Low Water Pressure
Weak showers and slow fill-ups? The usual causes, from old pipe to well tank problems.
Reviewed by Micky Cipolla, NJ Master Plumber #13478
Low water pressure makes every shower worse. In our area the cause is usually one of a few things, and most of them can be fixed for good.
Common causes
- Galvanized pipe. Old galvanized pipe rusts closed from the inside over the years.
- Well pressure tank or switch. On a well, a failing tank or pressure switch causes weak or surging pressure.
- Clogged filters or aerators. Sediment from well water clogs filters, aerators and shower heads.
- Partly closed or failing valves. A main valve that is not fully open, or is failing inside.
- A hidden leak. Water escaping somewhere means less at your fixtures.
What you can check first
- Is it one fixture or the whole house? One fixture usually means the aerator or cartridge
- Clean the aerator or shower head
- On a well, check the pressure gauge near the tank
- Change any whole-house filter cartridge
When to call a plumber
- The whole house has low pressure
- Pressure surges and drops on a well
- Water is discolored along with low pressure
How we fix it
We find the cause, not just the symptom. That might be a repipe with PEX, a new pressure tank or switch, a valve replacement or water treatment to stop sediment.
Repiping & PEX Well Tanks & Well Water Service Water Softeners & Filtration
Low Water Pressure FAQ
Will a repipe fix my pressure?
If old galvanized pipe is the cause, yes. Customers tell us pressure is better than ever after a PEX repipe.
Is low pressure on a well normal?
No. It usually points to the tank, switch or filters.
"Tucker's replaced my copper piping to PEX and whole house water filtration system quickly and cleanly, and pressure and comfort is better than before."
Sam D.Google review