Why Is My Water Pressure Low? Common Causes & Plumbing Fixes

We get a lot of calls from people asking, “Why is my water pressure low?” We know from experience that low water pressure in houses in Nashville is a common issue. People quickly look for a plumber for low water pressure because it is a frustrating problem: low household water pressure makes showers ineffective, washing dishes tedious, and daily tasks just downright inconvenient. However, if you’d like to do some water pressure troubleshooting yourself before giving our Nashville plumbers a call, check out our breakdown of common causes and some practical DIY solutions

What Causes Low Water Pressure?

Several factors can lead to low water pressure in house plumbing systems:

• Hidden leaks: Undetected leaks in your pipes can reduce water pressure and waste water.
• Clogged pipes: Mineral buildup inside old galvanized pipes restricts water flow over time.
• Faulty pressure regulator: A malfunctioning pressure-reducing valve can lower pressure throughout your home.
• Partially closed shutoff valve: If the main water valve isn’t fully open, it can restrict flow.
• Municipal supply issues: Sometimes the problem originates from your city’s water supply.
• Broken pipe: If you notice that the water pressure in your house is suddenly low, it could indicate a burst pipe that requires immediate attention.

Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure

If you’re a reasonably handy individual, you can try the basic water pressure troubleshooting steps below to fix the low water pressure in your house before engaging a plumber:

1. First, check the water pressure at all faucets. Is the issue isolated to one location or affecting the whole house? (Low water pressure in the shower or low water pressure in the kitchen sink, for example.)
2. Inspect aerators and showerheads. Mineral deposits may clog these fixtures; if that’s the case, you may need to clean or replace them.
3. Check valve positions. Ensure the main water shutoff and any inline valves are fully open. Even if you haven’t done any home projects recently that required adjusting water valves, it’s still worth checking. Someone else might have adjusted them without your knowledge (sometimes children play with water shut-off valves and unknowingly compromise their family’s water supply).

If you’ve cleaned the fixtures and checked the valves but the issue persists, then it’s time to bring in a professional. More serious or complicated fixes, such as pipe replacement or pressure regulator repair, may be required.

Nashville Plumbers for Low Water Pressure Problems

A plumber for low water pressure can diagnose and fix problems safely and efficiently, restoring strong water flow throughout your home. Our licensed, insured, and highly-rated Nashville plumbers use specialized equipment to inspect for hidden leaks, test and replace faulty pressure regulators, and evaluate old, corroded pipes for replacement.

Call us today or schedule an appointment online to address the low water pressure issues in your house.