Problems With Water Pressure? Common Causes & Solutions

One of the most common issues homeowners contend with regarding their plumbing system is water pressure. Abnormally low water pressure can be a hassle and may happen for many reasons, some of which can be easily resolved with a bit of know-how.

Abnormally high water pressure can also be the unseen problem with your perceived low water pressure problem, which can result in major damage instead of minor frustration.

In this blog post, the plumbing experts at Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will share the most common causes of excessively low or high water pressure and some easy ways to resolve the issue on your own.

We’ll also explain the difference between water pressure and water volume. When all else fails, our team is here to provide the lasting repairs you need to regain safe and functional water pressure for your property.

Get your water pressure restored to normal by calling (865) 583-3957 to schedule plumbing repairs with our team. 

Low Water Pressure Problem? It May Be Low Water Volume

Everyone gets frustrated when they take a shower that trickles out of the fixture, or when it takes forever to fill a glass of water from the faucet. Most customers would assume that low water pressure is to blame, but surprisingly, the problem might be low volume of water flow. You may wonder what the difference is between water pressure and volume.

Water pressure is the force that water applies on your piping. Water pressure is often measured in pounds per square inch.

Volume of water flow is the rate at which water moves through your piping, or in more technical terms, the velocity with which water moves through a piping conduit. Water volume is often measured in gallons per minute.

This means your low water pressure problem may actually be a problem with low volume of water flow.

A variety of issues could cause this problem, but the most common are:

• An issue with your water valve
• Improper sizing of piping and water lines (often undersized), which is a common issue in older homes
• Blockage in your water supply line, main water line, or water fixture (such as a faucet, showerhead, or toilet)

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure & Volume

Water pressure problems can arise in your home or business for several reasons, the most common of which are:

• Closed valve: When your water meter or shut-off valve is closed or partially closed, it can reduce water pressure for your plumbing fixtures.
• Debris buildup: Stubborn blockages in your pipes can hinder water flow to your fixtures, creating abnormally low water volume flow, which could be perceived as low pressure.
• Pipe corrosion: Oxidation collected on your pipe interior can restrict water flow, which is especially common in older, galvanized steel pipes.
• Hidden leaks: A hidden leak in your pipes can cause water pressure problems for your plumbing fixtures and appliances.
• Pressure regulator: If your pressure regulator is broken or malfunctioning, it may need to be repaired to restore adequate water pressure to your property, particularly if you have high water pressure.
• Dirty aerators: The mesh screen at the opening of your sink faucet is an aerator that helps reduce the amount of water that comes out and controls the stream. If you have a dirty or blocked aerator, water flow can be diminished.

Persistent water pressure problems can cause serious disruptions to your daily life, making everyday tasks like laundry, showering, and doing the dishes more frustrating.

Resolving Low Water Pressure & Volume Problems

If you’re struggling with low water pressure or water volume in your home, there are several things you can do to address the issue and restore a powerful stream of water flowing from your fixtures:

Open Valves

First, check your water meter and shutoff valves to ensure they’re fully open. There are two types of water shutoff valves: a ball valve and gate valve. To open a ball valve, move the handle until it’s aligned with the water pipe. For gate valves, twist the handle counterclockwise until it stops.

Water meter valves are different from water shutoff valves. If you’ve had work done on your plumbing system recently, the technician may have forgotten to open the valve back up after completing their work.

Your local water supplier usually owns this valve, so you may need to consult with them or have an expert open it if you notice it’s closed or partially closed.

Fix Leaks

When hidden leaks hinder water flow to your fixtures and appliances, it’s important to address them promptly. If your water pressure problems are accompanied by sudden spikes in your water bills or visible water damage around floors, ceilings, and walls, you may have a hidden leak that needs to be fixed.

Contact a plumbing professional to schedule leak detection and repair so you can avoid water damage to your property and restore adequate water pressure.

Replace Pipes

Severe corrosion and pipe deterioration can only be fixed through pipe replacement or repiping. If you live in an older home that relies on galvanized steel pipes, it’s best to contact a plumber to explore your pipe replacement options, as these pipes can cause serious issues down the road.

The corrosion of galvanized steel pipes can affect your water flow volume and cause serious health problems for you and your family as rust contaminates your water, including neurological effects, joint and muscle pain, and high blood pressure.

Professional Repairs

If your pressure regulator is broken or you have faulty fixtures that are to blame for your low water pressure problems, you may need to trust a plumbing professional to repair or replace the damaged components.

While replacing the dirty or clogged aerator on your faucet is an easy DIY task that can restore your water pressure, other more complex repairs require the skill and attention that only an expert plumber can provide.

High Water Pressure

High water pressure is also a common problem in the greater Knoxville area that often goes unnoticed until major damage has been done.

Low water pressure is an inconvenience, but it won’t damage your piping or plumbing system long term. However, high water pressure is a serious problem that can result in costly repairs in the future.

Water pressure from the street water line can range from 100 to 250 pounds per square inch, but the recommended safe operating water pressure range is 50 to 65 pounds per square inch. Water pressure over 75 pounds per square inch can seriously damage your plumbing system.

Since water pressure from the street is so high, it’s important to have a water pressure regulator, otherwise known as a pressure-reducing valve, installed to protect your plumbing system.

How do you know if you have high water pressure? Common signs that may go unnoticed include:

• Dripping fixtures
• Leaking water heater relief valve
• Leaks in other water piping
• Banging, shaky, or noisy pipes

Unfortunately, there aren’t many DIY remedies for high water pressure. If you think you have high water pressure, it’s highly recommended to have the professionals at Pipe Wrench inspect your home or business to ensure the pressure is at a safe range.

Get Help From Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

When your home has insufficient or excessively high water pressure, Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has the solutions you need to get your system flowing smoothly.

Offering the finest materials and products in the industry, we go above and beyond to ensure your home is equipped with fully functional fixtures and appliances that can satisfy your water pressure needs.

We offer same-day plumbing repairs, addressing hidden leaks and sudden fixture failures in no time so you can enjoy total confidence in your plumbing system again.

Learn why over 30,000 customers have turned to Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Call (865) 583-3957 to schedule plumbing repairs in Knoxville, TN.

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