4 Ways To Troubleshoot Low Water Pressure - WikiHow

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How to Troubleshoot Low Water Pressure Download Article Co-authored by Dave Jones

Last Updated: February 24, 2025

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• Checking Your Water Pressure
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• Checking PRV and Water Shut Off Valves
|
• Locating A Water Leak
|
• Troubleshooting Hot Water Low Pressure
|
• Video
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips

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This article was co-authored by Dave Jones. Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. This article has been viewed 2,032,786 times.

Ready to take a hot shower, you turn the faucet handle only to find a sad stream of water trickle out. Or maybe you have a towering pile of dishes in your sink but barely any water to clean them with. Low water pressure is super frustrating! The good news is that most of the time you can pinpoint the cause and troubleshoot the issue yourself. This article will walk you through how to do it step-by-step.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Checking Your Water Pressure

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1. 1 Determine if all locations within your home or office have low water pressure. Check various locations that have faucets.[1]
   • The kitchen, the bathroom, basement and outdoor faucets, and hose hookups are common areas where fixture specific low water pressure can occur.
   • Run water in all faucets and showers in your home to identify if there is are one or multiple problem problem areas or to determine that all locations have low water pressure.
   • Run both hot and cold water through all faucets.[2] If your water pressure is low only with hot water, the issue is likely your water heater.
2. 2 Check the faucet if you only have low water pressure in a particular location. Your problem might only affect one or two locations. In this case, the source of the low water pressure is likely a clogged faucet or aerator.[3] [4]
   • Remove the end of the faucet.
   • Examine your aerator.[5] Check to make sure there are no debris or buildup.
   • If the aerator needs to be cleaned, soak it in a water-vinegar solution. If that doesn't work, buy a replacement. These are very inexpensive.[6] Aerators are sold with different rates of water flow, so you can also try buying one with a higher rate of flow.
   • Turn the water on before you replace the aerator. If the water flow is not restored to normal, the source of low water pressure is likely not the specific faucet but an overall problem.
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3. 3 Look for other sources of low water pressure. If you can't pinpoint the cause of your low water pressure to just one or two faucets in the house, its probably an overall problem.[7]
   • Check the PRV and water shut off valves in your home. This is often the cause of low water pressure.
   • Look for water leaks. A leaking toilet or water main can cause low water pressure.
   • Check your water heater. If you only have low water pressure when you are running hot water, it is likely due to your hot water shut-off valve on your water heater.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Checking PRV and Water Shut Off Valves

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1. 1 Look at the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV). Shaped like a bell, the PRV is usually located on the line where it enters the home or office.
   • Adjust it to see if it affects your overall water pressure. There will be a screw on the valve. To increase water pressure, tighten it by turning it clockwise. To decrease water pressure, loosen the adjusting screw by turning it counterclockwise.
   • Replacement may be necessary if the valve has failed or broken. These can be purchased at hardware or plumbing supply stores.
2. 2 Check the shut-off valve at the water meter. This valve can influence water pressure, even if it has been turned slightly.[8]
   • Most homes and buildings have a master shut-off valve. This is located near the PRV valve or in a separate box near the water meter.
   • This valve can shut off water to the entire home, and restrict flow if it is slightly closed.
   • Turn the valve so it is completely open.
3. 3 Test your water pressure again using multiple faucets. If the problem is resolved, the source was likely the PRV valve or water shut-off valve
   • If you are still experiencing water pressure issues, you may have a water leak. Water leaks are a common source of low water pressure in a house.
   • You should consult a plumber to fix a water leak or mineral buildup in your water lines.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Locating A Water Leak

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1. 1 Check the toilet in each bathroom. Running or leaking toilets are one of the most common source of water leaks in a home. This can cause very high water bills, so it is a good idea to determine if this is the root cause of a water pressure problem.
   • Start by removing the lid from the tank of the toilet.
   • Put a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet into the tank.
   • Do not flush the toilet for at least one hour.
   • If color has leaked into the bowl, your toilet has a leak. This can usually be fixed by replacing the toilet flapper or filling mechanism.
2. 2 Check your service meter. This can help you determine if you have a service line leak.
   • Locate your service meter. Take a reading of the meter and check to see if the indicator gear is turning.
   • The leak indicator can be a small triangle shaped dial or disk that rotates when water is flowing.
   • If the leak indicator is turning, you likely have a leak. If it is not turning, it does not mean there isn't a leak. A slow leak may not register on the leak indicator.
   • Don't run any water for 2 hours and do another service meter reading. If the numbers have changed you are losing water and have a leak
   • Call your water company or a plumber to help you find the source of a leak and to arrange repairs.
3. 3 Check for water spots in the basement and near water fixtures in the home. This can be a clear indication of a water leak.[9]
   • In many cases you can hear a dripping sound in the case of a leaking faucet. Usually this requires a simple home repair.
   • If there are large areas of water in the basement, there may be a water main leak.
   • You should also check the ground in the area outside your home where your main meets the local supply. If the weather has been dry and the area around this junction is wet, there could be a leak at this spot. Contact your water company to resolve this issue.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Troubleshooting Hot Water Low Pressure

