What Causes Low Water Pressure In Houses?

What Are the Main Causes of Low Water Pressure in a House?

Several factors can contribute to low water pressure in a residential plumbing system. These causes range from small, easily fixable problems to larger systemic issues that require professional intervention.

Some of the main causes include:

• Old galvanized pipes: Over time, galvanized steel pipes corrode internally, restricting water flow.
• Mineral build-up: Hard water areas can lead to significant mineral deposits inside pipes and fixtures, especially in older copper or CPVC piping systems.



• Restricted flow in the main supply line: Problems with your home's main water line, such as partial closures or blockages, can cause widespread pressure drops.
• Improperly sized pipes: If your home has been extended or remodeled without updating pipe sizing, you could be dealing with pipes that simply can't keep up with demand.
• Faulty water pressure regulators: Pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) can fail after 10-15 years, leading to unpredictable water pressure.
• Municipal supply issues: Sometimes the problem lies outside your home, especially if you're situated at a higher elevation.

Temporary issues like silt from water main repairs, partially closed valves, or a hot water heater problem can also cause sudden pressure drops. Diagnosing whether your low pressure is systemic (long-term) or temporary is key to finding the right solution.

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What Should I Check if My House Suddenly Has Low Water Pressure?

If your home suddenly experiences low water pressure, there are a few quick checks you can perform before calling in professional help:

1. Check the shut-off valves: Start by inspecting the main property shut-off valve and water meter to ensure the valves are fully open. Sometimes, after maintenance or emergencies, valves can be left partially closed without anyone realizing. If the pressure problem only affects the hot water, check the valves around your hot water heater as well.
2. Inspect for leaks: A hidden leak, particularly under a slab foundation, can cause a sudden drop in pressure. To check for leaks, shut off all water outlets in your home and monitor your water meter. If the meter continues to move, you may have an active leak that needs immediate attention.
3. Consider temporary causes: Think about whether there has been recent municipal work in your area. Construction activities can introduce silt and debris into the water system, clogging fixtures. It's also worth checking your aerators and showerheads for sediment build-up. To do so, unscrew and clean them to clear any blockages.

If you have checked all of these, it may be time to investigate whether an aging plumbing system is contributing to the problem.

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How Do Old Galvanized Pipes Affect Water Pressure?

Galvanized pipes, once the standard for residential plumbing, are now one of the biggest culprits behind chronic low water pressure in older homes. These pipes are steel pipes coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust, but over decades, the zinc erodes and the pipes corrode internally.

This corrosion can lead to:

• A reduced internal diameter of pipes, restricting water flow.
• Rust particles breaking free, clogging fixtures and appliances.



• Water quality issues, such as rusty coloration and metallic tastes, especially in hot water.

If your home is 40 years or older and you're experiencing low flow throughout most or all fixtures (particularly hot water outlets), your galvanized plumbing has almost certainly reached the end of its service life. Unfortunately, there's no long-term fix other than replacing the pipes.

At Repipe Specialists, we've helped thousands of homeowners upgrade from old galvanized systems to modern PEX tubing or copper piping. Contact us to have one of our local repipe consultants talk you through your galvanized steel repipe options.

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Does Low Water Pressure Mean I Need to Repipe My House?

Low water pressure doesn't always require a repipe. However, depending on the cause of your pressure issues, it might be the only solution.

If the low pressure is due to isolated factors, such as clogged fixtures, faulty valves, or temporary municipal supply problems, a repipe isn't necessary. These situations can usually be resolved with targeted repairs.

Repiping is often recommended if your house has old galvanized plumbing, if you experience widespread low pressure across the home rather than at a single fixture, or if there is visible corrosion, leaking pipes, or frequent water quality issues. It's also worth considering repiping if you live in a hard water area and are seeing signs of mineral scale build-up.

A full home repipe ensures you have clean, strong, and reliable water flow throughout your home. PEX tubing, which we commonly install, also offers excellent resistance to mineral buildup and fewer potential leak points.

For more information about how quick and easy a repipe is, you can read our article on how long does it take to repipe a home.

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Get a Quote for Your Full Home Repipe

Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 75,000 homes since 1991, and we frequently receive positive feedback from customers about how pleased they are with their fast-flowing, high-pressure water after the repipe. We often exceed their expectations in the following areas:

• Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
• Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ Process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
• Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
• Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
• Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
• Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project.

Schedule a free in-home consult, and one of our local repipe consultants will explain all your repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote. Replace your pipes and leave low water pressure problems in the past.

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