closed, whether intentionally or by accident, the water pressure downstream of that point will be reduced.
A Failing Pressure Regulator
Some homes have a pressure regulator that reduces incoming water pressure before it reaches the plumbing system. If your home has one and it begins to fail, you may notice low, high, or inconsistent pressure throughout the house.
Hidden Leaks
If a supply line has a leak, whether it’s inside a wall, under a slab, or anywhere else out of sight, your pressure will drop. This can cause a sudden loss of water pressure, since the leak could start without warning and immediately reduce the force behind the flow of water from your fixtures.
A Corroded Pipe
While this isn’t a problem with modern PEX pipes, it is an issue in older homes that have galvanized steel supply lines. Those are prone to corrosion over the long run, which will gradually narrow the pipe and make it hard to maintain proper pressure.
A Simple Checklist for Homeowners in Mesa
Before you pick up the phone to call a plumber, there are some points you can work through on your own to see if a relatively simple fix may be all that is needed to solve the problem:
- Clean Faucet Aerators: This is a simple task, so you might as well start here. Unscrew the aerator from the tip of the faucet and soak it in white vinegar for 10 to 20 minutes. Then use an old toothbrush to scrub it, reattach the aerator to the faucet, and see if the flow of water has improved.
- Clean Your Showerhead: If water pressure issues occur in the shower, the small holes in the showerhead might be clogged with mineral deposits. Again, a vinegar soak can help to restore flow. Alternatively, you may wish to simply replace the showerhead with a new one.
- Check All Shutoff Valves: It will only take a few minutes to walk around your home and confirm that all shutoff valves in your plumbing system are in the fully open position.
- Check for Leaks: You can’t see all of your pipes, but you can look for the signs of leaks such as damp spots on walls, ceilings, or under sinks. Also, you can turn off all of your fixtures and then go out to your water meter. If the meter is still moving while your fixtures are off, that points to a leak that you can’t see.
- Reduce Competing Use: Sometimes, low water pressure doesn’t point to a problem so much as indicate that a change in habits is necessary. If you are demanding too much from your plumbing system at one time, such as taking a shower while running the dishwasher and washing machine, pressure is naturally going to drop.
When You Need to Call a Plumber
If you’ve gone through the entire checklist above and still aren’t happy with the results, calling the plumbing team at John’s Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing may be your next step. You can connect with us at 480.649.1000, and we’ll be happy to chat about your situation.
It’s a good idea to call for help if you suspect that one of your plumbing system’s main components is to blame for the poor pressure. There are specific tools that may be required to adjust certain parts, such as the pressure regulator. In addition to not having the right tools, you likely don’t have the expertise to correctly test potentially failing components to confirm whether they are causing the problem.
As soon as you stray beyond the basics of cleaning aerators and showerheads, it's best to turn the problem over to a trained professional.
Plumbing Services That Can Help
The right plumbing service for your water pressure problem will depend entirely on what is causing the issue in the first place. So, while all of the services below may be helpful to deal with low pressure, the only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment with John’s so we can take a look at the system in person:
- Booster Pump Installation: If you consistently have low incoming water pressure, a booster pump may be the best way to increase that pressure and make your plumbing more enjoyable to use.
- Pressure Valve Replacement: Replacing a failed pressure regulator will restore the consistent flow of properly pressurized water that you have been missing.
- Home Repiping: This is the appropriate service for homes that have older, corroding pipes. Upgrading to new copper or PEX pipes will resolve the pressure loss issue and provide many years of reliable performance.
- Repairing Leaks: If your reduction in water pressure is tied to a leak, or multiple leaks, prompt repair work from a plumber is in order. Not only will fixing the leaks improve your water pressure, but it will also prevent further water damage to the affected areas of your home.
- Removing Supply Line Blockages: An experienced plumber in Mesa can clear supply lines that have narrowed as a result of mineral scale or debris buildup. Or, if the line can’t be effectively cleaned, that section could be replaced.
How a Plumber Determines the Cause of Low Pressure
As a starting point, your plumber will likely take a pressure reading at an outdoor spigot. This will establish a baseline and determine whether the problem is impacting the whole house or just certain fixtures. Normal residential water pressure will fall between 40 and 80 PSI, so anything below that range will be cause for concern.
Next, readings can be taken throughout the home in various locations. This will help your plumber narrow down the possibilities and hone in on the source of the issue. If a leak is suspected, leak detection equipment such as acoustic sensors may be used to detect water escaping from a pipe. In an older home, a flow test may also be used in a few different areas, as this is a good way to determine if old pipes have narrowed and need to be either cleaned out or replaced.
Call John’s Today for Water Pressure Help
Low water pressure is a frustrating problem, but you don’t have to deal with it much longer. If the cause of your poor water pressure is an issue within your plumbing system, the plumbers at John’s are ready to solve the problem.
Reach out now at 480.649.1000 or fill out our form to schedule an appointment. In most cases, we are able to quickly determine and resolve the cause of low water pressure for our customers. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I test my home’s water pressure?
A pressure gauge is the most accurate way to assess your water pressure, and you can purchase one at your local hardware store. The gauge is attached to an outdoor hose spigot and measures the pressure when the line is fully open. Healthy water pressure usually falls between 40 and 80 PSI. If yours is significantly lower, reach out to our plumbers for assistance.