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1. 1 Inspect the water heater if your low water pressure only affects your hot water. In this case the water heater shut off valve is the most common source of this problem.
   • Verify the shut-off valve is completely open. For safety, each water heater includes a shut-off valve to use in case of emergencies.
   • If the valve is shut even slightly, this can affect your water pressure.
2. 2 Test your water faucets again to see if the problem is resolved. The water pressure issue should be resolved when hot water is run through a faucet.
   • If the hot water low pressure problem is not resolved, it could be the water lines into the water heater or the appliance itself.
   • In this case, call a plumber to troubleshoot further.
3. 3 Contact your plumber to check your lines into your water heater. Blockages can occur within the lines, and plumbers have efficient ways of checking them.[10]
   • The appliance itself may also be causing a problem. A licensed plumber will need to evaluate it to see if it needs to be replaced.
   • Working with water heaters can be dangerous, so it is best to leave this job to a professional.
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Expert Q&A

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• Question What causes low water pressure in the whole house? Dave Jones Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. Dave Jones Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Expert Answer This is typically a problem with your water heater. The first thing you should do is check the shutoff valve on the water heater. Sometimes, people forget to open it up all the way, which can cause the pressure to be a little wonky. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 11
• Question Why would only one faucet in a two-sink bathroom have low pressure? Dave Jones Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. Dave Jones Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup Expert Answer This is almost certainly the aerator. That's the little net cap on the faucet where the water comes out. Sometimes, debris builds up on that thing, which cause the water pressure to be artificially low. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
• Question How do I increase the water pressure in my shower? James Schuelke Professional Plumber James Schuelke, along with his twin brother David, is the co-owner of the Twin Home Experts, a licensed plumbing, leak detection, and mold inspection company based in Los Angeles, California. James has over 32 years of home service and business plumbing experience and has expanded the Twin Home Experts to Phoenix, Arizona and the Pacific Northwest. James Schuelke Professional Plumber Expert Answer If the hot and cold are both coming out slow, then that means it's most likely the shower head that is causing the low water pressure. Remove the shower head and dislodge any debris that's caught up in the screen. If you have plenty of cold pressure and low hot pressure, then that is most likely the result of the valve itself. In that case, you will need to dislodge the debris that's caught up inside the actual handle where you demand the water. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 10

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

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Tips

• Call your neighbors to see if they are experiencing water pressure issues, too. If they are, there may be a leak in the lines. Call the water department to report the issue. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 51
• Ask a plumber to check the water lines within your home or building. Older water lines sometimes become clogged or filled with mineral deposits. When this happens, replacement of your lines with copper or PVC piping to restore water pressure is necessary. Thanks Helpful 37 Not Helpful 64
• Pay attention to when your water pressure fluctuates. Water pressure can decrease during times when more people on your line use water. Mornings and early evenings often account for peak usage times. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 52

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

1. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview
2. ↑ James Schuelke. Professional Plumber. Expert Interview
3. ↑ http://www.bobvila.com/articles/low-water-pressure/#.VH5SJN5bzww
4. ↑ Dave Jones. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Expert Interview
5. ↑ James Schuelke. Professional Plumber. Expert Interview
6. ↑ http://www.bobvila.com/articles/low-water-pressure/#.VH5SJN5bzww
7. ↑ James Schuelke. Professional Plumber. Expert Interview
8. ↑ James Schuelke. Professional Plumber. Expert Interview
9. ↑ http://www.bobvila.com/articles/low-water-pressure/#.VH5SJN5bzww

More References (1)

10. ↑ http://www.bobvila.com/articles/low-water-pressure/#.VH5SJN5bzww

About This Article

Co-authored by: Dave Jones Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup This article was co-authored by Dave Jones. Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Since then, he has risen through the ranks into positions of increasing authority. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooter’s Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. This article has been viewed 2,032,786 times. 17 votes - 53% Co-authors: 10 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 2,032,786 Categories: Water Article SummaryX

To troubleshoot low water pressure, start by running all of the faucets and showers in your home to determine whether the problem is with one single faucet or with all of them. If it's just one or two faucets that aren't working, try cleaning or replacing the aerator on the end of the faucet. If it's all of your faucets, make sure the pressure-reducing valve and the water shut-off valve in your home aren't broken or slightly turned. To learn how to troubleshoot low hot water pressure, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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  "The reason my kitchen faucet water pressure was low was because of the aerator was clogged, as suggested in the..." more

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Dave Jones Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup 17 votes - 53% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 2,032,786

Anonymous

Dec 24, 2016

"The reason my kitchen faucet water pressure was low was because of the aerator was clogged, as suggested in the..." more

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Aug 20, 2017

"My shower had low pressure and I thought there was something wrong with the water heater, but I checked the actual..." more Rated this article:

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Jun 6, 2016

"I followed the instructions for checking and cleaning the kitchen faucet aerator. Not only was it easy but it was..." more

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Jul 5, 2017

"The information was extremely helpful, it spelled out the different possible problems and in a uncomplicated way,..." more

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"It gave me step by step on how to troubleshoot low water pressure at the tub on my own without calling a plumber...." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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