When you come inside from doing yardwork in the hot sun or wake up groggy on the morning of an important meeting, you count on good water pressure in your shower to feel clean and alert. Experiencing a pitiful trickle instead is a crushing disappointment.
Don’t settle for low water pressure. If you can identify the cause, you can take steps to fix the problem! Common causes of low water pressure include:
Mineral Buildup in Pipes
Hard water is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate inside your plumbing over time. This mineral buildup—also known as scaling—gradually narrows your pipes, restricting water flow and increasing the risk of clogs.
Professional Solution: Removing internal pipe scaling isn’t a DIY job. A licensed plumber can use specialized methods such as hydro jetting, which uses a high-pressure stream of water to safely and effectively clear out mineral deposits and blockages.
DIY Tip: While pipe buildup needs professional attention, you can restore water flow at fixtures like faucets or showerheads on your own. Simply fill a plastic bag with white vinegar, place it over the fixture, and secure it with a rubber band. After soaking, the vinegar helps dissolve hard water deposits that are slowing water flow.
Keep in mind—these are temporary fixes. To prevent future scaling and protect your plumbing long-term, consider installing a water softener system. It addresses the root of the problem by reducing the mineral content in your home’s water supply.
Corrosion
Just like mineral buildup, corrosion can also restrict water pressure. As pipes oxidize over time, rust accumulates along the interior walls, narrowing the passage for water and slowing flow throughout your home.
Professional Solution: Galvanized steel pipes are especially prone to corrosion, which can eventually weaken the pipe walls to the point of failure. In these cases, full pipe replacement is the most effective fix. A trusted plumbing professional can replace outdated steel pipes with modern alternatives like copper or PEX (plastic), restoring your system’s performance.
Upgrading to copper or plastic piping can:
- Improve overall water pressure
- Minimize the risk of future leaks
- Deliver cleaner, better-tasting water
Closed Water Meter or Shut-Off Valve
If you’re experiencing low water pressure throughout your home, one of the first things to check is your water shut-off valve or the main water meter valve. These valves regulate how much water enters your home’s plumbing system. If either of them is partially closed—even slightly—it can restrict water flow, leading to reduced pressure from every faucet and fixture.
Solution: In many cases, you can check and open the shut-off valve yourself without calling a plumber.
For a lever-style valve: Simply turn the handle until it’s fully parallel with the pipe. This indicates the valve is completely open.
For a wheel-style valve: Turn the wheel counterclockwise until it stops. This ensures maximum water flow through the pipe.
Making sure both valves are fully open is a quick and easy way to rule out a common cause of low water pressure. If the issue persists even after adjusting the valves, it’s time to call a licensed plumber to investigate further.
Pipe Leaks
A cracked or broken pipe can significantly reduce your water pressure by diverting water away from where it’s needed. Instead of flowing to your faucets or fixtures, water escapes through the damaged section of pipe—often into walls, floors, or underground areas.
This isn’t just a pressure issue—it’s a serious plumbing concern. Left unaddressed, the damage can spread to other parts of your plumbing system, and the leaking water may lead to mold growth, rot, or even structural damage to your home.
Solution: If you notice a sudden drop in water pressure or signs of a hidden leak—like water stains, damp spots, or an unexplained spike in your water bill—contact a licensed plumber right away. Professional leak detection and prompt repairs can prevent further damage and restore your water pressure before the issue gets worse.
Choose Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical To Restore Your Water Pressure
From installing water softeners to replacing leaky pipes, Penguin will identify the cause of your low water pressure and apply the right solution.
We provide upfront pricing, same-day service, 24/7 emergency service, and a VIP experience for every customer — read our reviews to see for yourself!
Contact us online to request plumbing services in Phoenix.