Low water pressure is one of those problems that starts as a minor annoyance and gradually drives you crazy. The shower takes forever, the dishwasher doesn't clean properly, and filling a pot of water feels like it takes five minutes. Here's how to figure out what's going on.
Is It One Fixture or the Whole House?
This is the most important diagnostic question. If pressure is low at just one faucet or showerhead, the problem is localized. If it's everywhere, you're dealing with a whole-house issue.
Single Fixture — Check These
Clogged aerator. Unscrew the aerator (the small screen at the tip of the faucet) and check for mineral buildup or debris. Soak it in vinegar overnight or replace it for a few dollars. This fixes the problem surprisingly often.
Clogged showerhead. Same concept — mineral buildup restricts flow. Remove the showerhead and soak it in vinegar, or replace it.
Shut-off valve. Every fixture has a shut-off valve (usually under the sink or behind the toilet). Make sure it's fully open — sometimes they get bumped partially closed during cleaning or storage.
Supply line kink. Flexible supply lines can kink, especially in tight spaces. Inspect the braided lines running to the fixture.
Whole House — Check These
Main shut-off valve. Locate your main water shut-off valve (usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the house). Make sure it's fully open. If it's a gate valve (round handle), turn it counterclockwise as far as it goes. If it's a ball valve (lever handle), the lever should be parallel to the pipe.
Pressure regulator. Many homes have a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) near the main shut-off. These are set to keep pressure in the 40–60 PSI range. If the PRV is failing, pressure can drop significantly. A plumber can test and replace this — it's a common and relatively inexpensive repair.
Hidden leak. A leak in the main line or under the slab can reduce pressure throughout the house. Signs include an unexplained spike in your water bill, wet spots in the yard, or the sound of running water when nothing is on. This needs professional leak detection.
Corroded pipes. In older homes with galvanized steel pipes, interior corrosion gradually narrows the pipe diameter. It's like cholesterol in arteries — the pipe looks fine from outside but the opening inside shrinks year after year. The only real fix is repiping.
Municipal supply issue. Sometimes it's not your problem at all. Check with your neighbors — if they're experiencing the same thing, it could be a city water main issue or planned maintenance. Contact your water utility to confirm.
When to Call a Plumber
If you've checked the obvious causes (aerators, valves, shut-offs) and pressure is still low throughout the house, call a plumber. Diagnosing hidden leaks, failing PRVs, and corroded pipes requires equipment and expertise. At Kimco, we can test your system pressure, run a leak detection if needed, and give you clear options with flat-rate pricing.