That’s Weak: 6 Common Causes of Weak Water Pressure and How to Fix It

Weak, or low, water pressure can lead to embarrassment or frustration – like having a clogged toilet during a dinner party (eek!) or looking forward to a long, hot shower only to be welcomed with a trickle. And not only that, but keep in mind how this low flow can make a big impact on your wallet

When Water Pressure Dips

For residents, low water pressure is defined as a reading below 40 pounds per square inch (psi). The typical residential water pressure should be between 45 to 55 psi. You can install a pressure gauge to help track your home’s water pressure, or you can ask a trusted plumber from Bonney to install one.  It’s recommended you check your home’s water pressure at least twice a year.

What Might be Impacting Your Water Supply 

Several factors can contribute to weak water pressure – some are easy fixes and some might require a professional. Here are six common causes and possible solutions to end the low water pressure in your home.

Too Much Usage at Once: While you might like multitasking your chores on the weekend – like running the dishwasher, doing the laundry, watering the garden and washing the car, all of these happening at once can hamper your water supply. 

Water pressure could also be impacted when several people in one household take a shower at the same time. The easiest way to work around the nuisance of low water pressure is to coordinate when you’re using your plumbing fixtures. Simply alternating times so not every faucet, hose or shower is running at once can save some aggravation. Alternatively, you can upgrade to larger supply lines.

Old or Faulty Fixtures: Faucets and showerheads can become clogged with mineral deposits over time. You can try to clean the shower head or clean out the screen on the aerator. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace the fixture.

Broken Pressure Regulator: Water pressure regulators are designed to help stabilize water pressure in your home, keeping it within a certain range. When these regulators go bad, your water pressure can either become too high or too low.

Hidden (or unknown) Leaks: You might not realize you have a leak lurking in your home, but a leak can certainly lead to reduced pressure. Look around your toilets, sinks, appliances and pipes for any leaks and be sure to repair them or replace the cause promptly. 

Clogged Pipes: Hair, food, soap scum and other debris can build up over time in the pipes and reduce the ability to drain properly. These blockages will disrupt the flow, which will impact your water pressure. You can snake the pipes, but if that is ineffective, a plumber from Bonney can professionally clean the pipes and examine them for potential problems.  

Closed Valves: You could inadvertently have a closed or partially closed water shutoff valve, which controls the flow of water into your home. How you open the valve depends on which type it is: for a lever-type valve, move the handle until it is in line with the water pipe. To open a wheel-type valve, turn the wheel counterclockwise until it is tight. Then, turn it a quarter turn clockwise, which prevents the valve from getting stuck or springing a leak.

Plumbers in Sacramento

If you’re tired of dealing with weak water pressure and want reliable solutions, it’s time to call in the experts. At Bonney, our skilled plumbers are dedicated to getting your water flowing the way it should. We understand the importance of maintaining proper water pressure for comfort and efficiency in your home. Whether it’s fixing leaks, replacing fixtures, or addressing a faulty pressure regulator, Bonney has the expertise to handle it all. Contact Bonney, Sacramento’s trusted plumbing professionals, and enjoy the confidence of knowing your home’s water pressure is in capable hands. Give us a call today and let’s bring strong, steady water flow back into your life!