Having a low water pressure in your home’s plumbing is a problem that is sometimes easy to solve with some diy plumbing repairs, other times the solution can be a little more complicated and a lot more expensive. To be able to solve your low water pressure problem it is vital that you first try to asses what the underlying causes of the low water pressure can be.

Imagine you just turned on the faucet in the shower and little to no water streams out of the shower head. Or you turn on faucets in the kitchen and, instead of a steady stream of water, only a few drips come out. It is the low water pressure inside your plumbing that is causing these problems.

Some causes of low water pressure are:

• Mineral deposit Build-ups
• High Elevation
• Hidden Water leaks
• Broken Pressure Regulator
• Worn out Home Valves

Identifying the exact cause of the problem with the water pressure is the first step toward properly fixing it. Usually you will soon discover the reason why you’re having low water pressure, but in some extreme cases, you will have troubleshoot the problem by exploring all of the possible causes

Get rid of Mineral Deposit Build-Up

Over time, the water pipes can get clogged by mineral deposit build-ups that form on the inside of the pipes. This build-up usually just clog the faucets and the showerheads, not allowing the faucet or shower to use the full water pressure. Under extreme conditions the build up can even partially block the flow of water through the pipes themselves.

To alleviate the problem of buildups you should clean out the faucet heads and filters or showerhead in your bathroom or kitchen. If this does not resolve the problem and you believe it is a mineral deposit build-up causing your low water pressure, then you may have to call a professional plumbing expert to assess and solve the problem.

Elevation Causing Low Water Pressure

The location and more important the elevation of your water storage tank also affects the water pressure. If your water tank is located at a lower altitude then your home, then you might experience problems with water pressure due to this difference in height. To take full advantage of gravity you should make sure that the water inside the storage tank is located at a higher level than your home. This will help the water flow quicker and more powerful, giving you a higher water pressure.

Repair Hidden Water Leaks

Hidden leaks caused by cracked or damaged water pipes can also cause water pressure drops. Water leaking from the pipes will cause low water pressure because not all of the water is reaching your faucet.

Check your plumbing for any visible damage or leaks. A simple trick to figure out if you have a leak is to shut off the main water valve in your home and check if the meter reading on your water meter goes up over time, say an hour or so. If the reading increases then you know you have a hidden leak.

Replace Broken Pressure Regulator

A pressure regulator is a plumbing device that is shaped in the form of a bell. The pressure regulator can usually be found just below the “hose connection” in the front of your home, but it could well be located in an entirely different area depending upon the construction of your home.

When a pressure regulator breaks and stops working, it will cause low water pressure in some or all of the water fixtures in your home. Replacing the regulators is one plumbing job that is better left to a professional plumber. The plumber can easily replace or repair a regulator at a reasonable price.

Turning Your Home Valves

Valves are made to be able to turn open and closed, which can mean that the valve sometimes gets turned by accident without the homeowner even realizing it. There is usually a main water valve in a home. If this valve is shut off or when it is only partially turned on, it will affect the water flow in your home. Make sure that the valve to the water main is completely turned on if you experience any water pressure problems.