Low water pressure in your house can be a frustrating ordeal, especially when it disrupts your daily routine. Not only does low water pressure leave you with a lackluster shower, but it can also turn tasks like washing dishes into cumbersome chores. If your home’s water pressure has dropped below 40 pounds per square inch (PSI), it’s important to call a nearby plumber to find the source of trouble and make repairs.
Low water pressure can be caused by a clogged aerator, a blocked cartridge, or hard water buildup inside the faucet. These issues are common with older faucets and often worsen over time as internal components wear out. However, your faucets may not be the only culprits when you’re dealing with low water pressure. Various pipe issues can also contribute to poor water flow, including hidden leaks, pipe corrosion, mineral deposits, and even partially blocked pipes.
Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ve seen it all when it comes to the common causes of low water pressure. Below, we look at the common piping issues that can cause low water pressure.
Corroded Pipes
If your home is older or still has galvanized steel or iron pipes, corrosion is one of the most likely causes of low water pressure. Over time, pipes rust from the inside out, creating a rough, narrow passage that restricts water flow. Even if your faucets and fixtures are in good shape, water simply can’t travel efficiently through corroded pipes. Eventually, this leads to severe pressure loss, discoloration in your water, or complete pipe failure. Call a local plumbing repair service for an inspection when you notice signs of pipe corrosion.
Mineral Buildup
Homes with hard water face a different type of internal pipe problem: mineral deposits. Calcium and magnesium can cling to the inside walls of your pipes and narrow the pipe diameter. This is especially common in older plumbing systems or homes without a water softener. You may notice slow-flowing faucets or inconsistent pressure in certain parts of the house. If you’ve noticed widespread mineral buildup, it may be time to consider repiping your house.
Hidden Leaks
A pipe leak, even a small one, can reduce the amount of water reaching your faucets. Because much of your plumbing is concealed behind walls, beneath floors, or underground, leaks often go unnoticed for long periods. You might see water stains, hear a faint drip, smell mustiness, or feel dampness on walls, but sometimes low pressure is the first sign. As water escapes through cracks or holes in the pipes, the supply to your fixtures weakens. You should have a skilled plumber inspect your pipes regularly to catch potential water leaks in their tracks before they escalate.
Pipe Blockages and Debris
Sediment, rust flakes, dirt, or other debris can get stuck inside your plumbing lines. This can happen after municipal water line work, when old pipes break down internally, or when a foreign object enters the plumbing. A blocked pipe acts like a kinked hose: water slows to a trickle. Over time, the blockage can worsen and affect multiple fixtures. Reach out to a local plumbing repair service as soon as you notice signs of blockages in your pipes.
Do You Need Repiping Service? Contact the Team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Have you noticed signs of severe pipe corrosion or mineral buildup? Does your home have outdated materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene? These are signs that you need to invest in new pipes. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the company to call when you need professional repiping service. For decades, we’ve been helping homeowners keep their pipes and other plumbing components in great shape. Contact us now to schedule an inspection and request an estimate for repiping your home.
