Low water pressure can make everyday tasks like showering and washing dishes incredibly frustrating. If you are dealing with water pressure problems in your Auburn, WA home, Auburn Plumbing Co can help. Here are the most common causes and what you can do about them.
Check the Obvious Things First
Before assuming the worst, check a few simple things. Make sure your main water shut-off valve is fully open. Even a partially closed valve can significantly reduce pressure throughout your home. The valve is usually near the water meter or where the main line enters your house. Turn it fully counterclockwise to ensure it is completely open.
Also check the pressure reducing valve (PRV) if your home has one. The PRV is a bell-shaped device on the main water line, usually near the shut-off valve. It has an adjustment screw on top. If someone accidentally adjusted it, or if it is failing, it can reduce your pressure. PRVs typically last 7 to 12 years before they need replacement.
Check if the problem affects all fixtures or just one. If only one faucet has low pressure, the issue is likely a clogged aerator or a problem with that fixture's supply line. Unscrew the aerator (the screen at the tip of the faucet), clean out any debris or mineral buildup, and reattach it. This simple step fixes the problem more often than you might expect.
Corroded or Clogged Pipes
If your home has older galvanized steel pipes, internal corrosion and mineral buildup are likely the cause of your pressure problems. Over decades, the interior of galvanized pipes becomes rough and narrowed with rust and mineral deposits. What started as a three-quarter-inch pipe may have an effective diameter of only a quarter inch in some sections. This restriction dramatically reduces water flow and pressure.
Unfortunately, there is no way to clean the inside of corroded pipes without replacing them. Repiping with modern materials like PEX or copper is the permanent solution. While this is a significant investment, it resolves the pressure problems completely and provides decades of reliable service.
Even copper pipes can develop issues over time. In areas with aggressive water chemistry, copper can develop pinhole leaks and interior buildup. Hard water leaves mineral scale inside any type of pipe, gradually reducing flow over years.
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Get Help: (253) 201-6238Water Leaks Reducing Pressure
A leak in your water supply line or anywhere in your home's plumbing can divert water and reduce pressure at your fixtures. Large leaks are usually obvious, but small leaks hidden inside walls, under slabs, or in the supply line from the street can silently rob your pressure and waste enormous amounts of water.
To check for hidden leaks, turn off all water-using fixtures and appliances in your home, then check your water meter. If the meter is still showing flow, you have a leak somewhere. Note the meter reading, wait two hours without using any water, and check again. If the reading has changed, you have a leak that needs professional attention.
Your water bill can also be a clue. An unexplained increase in water usage often indicates a hidden leak. If your bill has crept up gradually over several months without a change in your usage habits, a leak investigation is warranted.
Municipal Water Supply Issues
Sometimes low water pressure is not caused by anything in your home. Your municipal water supply can experience pressure fluctuations due to water main breaks, high demand during peak usage times, system maintenance, or problems at the treatment plant. If your neighbors are experiencing the same pressure drop, the problem is likely with the municipal system.
Contact your water utility to report the problem and ask if there are any known issues in your area. Most utilities maintain a status page or phone line for reporting and checking on service disruptions. If the utility confirms normal pressure at the main, the problem is in your home's plumbing system.
In some neighborhoods, especially those at higher elevations or at the ends of water distribution lines, normal municipal pressure may be lower than average. A plumber can test your incoming pressure and, if needed, install a pressure booster pump to bring it up to comfortable levels.
Faulty Fixtures and Valves
Individual fixtures can develop pressure problems independent of the rest of your system. Shower heads clog with mineral deposits over time, especially in hard water areas. Soaking the shower head in white vinegar overnight usually dissolves the buildup and restores flow. Faucet cartridges and valves can also wear out, partially restricting flow.
Hot water pressure problems that only affect the hot side typically point to your water heater. Sediment buildup in the tank, a partially closed valve on the hot water outlet, or a failing dip tube can all reduce hot water pressure. Having your water heater flushed annually helps prevent sediment-related issues.
Whole-house water filtration systems and water softeners can also reduce pressure if their filters are clogged or if the system is undersized for your household's demand. Check and replace filters according to the manufacturer's schedule.
Get Help From Auburn Plumbing Co
If you have checked the basics and still have low water pressure, it is time for professional diagnosis. Auburn Plumbing Co provides water pressure diagnosis and repair services throughout Auburn, WA. Our licensed plumbers use professional pressure testing equipment to measure pressure at multiple points in your system and identify exactly where the problem is. From there, we recommend the most effective and cost-efficient solution. Call (253) 201-6238 to schedule a water pressure evaluation.