Low Water Pressure: Causes & Solutions

Do you have a bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor faucet that seems to be suffering from low water pressure? Best Plumbing is available to help! Fortunately, low water pressure is usually a minor issue that can be solved without extensive plumbing work. The real trick is to identify the reason for the low pressure, since there may be many possible causes. Here are a few common situations that can cause low water pressure in Seattle and Bellevue homes:

Clogs

Build up of sediment can clog your pipes and/or slow the flow of water to a particular faucet. If this is the case, it will usually only affect a single faucet, and a simple pipe cleaning should resolve the problem. If you have noticed low water pressure in multiple areas of your home, it is likely a different issue.

Water Leaks

If you’ve noticed a sudden or dramatic drop in water pressure, it could have been caused by a leaking pipe. A plumber will be able to examine your home for signs of a water leak, and if necessary, will be able to repair or replace the affected pipe.

Old Faucets

A damaged or faulty faucet can also cause low water pressure. If the internal parts no longer function properly, the valves may not fully open. In that case, the flow of water would be partially blocked, resulting in lower pressure. In this situation, it is best to have a plumber replace your faucet completely.

Heavy Water Use

If you notice occasional low water pressure from one or more of your faucets, consider how many water sources are in use at that time. In some homes, water pressure may be reduced when water is being used in multiple locations (showers, sinks, washing machines, dishwashers) simultaneously. If this is an ongoing issue, you can always consider enlarging your home’s main water pipes to help increase the water pressure.

For help diagnosing your low water pressure problems, call Best Plumbing! We serve homeowners throughout the Greater Seattle area.