Low flow – from kitchen sink to shower to the sprinkler – if you’re experiencing low water pressure, although not life threatening, it certainly is annoying.

First of all, there can be a number of reasons your water pressure is low. These include:

• Leaks: If one of your pipes has a leak, whether big or small, water pressure is going to be affected (and incidentally, so will your water bills).
• Pressure regulators: As the name implies, this is a device that controls the pressure of water coming into the house. This is normally preset by the manufacturer; but over time, if the regulator becomes defective it will have to be replaced.
• Valves: There are two main home valves located in different places; one in the meter box and the other at the front of the home. These valves must be in the “On” position for the pressure to be sufficient.
• Home elevation: A house at the top of a hill may have lower water pressure than a house on the same road but at the bottom of that hill.
• Corrosion: This is a common problem in older homes with metal pipes. Corrosion often occurs when two different types of metal are used in a connection; for example a copper water pipe may be connected to a steel water main.
• Changes in the home: If you’ve added some type of plumbing fixture this could negatively affect the water pressure.
• Difference in hot water pressure: Low water pressure can result due to sludge build-up in the water heater.
• Usage periods: If you’re using a lot of water during “peak” periods this could reduce the water pressure.
• Clogs: Mineral deposits, over time, can clog faucets and showerheads which in turn will cut down the pressure of the water.
• Municipal water supply pressure: Sometimes it’s the city and not your home that’s having a water pressure problem.

In some cases such as the clogs, home valves, and usage periods, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. However, with the other possible causes, you will need a professional plumber to help you solve the problem.

Keith McNeill Plumbing will be happy to come out, diagnose the problem, and then fix it for you. Whether it involves fixing a leak, installing a booster pump, replacing a pressure regulator, or another resolution, we’ll get the job done efficiently and professionally. Give us a call at 850-391-1417.