5 Causes Of Water Pressure Issues At Home

Occasionally your water pressure might be excessively high, and other times it is barely above a trickle. If the water pressure in your home is fluctuating and erratic, you may be perplexed as to what’s causing the issue. Pressure in the same outlet or pipes may change over time, or pressures may differ in different parts of the house.

Water pressure fluctuations can be aggravating. You may be standing in the shower when the water pressure drops, making your shower a chore rather than a pleasure. Or you could be filling a pot at the sink when the pressure rises and the sink sprays water on you.

One of the most commonly reported issues with fluid handling systems is fluctuating water pressure. You should be able to rely on a consistent, measurable flow when you have a system in place to deliver water, fertilizer, or other liquids. If you’re experiencing extreme fluctuations, one of the following problems could be to blame.

To get to the bottom of the issue of changing water pressure, it’s important to look at the possible causes. Here are some of them:

Clogged or Eroding Pipes

If your home’s plumbing system or the main pipes that supply it are several decades old, they are likely to be clogged, restricted, and clogged with debris. Water pressure can vary and fluctuate as pipes leak or clogs move around inside the pipes. 

If your plumbing system is old and has potential problems or leaks, you should have it inspected and possibly replaced as soon as possible. Even minor leaks can cause major harm and waste, whereas a burst pipe can result in flooding and costly renovation. If the problem appears to be with your mains supply, contact your local water authority.

Trapped Air in Pipes

When air becomes trapped in pipes, the water pressure fluctuates and sputters as the air and water move through the pipes. Because trapped air in pipes acts as a valve, water flow stops and starts in fits and bursts. A leaking suction line, punctured tank bladders, a faulty pump, gas buildup in the good system, or pipeline leaks can all allow air into the pipes.

Malfunctioning Water Pressure Regulator

Excessive pressure can cause pipes to leak or burst, resulting in waste. Examine the pressure regulator if you notice signs of sudden pressure bursts. These are designed to aid in pressure control and the protection of your fluid handling system. 

Installing the regulator at the water meter where it comes in from your municipal provider will ensure that it functions as a safety mechanism. Proper irrigation system water pressure will also help minimize misting and water waste.

Water Valve is Open

Many homes have two major shutoff valves that control the flow of water into the house. The first is the water meter valve, which is located on the main city supply pipe serving your home, right next to the water meter. This valve is normally not used because it technically belongs to the water company and is typically used only by water company personnel. However, if your water pressure is low throughout your home, especially after some plumbing work has been done, this valve may not be fully open.

Check the meter valve if you recently had a repair done and are now noticing a decrease in water pressure throughout your home. It may be located on an outside wall of the house (in warm climates), in an underground box between the house and the street, or in an interior utility area, such as a basement or attached garage. 

When the valve handle (which may simply be a metal tab transformed with a special wrench) is parallel with the water pipe, the valve is fully open. The handle is not fully open if it is set at an angle to the pipe.

Busy Water Line

Even neighbors filling a pool or using water for landscaping on the same main line as you can cause the pressure in your supply to fluctuate. Keep track of your neighbors’ water usage to see how it may affect your supply.

Key Takeaway

Home water pressure issues can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, all of which can be quite upsetting. Faucets may take an eternity to fill a sink or bathtub, or a showerhead may not provide the desired strong spray. Your dishwasher or washing machine may take significantly more time than it should to complete a cycle.

When only one fixture has low water pressure, it’s likely that the problem can be solved by focusing on that single fixture or the pipes that serve it. However, widespread water pressure problems affecting the entire house indicate a different problem. If your home’s water pressure appears to be low, the first step is to identify the source.