Why did my water pressure suddenly drop?
Sudden water pressure drops can be attributed to valves that were closed (either intentionally or by accident), new leaks, burst lines, or changes on the municipal supply side. If you notice a slower decline in pressure over months or years, it is likely due to mineral buildup rather than a sudden, dramatic event.
Why is the water pressure low in only one faucet?
When water pressure is low in just one of your faucets or fixtures, you have already isolated the problem and can be sure it’s not a whole-house plumbing issue. In this case, look for issues like a clogged aerator, a partially closed shutoff valve, or a supply line issue. These kinds of water pressure issues are usually rather easy and affordable to fix.
Why is my shower pressure weaker than the sink pressure?
Showerheads are particularly prone to mineral buildup clogs because the holes in the showerhead are so small. Sometimes, simply cleaning the showerhead to clear the holes is all it takes to restore proper water pressure. If that doesn’t solve the problem, you may have a leak in the supply line running up to the showerhead.
Why is the water pressure low only upstairs?
The plumbing system has to overcome gravity to supply the upstairs with water, so even a slight pressure loss anywhere in the system can lead to poor pressure on the upper floor. You may notice the problem upstairs first if you have issues with scale buildup or a failing pressure regulator. Use that sign to have your fixture inspected by the plumbers at John’s before things get worse.
Why is my hot water pressure lower than my cold water pressure?
When hot water comes out weaker than cold water, sediment buildup in the hot water tank may be to blame. The flow of water is restricted by that buildup, and you lose water pressure as a result.
Why does my water pressure drop when someone flushes a toilet?
It’s normal to have a temporary drop in water pressure when any other fixture is used at the same time. This is particularly common in older homes with relatively narrow piping. If the water pressure doesn’t recover quickly after the toilet is flushed, consider installing a larger supply line to improve performance.
How do I know whether my main water valve is fully open?
First, find your main water valve. If it’s in a dark spot, grab a flashlight so you can see it clearly. If it’s a gate valve, make sure it’s turned counterclockwise as far as it can go. For a ball valve, the handle should be positioned parallel to the pipe. If you find that your main water valve was partially closed, opening it all the way can help solve your pressure problems.
Can hard water cause low water pressure?
Absolutely. Hard water is high in mineral content, and those minerals will deposit inside your plumbing and fixtures. Things like showerheads, aerators, and pipes will gradually narrow as mineral buildup occurs. Hard water is common in Maricopa County, so this is an issue that you are likely to face in your home in Mesa or Chandler.
Can a clogged whole-house filter cause pressure problems?
If your whole-house water filter hasn’t been changed in a while, it can become clogged and start to restrict your water pressure. Fortunately, this is a pretty simple fix, as the filter can be checked and replaced to restore free water flow throughout your pipes.
Why does my outdoor faucet have better pressure than my indoor fixtures?
In many cases, outdoor spigots are closer to the main water supply, allowing them to maintain higher pressure. Fixtures inside the house are more affected by scale buildup in the pipes or by valve issues between the main source and the fixture itself.
Why is my refrigerator water dispenser running slowly?
If your refrigerator water dispenser is slow, that issue likely has nothing to do with your home’s water supply. Instead, it’s probably a clogged filter inside the fridge that is causing the issue. Replace the refrigerator’s water filter, and the proper pressure should come back.
Why does my sprinkler system have low pressure?
Start by paying attention to how much water you use inside while the sprinklers are on outside. For example, if you use the shower while also running the sprinklers, water pressure is sure to drop. If that’s not the problem, it could be due to a clogged backflow preventer, a partially closed valve, or damage to the irrigation system itself.
Why is the water pressure weak after plumbing repairs?
After plumbing repair work is complete, your water pressure should be at full strength. If it’s not, there may be a shutoff valve that wasn’t fully reopened, or there might be air trapped in the lines. The air issue should resolve itself after you use your plumbing for a day or two, and it’s worth checking the shutoff valves to confirm they're fully open.
How can I tell if the pressure problem is coming from the city?
Asking your neighbors is the best way to know if a water pressure problem is widespread. Check in with a couple of nearby homes and ask how their water pressure is doing. If it’s fine, the issue is likely with your plumbing and should be investigated further. However, if everyone on the block has low water pressure right now, the municipal supply is likely the culprit.
What water pressure problems can I safely fix myself?
Cleaning or replacing an aerator or showerhead is a simple job that you can put on your DIY list. You should also have no trouble checking on your shutoff valves to make sure they are open. Beyond that, calling 480.649.1000 to get help from our expert plumbers is the best way to go.
When should I call a plumber for low water pressure?
Reach out to a plumber at John’s when checking for basic issues, like a clogged fixture or a closed valve, doesn’t resolve the issue. If you suspect the issue might be a leak behind a wall or under a slab, or if anything comes up that requires specialized knowledge and tools, let the professionals handle it for the best results.
How can I prevent water pressure problems from coming back?
You can’t completely eliminate the risk of water pressure problems in your home in Maricopa County. However, you can stay ahead of the game by regularly cleaning your aerators and showerheads and addressing any small leaks promptly before they become bigger problems.