Low Water Pressure in the House: 7 Causes and Fixes

Start by answering one question: is the pressure low at one fixture or everywhere? That single answer narrows the cause dramatically.

Low pressure at one fixture

Almost always a clogged aerator, a worn shower cartridge or a kinked supply line. Unscrew the aerator and soak it in vinegar; if that doesn't help, the cartridge or valve needs service — see our faucet and fixture repair page.

Low pressure everywhere

• Main shutoff or meter valve partially closed. Check both are fully open.
• Failed pressure-reducing valve (PRV). Common on homes 10+ years old. Symptoms: pressure gradually dropped over months.
• Hidden leak. A slab leak or underground water line leak steals pressure. Check whether your meter spins with all water off — then call for leak detection.
• Corroded galvanized pipes. Decades of rust narrow the pipe interior. If you also see brown water, a whole-house repipe is the permanent fix.
• Clogged water softener or filter. Put the softener on bypass; if pressure returns, service the unit.
• Municipal supply issue. Ask a neighbor. If theirs is low too, it's the utility.

Our plumbers test static and flowing pressure at the hose bib in minutes and tell you exactly which of these you're dealing with.

Need it fixed today? Call Crosby Plumbing Inc at (888) 809-6756 — 24/7, anywhere in Florida.