When your home has low water pressure you tend to notice it. It can present itself in a number of different ways. It can take a long time for the sink to fill up when washing dishes or your shower head might not be spraying as strong as you would like. Low water pressure can affect your dishwasher and washing machine too.

What are the most common reasons for low water pressure?

Water Meter Valve

In a lot of houses, there are actually two main shut-off valves that control the flow of water into the home. One of these is the water meter valve found outside your house that usually belongs to the city. If your water pressure is low, it's possible that this valve isn't fully open. There might have been repairs or work that had been completed recently and the valve was never fully opened again. If you live in a colder climate, this valve might be indoors in a garage or utility area of your home.

Main Shut-Off Valve

If your water meter valve is fully open and working properly – if you are unsure of this, call the city to have a repairman come and check it out for you, then check your home's main shut-off valve. This might not have been opened completely after any work had been done. This is found where the main water line comes into the home and where your water heater is located.

Water Pressure Regulator

A common reason your water pressure is low could be there is a problem with your water pressure regulator. If your home has one, this regulator is used to control the input pressure in your plumbing system and reduces any excess pressure to prevent damage to your pipes.

If your home does have one, it's possible that this regulator is failing and either causing an upwards spike in your water pressure, or it can have the opposite effect and your water pressure will go down. If this is the problem it's best to call a professional to handle the repair or replacement.

System Replacement

It is possible that your entire plumbing system might need to be replaced as well. If you have an older home and one that hasn't had new pipes, water heater or if you have galvanized iron pipes, it's possible you are in for an entire system upgrade.

If you have noticed the water pressure has reduced gradually over time and is much slower than that of your neighbors, you might need new pipes installed along with other major parts of the system. Have a professional come and check out your existing system and pipes and see if water pressure repair is needed.