Why Is My Water Pressure Low?
Weak showers, slow-filling sinks, sluggish appliances. Sometimes the cause is simple — other times low pressure points to a leak, aging pipes, or a well issue.
Quick Answer
Low water pressure may be caused by a clogged aerator or showerhead, a partially closed valve, a hidden leak, corroded pipes, supply-line buildup, a pressure regulator issue, a municipal supply issue, or a well problem. Start by asking one question:
One fixture or the whole house? That single detail narrows the cause fastest
Check hot and cold separately — hot-only points to the water heater side
Call a plumber if the whole home is affected, or pressure is low with rusty water or leak signs
First Question: One Fixture or the Whole House?
This is the most important first step. If only one faucet or shower is weak, the problem is usually local to that fixture. If every fixture is weak, the cause is likely in the main supply, water lines, pressure regulator, well system, or plumbing as a whole. Check hot and cold separately, too — if only hot water is weak, the water heater or hot-water piping may be involved.
Local Causes
Low Pressure at One Fixture
Usually quick to check — and often something you can address yourself.
Clogged faucet aerator
The small screen at the faucet tip collects mineral deposits. Unscrew it carefully, clean it, and retest.
Clogged showerhead
Showerheads collect buildup over time. A weak or uneven spray may just need cleaning or replacement.
Partially closed shut-off valve
A valve under the sink may not be fully open. Open it — but don’t force a stuck or corroded valve.
Worn fixture cartridge
Internal cartridges wear out or clog. If cleaning doesn’t help, the fixture may need repair.
Whole-Home Causes
Low Pressure Throughout the Home
These usually need a plumber — and some are warning signs of a bigger issue.
Corroded or aging pipes
Older galvanized pipes corrode from the inside, narrowing flow and causing rusty water. May need repiping.
Hidden leak
Water escaping before it reaches fixtures. Watch for high bills, damp spots, or running-water sounds — leak detection helps.
Supply-line buildup
Mineral scale narrows lines gradually, making pressure slowly worse over time.
Pressure regulator
If a home’s regulator fails or drifts, pressure can become too low or inconsistent.
Municipal or well issue
City-supply conditions, or on a well: the pressure tank, pump, switch, filter, or supply line.
Hot-water side only
Points to the water heater, a valve near it, sediment, or a hot-side restriction.
What You Can Check Yourself
Sudden vs. gradual matters
Sudden pressure loss may point to a valve, leak, supply interruption, pump, or regulator failure. Gradual loss usually means buildup, corrosion, or fixture restrictions that developed over time.
Questions & Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my water pressure low in one sink?
Why is my whole house water pressure low?
Can a leak cause low water pressure?
Can old pipes cause low pressure?
Why is only my hot water pressure low?
Should I call a plumber for low water pressure?
Related Services & Guides
Low pressure may come from fixtures, pipes, leaks, water heaters, or well issues: