5 Common Causes of Low Water Pressure in Your Home

Low water pressure can happen for many reasons. Clogged pipes, partially closed valves, or issues with the city water supply are common causes. Faulty fixtures, corrosion, hidden leaks, or shared plumbing lines can also play a role. Finding the cause and doing regular maintenance can help bring back proper water flow.

How to Spot Low Water Pressure Issues

Dealing with low water pressure is frustrating.

If your shower barely trickles or your faucet takes forever to fill a glass, you’ve got a pressure problem.

Your home’s water pressure should stay between 45-80 psi, but if it drops below 40 psi, you’ll notice the difference.

One clear sign is weak or inconsistent water flow from faucets and showerheads.

If rinsing dishes or washing your hands takes longer than usual, your pressure might be too low.

Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines also struggle when the water doesn’t flow steadily.

A lack of strong flow makes daily tasks harder.

A weak shower makes rinsing off shampoo a pain, filling a sink or bathtub takes ages, and even watering your lawn feels like a chore.

Catching water supply issues early can help you avoid bigger plumbing problems later.

If your water flow isn’t keeping up, it’s time to find out why before it turns into a bigger hassle.

Residents in Florence, SC, should be especially mindful of fluctuating water performance in their homes.

City Water Supply Issues

If your home has low water pressure, the problem might not be in your plumbing—it could be a citywide issue.

Water systems need regular maintenance, repairs, or sometimes have unexpected outages.

When that happens, water pressure can drop temporarily.

If your neighbors are having the same issue, the source is likely the city’s water supply, not your home.

Another common reason is peak water usage.

The average U.S. home uses about 300 gallons of water per day, with demand spiking between 6-8 AM and 6-10 PM.

During these times, people are taking showers, running dishwashers, and doing laundry all at once.

That extra demand can cause a temporary drop in water flow.

Your home’s elevation also plays a role.

If you live on higher ground or at the end of a supply line, your water pressure may be weaker than homes at lower elevations.

But if low water pressure continues outside of peak hours or scheduled maintenance, it’s a good idea to contact your local water utility to check for service disruptions.

You can’t control the city’s water supply, but a professional plumber can help improve your home’s water flow.

A pressure booster pump or other plumbing adjustments might make a big difference.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your water system issues, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can find the problem—and the solution—for you.

Partially Closed Main or Shut-Off Valves

If you’re experiencing low water pressure, the problem might be a partially closed shut-off valve.

If you’ve had plumbing work done or shut off the water recently, the valve might not be fully open.

To check, find your main shut-off valve.

It’s usually where the water line enters your home.

There are two common types: gate valves, which have a round handle, and ball valves, which have a lever.

Turn a ball valve so it’s in line with the pipe, or twist a gate valve all the way counterclockwise to open it fully.

Shut-off valves under sinks, behind toilets, and near appliances can also restrict water flow.

If just one fixture has weak pressure, check that its valve is fully open.

A small adjustment to these valves can often fix the problem right away.

But if your pressure remains weak, another plumbing issue could be the cause.

In that case, it’s best to call a pro.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can inspect your system and ensure your water flow remains strong and steady.

Clogged Pipes Slowing Down Water Flow

If you’ve noticed low water pressure, clogged pipes might be the culprit.

Over time, minerals, sediment, and debris build up inside pipes, making it harder for water to move.

If you live in a hard water area, scale buildup can shrink pipes by up to 50%, turning strong water flow into a weak trickle.

You might have a clog if your water sputters, pressure changes from one fixture to another, or you hear odd noises in your plumbing.

If just one faucet has weak pressure, the clog is likely in that pipe.

But if you’re dealing with low water pressure all over your home, a bigger issue might be at play.

Regular drain cleaning can stop buildup before it turns into a major problem.

A clogged pipe doesn’t just slow down water—it also strains your plumbing, increasing the chance of damage over time.

If you think a clog is causing issues, it might be time to schedule a drain cleaning to get things flowing again.

Everyday habits like pouring grease down the drain or letting soap scum build up can also lead to clogs.

Being mindful of what goes down your drains can help keep your water flow strong in Florence, SC.

Corroded Pipes Are Restricting Your Water Flow

Old pipes don’t just wear out—they can also slow down your water.

If your home has galvanized steel pipes, they might be clogging up over time.

Rust and minerals build up inside, narrowing the space where water flows.

This can result in weak flow and make daily tasks like showering or washing dishes frustrating.

If your home was built before 1960, this could be a bigger issue.

Back then, galvanized steel was a common plumbing material, but after 20-30 years, these pipes can collect enough buildup to cause serious problems.

If you’ve noticed rusty water or uneven pressure, corroded pipes might be the reason.

The best fix? Replacing old pipes with modern materials like copper or PEX.

If the problem is widespread, a whole-house repipe might be the best solution.

If low water pressure has been a constant struggle, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can inspect your system and find the right fix.

Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a costly disaster—taking action now can save you both water and money.

Faulty or Inefficient Plumbing Fixtures

Not getting enough low water pressure from your faucet or showerhead?

The problem might be old or clogged plumbing fixtures.

Over time, debris and minerals build up in aerators, slowing water flow and making showers or sink use frustrating.

A quick fix? Unscrew the aerator or showerhead and check for blockages.

A simple cleaning or replacement can boost water flow right away.

Old fixtures can also be the culprit.

Faucets and showerheads made years ago may not work well with today’s plumbing systems.

Parts wear down over time, which can lower performance and contribute to low water pressure problems in your home.

If the force of your water has been steadily dropping, outdated fixtures could be the reason.

Regular maintenance helps.

Cleaning aerators and showerheads at least once a year stops sediment from building up and keeps water flow steady.

Skipping this can lead to slow-running faucets and weak showers.

If low water pressure remains an issue despite cleaning, a replacement might be necessary.

Want a long-term fix?

Upgrading to high-performance fixtures can enhance water flow while still saving water.

Need help with fixture maintenance or replacement?

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC has you covered.

Whether it’s clearing a clog, fixing a faulty faucet, or installing a new showerhead, their expert plumbers make sure water flows properly throughout your home.

Check out their plumbing fixtures services today.

Pressure Regulator Problems

If you’re experiencing low water pressure, a failing pressure regulator might be to blame.

This small but important device controls how much water flows into your home, keeping pressure at a safe level.

When it stops working right, you might notice serious pressure changes—too high can damage your appliances and fixtures, too low turns your shower into a weak drizzle.

You might have a faulty regulator if your water flow changes suddenly, some faucets have strong flow while others don’t, or the pressure spikes and drops when you turn things on.

If you’re dealing with these problems, it’s best to have a professional take a look before things get worse.

A bad regulator can also mess with the balance of hot and cold water, making it hard to keep a steady temperature in sinks and showers.

Ignoring the issue could lead to expensive plumbing repairs down the road.

If you’ve already checked your valves and pipes but still have low water pressure, your regulator is the next thing to inspect.

A skilled plumber from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can figure out if it’s the problem and replace it if needed, so your water flow stays steady and reliable.

Hidden Leaks That Cause Low Water Pressure

Hidden leaks can be a real headache, silently wasting water and reducing flow strength.

Even a small, unnoticed leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water a year.

That means higher bills and weaker water flow.

Finding these leaks isn’t always easy.

A sudden spike in your water bill or the sound of running water when no taps are on could be a clue.

Another trick is to check your water meter—if it keeps moving after you’ve turned off all water sources, there’s likely a hidden leak.

You might also see damp spots on walls, ceilings, or floors, or even mildew in places it shouldn’t be.

Leaks often hide in underground pipes, inside walls, or under floors, making them tough to find without the right tools.

If ignored, they can cause serious damage, including mold growth and further pressure loss over time.

Instead of letting the problem get worse, it’s best to act fast.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC, we specialize in water line leak detection & repair to find and fix leaks quickly.

