Water pressure
What Causes Low Water Pressure?
Updated · Written by the SteadWell team
Start with where it happens
Turn on several faucets. If only one is weak, the problem is at that fixture. If they're all weak — especially upstairs or when two run at once — the problem is in the supply.
One fixture
- Unscrew and rinse the faucet aerator
- Soak the showerhead in vinegar to dissolve scale
- A single-handle faucet with low flow on one side may need a new cartridge
Whole house
Check that the main shutoff is fully open. Many homes have a pressure regulator on the main line; when it fails, pressure can drop — or climb dangerously high. A drop that happened suddenly can also mean a leak in the service line between the meter and the house.
Old pipe
In homes with galvanized steel supply pipe, pressure fades slowly over years as rust narrows the inside of the pipe. Cleaning doesn't fix it; repiping does. Homes on private wells have their own causes, usually the pressure tank or pressure switch.
This guide is general information, not a substitute for an on-site assessment. Read our editorial standards.