Water Pressure Issues? Causes and Solutions for Low or High Pressure

Does your shower feel more like a trickle than a cascade? Or maybe your pipes groan and bang whenever you turn on the tap. Water pressure problems can turn daily routines into daily headaches. At Aaton Plumbing, we know these issues don’t wait for a convenient time. We’re here to help you regain control—day or night.

You don’t need to be a plumbing whiz to spot the signs. But knowing what to do next? That’s where a little knowledge (and the right emergency plumbing support) can make all the difference.

Symptoms of Water Pressure Problems 🚰

Water pressure isn’t just an invisible number—your home tells the story. Pay attention to these common clues:

• Weak flow in showers, sinks, or toilets: Filling a glass takes forever. The shower can’t rinse shampoo out. Even flushing seems sluggish.
• Sudden surges: Sometimes the water blasts out, then drops to a dribble.
• Banging or whistling pipes: Pipes shouldn’t sound like a drumline or a haunted house.
• Appliance issues: Dishwashers, washing machines, and boilers may pause mid-cycle or run poorly.
• Visible leaks or water stains: Low pressure can sometimes mean a hidden leak. High pressure can make joints and hoses burst.

Standard Home Water Pressure: What’s Normal?

Most homes do best with water pressure between 40–60 PSI (pounds per square inch). Here’s a quick reference:

• Below 40 PSI: Often feels weak. Appliances may struggle.
• 40–60 PSI: The “Goldilocks” zone—just right for most homes.
• Above 80 PSI: Too high! Puts strain on pipes, valves, and water heaters.

Check your pressure with a simple pressure gauge from the hardware store. Attach it to a hose bib or laundry faucet. If the reading is outside the sweet spot, it’s time to troubleshoot.

Common Causes in Homes

Understanding the roots of water pressure issues helps you know what to fix—or when to call for help.

Low Pressure Culprits

• Clogged pipes or fixtures: Sediment, mineral buildup, or rust in old pipes can choke the flow.
• Leaking pipes: Even a tiny drip behind a wall can rob your kitchen sink of power.
• Municipal supply issues: Sometimes the problem starts outside your home, especially after city repairs.
• Faulty pressure regulator: This valve (if you have one) keeps pressure steady. When it fails, so does your water flow.
• Old or undersized pipes: Pipes too narrow for modern needs can’t keep up, especially in older homes or during peak use.

High Pressure Hazards

• Faulty or missing pressure regulator: No “traffic cop” on the water line means pressure can run wild.
• Thermal expansion: Hot water heaters can cause pressure to spike if expansion tanks aren’t working.
• Seasonal surges: After a drought or following heavy rains, water utilities sometimes increase pressure.

Special Cases: Multi-Story Homes & Old Piping

• Multi-story buildings: Gravity isn’t always your friend. The higher you go, the less pressure you may have—unless the system is balanced for it.
• Old galvanized pipes: These can corrode and close up inside, throttling your water flow.

DIY and Professional Solutions

Quick Safety Checklist

• Turn off water supply if you suspect a major leak.
• Check all faucets: Is the problem everywhere or just in one spot?
• Inspect visible pipes and connections for leaks, bulges, or rust.
• Look for standing water under sinks, near the water heater, or along baseboards.

DIY Diagnosis: Using a Pressure Gauge

1. Buy a gauge (hardware stores, inexpensive).
2. Attach it to an outdoor hose faucet or laundry tap.
3. Turn off all water-using appliances.
4. Read the gauge: Record the PSI.
5. Compare: Under 40? Over 80? You’ve found a clue.

DIY Fixes

• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads: Unscrew, soak in vinegar, scrub, and reattach.
• Check for isolated issues: If only one fixture is slow, the problem is likely local.
• Adjust the pressure regulator (if you have one): Small adjustments can make a big difference—turn clockwise for more, counterclockwise for less. Make changes in small steps.

When to Call for Professional Help

• Whole-house issues: Low or high pressure everywhere means a bigger issue.
• Frequent leaks or pipe noises: These can signal hidden damage.
• Pressure spikes over 80 PSI: This can quickly damage appliances and cause leaks.
• Old, corroded, or leaking pipes: Don’t wait—especially if you see rust or water stains.

Remember, water can do a lot of damage quickly. If you’re facing a burst pipe or flooding, treat it as an emergency plumbing situation.

What Pros Do On Arrival

When you call Aaton Plumbing, here’s what happens next:

• Full inspection: We check both city supply and your home’s piping, inside and out.
• Pressure testing: Using calibrated gauges, we measure pressure at multiple points.
• Leak detection: Advanced tools (like acoustic sensors or thermal cameras) help us find hidden leaks.
• Check for code compliance: We make sure your pipes, regulators, and backflow devices meet current safety codes (per the International Plumbing Code and local regulations).
• Recommend solutions: This might mean repairing pipes, replacing a faulty regulator, or even repiping older systems.

Prevention & Maintenance

A little attention now can prevent big headaches later:

• Annual plumbing checkups: Catch small leaks or pressure changes before they cause damage.
• Flush water heater: Sediment buildup can affect pressure and shorten appliance life.
• Replace old pipes and fixtures: Especially in homes with original galvanized steel or lead pipes.
• Install or service pressure regulators: Essential for homes with high incoming pressure.
• Backflow prevention: Protects your water supply from contamination and pressure swings.

Costs & Time Factors

Every home is different, but here’s what to expect:

• Simple fixes: Cleaning aerators or adjusting a regulator—usually under an hour.
• Leak repair or pipe replacement: Can take several hours, especially if pipes are hard to access.
• Pressure regulator installation: Typically 1–2 hours.
• Repiping old systems: Larger job; may take several days, especially in older homes.

Cost factors: Materials, access, and the extent of the problem. Emergency plumbing calls can add to the bill, especially after hours or during holidays.

When It’s an Emergency

How do you know if it can wait or if it’s a true emergency plumbing situation?

• Burst pipes or flooding: Shut off your main water valve and call right away.
• Sudden loss of all water pressure: Could mean a major leak.
• Pressure over 80 PSI: This can cause catastrophic failure—appliances, water heaters, and pipes are at risk.

Don’t risk water damage or safety hazards. If you’re unsure, it’s always safest to call.

FAQ: Water Pressure in Homes

Why does my water pressure drop when someone showers?

Shared pipes mean shared pressure. If your system or main line is too small, running more than one fixture can cause a noticeable drop.

Can high water pressure damage my appliances?

Yes. Water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines, and even toilets are built for safe ranges. High pressure can wear them out early or cause leaks.

Is low water pressure always a plumbing problem?

Not always. Sometimes your municipality is doing work or there’s a temporary drop in supply. If it lasts more than a day or two, call a professional.

How often should I check my water pressure?

At least once a year—or anytime you notice a change in flow or hear strange pipe noises.

Local & Seasonal Considerations

Water pressure doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Seasonal changes play a role:

• Droughts: In dry seasons, some municipalities lower pressure to conserve water.
• Heavy rains or thaw: Can increase city supply pressure—and your home may feel the surge.
• Winter freezes: Pipes can contract or freeze, causing blockages and sudden drops in pressure.
• Older neighborhoods: Aging infrastructure can mean more frequent fluctuations, especially during utility work.

If your home has old pipes or is on a hill, you may experience more ups and downs. Consider preventative maintenance or pressure-balancing upgrades.

Low or high water pressure shouldn’t disrupt your life. Whether you need emergency plumbing, leak repair, or Gas Line Installation near you, Aaton Plumbing is ready to help—anytime.

Call Aaton Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  877-362-1997 .