If you’re dealing with low water pressure and can’t figure out why, we’re here to help before a small leak turns into a big problem.

How Shared Plumbing Lines Affect Your Low Water Pressure

Ever had your shower pressure drop when someone else turns on a faucet?

That’s likely because multiple fixtures, appliances, or even neighboring homes share the same water supply line.

Most single-family homes have a main water supply line that’s about 3/4 inch in diameter.

While that usually works fine, bigger households or homes with multiple bathrooms may need 1-inch or larger pipes to keep up.

If the pipes are too small, you’ll notice dips in water flow when more than one water source is being used.

Older plumbing can make this even worse.

Over time, mineral buildup or corrosion can narrow pipes, slowing water movement even more.

If your neighborhood has shared water lines, your pressure might also drop when neighbors use a lot of water, especially at peak times.

To keep steady water pressure, try limiting how many fixtures run at once or consider upgrading your plumbing.

If low water pressure is a constant problem, it might be time for a professional check.

The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can see if a bigger main water line or a pressure-regulating device is the right fix for your home.

Using Too Many Appliances at Once

Ever notice low water pressure when you’re running the shower, dishwasher, and washing machine at the same time?

That happens because your plumbing can only handle so much water at once.

When too many fixtures compete, the pressure drops.

The easiest fix?

Spread out water-heavy tasks.

Try running the dishwasher at night instead of during your morning shower.

Another smart move is switching to water-efficient appliances.

A modern low-flow showerhead, for example, uses about 2.5 gallons per minute, while older ones can use up to 5.5 gallons.

This small change can ease demand without affecting performance.

If your water flow still drops even when you’re using appliances separately, there may be a bigger issue.

Clogged pipes, old plumbing, or a supply line that’s too small could all be the culprit.

In that case, it’s best to call a plumber to check out the problem and find a fix.

Need help?

The experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can assess your water usage and make sure your system keeps up—no matter how many appliances you use.

Talk to a Pro About Low Water Pressure Problems

If your low water pressure persists after trying basic fixes, it’s time to call a pro.

Ongoing issues usually mean there’s a deeper plumbing problem that needs expert help.

One option to consider is a pressure booster system.

These devices help maintain steady flow throughout your home.

But before installing one, it’s important to check for other issues like leaks, clogged pipes, or a bad pressure regulator.

A failing pressure regulator can cause sudden drops or spikes.

Since most are set between 50-80 psi, they should be checked every 3-5 years.

If ignored, fluctuations in pressure can damage your plumbing and shorten the life of your appliances.

At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC, we know how to find and fix water flow issues fast.

We’ll check if your regulator needs adjusting, find any hidden leaks, and recommend the best long-term fix for your home.

Don’t let weak pressure mess up your day.

If the issue keeps acting up, book an inspection with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC to keep your plumbing in top shape.

Low Water Pressure FAQs

Why is my water pressure suddenly low?

If your water pressure dropped out of nowhere, it could be due to a leak, a clogged faucet aerator, or an issue with the city’s water supply. If your neighbors have the same problem, city maintenance or a temporary supply drop might be the cause.

Can clogged pipes cause low water pressure?

Yes, buildup from minerals and debris can block pipes and slow water flow. In areas with hard water, pipes can get so clogged that their opening shrinks by half over time. Regular maintenance can help keep water flow steady.

How do I know if my pressure regulator is failing?

A bad pressure regulator can make water pressure too high or too weak. Signs include sudden pressure drops, banging noises in pipes (water hammer), or uneven flow in different parts of your home.

Why does water pressure drop when I use multiple fixtures?

If flow weakens when you run multiple faucets or appliances, your plumbing system might not be big enough for your home’s needs. Upgrading your pipes or adding a pressure booster can help keep water moving evenly.

When should I call a plumber for low water pressure?

If you’ve checked for leaks, cleaned faucet aerators, and made sure shut-off valves are fully open but still have low water pressure, it’s time to call a pro. The team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence, SC can find the problem and fix it so you get proper water flow again.