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Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure turning daily tasks into a drag? This guide breaks down the likely causes of your home's weak water pressure and how to fix it.

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Few things are more annoying than wanting to enjoy your shower only to be met with a trickle of water. Or having to run a load of laundry multiple times because your washer never gets enough water.

If low water pressure is making tasks around your home more difficult, it’s probably leaving you feeling frustrated. But don’t give up just yet – this guide will allow you to understand and identify the common causes of weak water pressure. That way you can finally get your H2O flowing freely again.

What Is Low Water Pressure?

Low water pressure refers to a lower than desired water flow from fixtures and taps inside a home. 

While some drop in pressure is normal when multiple water sources are in use, a consistent and significant lack of pressure usually indicates an underlying issue.

You’ll likely notice lower water pressure because of:

  • Reduced flow from your showerhead
  • Longer wait times for taps to get hot
  • Toilets that are slow to fill
  • Washing machines not filling properly

Sometimes, low water pressure is caused by uncontrollable issues with the source of your water, whether that be a public or private company. No matter what, A1 Sewer & Drain has the tools and experience to solve the issue.

What Causes Low Water Pressure in a Home?

Low water pressure is generally caused by a few main issues:

  • Partial blockages in supply lines or pipes can restrict flow to fixtures. Sediment, mineral deposits, and corrosion buildup are common culprits. Targeted drain cleaning can remove obstructions.
  • Outdated, faulty plumbing components like pressure regulator valves and water meters can fail to deliver adequate pressure. Replacing worn parts restores proper PSI.
  • Undersized supply pipes for the home’s size and number of fixtures puts limits on water flow, especially when multiple taps are in use. Upsizing to wider pipes may be needed.
  • Low water pressure only in one part of the home indicates a localized problem with fittings or blockages in that area.

However, for homes on well water, problems with the well pump, pressure tank, or pipes running from the well cause low pressure. This might look like:

  • Defective well pump unable to keep up with demand
  • Clogged water lines or valves connecting the well to the home
  • Outdated pressure tank requiring replacement
  • Leaks in underground piping causing loss of pressure
  • Servicing the well system can resolve low pressure issues.

Low water supply pressure from the municipality affects all homes in the area. The water company needs to address issues with their infrastructure.

Inspecting all home plumbing and appliances helps pinpoint issues specific to the property. But if municipal pressure is low, the problem originates off site. Either way, identifying the root cause is key to increasing water pressure.

Can Low Water Pressure Be Fixed?

Thankfully, yes—there are solutions for restoring water pressure in your home. While DIY improvements (like replacing old showerheads) may provide a temporary fix, addressing the root cause is the only way to truly solve low water pressure.

For the most effective repairs, we recommend professional expertise. Working with a professional plumbing company ensures the people fixing your home have adequate tools and knowledge on the subject.

Our experienced plumbers at A1 Sewer & Drain have the training to diagnose pressure problems and then provide appropriate remedies. In many cases, we can restore full pressure without the need for major repairs.

How to Fix Low Water Pressure

Depending on the cause, professionals will take any of the following solutions to restore your home’s water pressure:

  • Flush out partially clogged pipes
  • Replace outdated pipe fittings causing flow loss
  • Repair well pump and components if needed
  • Install a booster pump system to increase pressure from the main line
  • Replace the regulator valve or water meter if faulty

At A1 Sewer & Drain, we’re proud of our nearly 40 years of local experience. Armed with tried and true  plumbing expertise, we come to every home prepared. 

No matter your situation, our team adapts. We’ll ensure the work is completed to the highest standard and provides long-lasting results.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Plumbing Problems

It’s easy to overlook small plumbing issues like reduced water pressure or a constantly dripping faucet. But minor problems often worsen over time and lead to more headaches if left unaddressed. When it comes to your home’s plumbing, being proactive is key for preventing larger issues down the road.

Putting off plumbing issues (like low water pressure) is a surefire way to cause more problems to arise. Taking swift action provides the following benefits: 

  • Prevent minor problems from escalating into major repairs
  • Avoid paying for expensive emergency plumbing services
  • Reduce water waste from leaks and other hidden problems
  • Improve convenience by ensuring all plumbing operates properly
  • Decrease risk of water damage to walls, floors, and fixtures

Contact A1 Sewer & Drain for Water Pressure Solutions

If inconsistent or inadequate water pressure is an annoyance in your home, the experts at A1 Sewer & Drain can help. Contact us to schedule an inspection so we can determine the cause and provide the best possible solutions. Our locally trusted approach restores your home’s water pressure and makes everything flow smoothly again.

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FAQs

Most homes have around 45-65 PSI of water pressure. Flow rates below 40 PSI will start to feel restricted.

Issues like clogged shower head filters, kinks in the shower supply line, or outdated plumbing just affecting the shower can lead to isolated low pressure.

Yes, high water demand from multiple smart devices like sprinklers and high-flow fixtures running simultaneously can potentially cause temporary pressure drops.

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Hampton Roads

516 S. Military Hwy
Virginia Beach, VA 23464