If you’ve ever turned on the shower expecting a powerful spray but were greeted by a disappointing dribble, you might be asking yourself, “What causes low water pressure?” Low water pressure is a common household issue that can range from mildly annoying to downright disruptive.
At Goodbee Plumbing, we’ve helped countless Louisiana homeowners tackle these problems, and in most cases, the solution starts with understanding what causes low water pressure in the first place.
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
Clogged Pipes
One of the top reasons for low water pressure is clogged pipes. Over time, mineral deposits, rust, and sediment from hard water accumulate inside your plumbing. This narrows the pipe diameter, restricting water flow and significantly dropping pressure. It’s especially common in areas like New Orleans and Covington where mineral content in water tends to be higher.
Corroded Plumbing
Homes built before the 1970s often use galvanized steel pipes. While once popular, these pipes corrode from the inside out. As corrosion builds up, it blocks water flow, eventually leading to a significant drop in pressure. If your plumbing hasn’t been updated in decades, corrosion may be the root cause.
Leaky Pipes
Even small leaks can wreak havoc on water pressure. If water is escaping from your pipes before reaching faucets, the result is lower pressure in sinks, showers, and appliances. Check for signs like water stains, mold growth, or increased water bills—these often indicate unseen leaks.
Partially Closed Valves
Your home has several critical water valves, including the main shutoff valve and the water meter valve. If either is even slightly closed, it can restrict the amount of water entering your home. Ensuring these valves are fully open is one of the simplest checks homeowners can perform.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
Pressure regulators maintain a safe, consistent water pressure throughout your home. If this device fails, you may experience water that’s either too forceful or too weak. Faulty regulators can also cause surging water pressure followed by sudden drops, which puts additional stress on your plumbing.
Clogged Aerators and Fixtures
Sometimes, low water pressure is localized to one or two fixtures. In such cases, the problem could be mineral buildup inside faucet aerators or showerheads. Fortunately, these components are easy to clean or replace, restoring full pressure in just a few minutes.
Municipal Water Supply Issues
Low water pressure isn’t always your fault—sometimes, it originates with your city’s water system. Scheduled maintenance, pipe bursts, or increased demand in your area can all reduce water pressure. If your neighbors are also experiencing low pressure, the municipal supply is likely to blame.
High Water Demand
Do you run your dishwasher, washing machine, and multiple showers at the same time? Using several high-demand fixtures simultaneously can strain your plumbing and cause pressure drops. Smart usage habits and strategic scheduling can help maintain pressure.
Backflow Problems
Backflow is a plumbing issue where water reverses direction and re-enters your clean water supply—often due to a sudden drop in pressure. Not only does it reduce water flow, but it also poses health risks. A certified plumber can install backflow prevention devices to safeguard your home.
Water Heater Issues
If only your hot water has low pressure, your water heater may be to blame. Sediment buildup in the tank or corrosion in the hot water pipes can block flow. Flushing the tank or servicing the heater often resolves this problem.
Lesser-Known Causes of Low Water Pressure
Underground Leaks
Hidden leaks in underground service lines leading to your house can significantly reduce pressure, especially if there’s a break in the line. These leaks often go unnoticed until serious pressure issues or increased utility bills arise.
Shared Plumbing Lines
In multi-unit buildings or older neighborhoods, several homes might share the same water supply line. If others are using water at the same time, your pressure may dip due to shared demand.
Inadequate Plumbing Design
In some homes, poor plumbing layouts, like too many elbows, improperly sized pipes, or long distances, can create friction loss, decreasing water pressure. Modern plumbing designs aim to reduce resistance and improve flow.
How to Diagnose Low Water Pressure
If you’re unsure about the cause, try these diagnostic tips:
- Check Multiple Fixtures: If only one faucet is affected, it’s likely a local issue.
- Inspect Valves: Ensure all main and meter valves are fully open.
- Compare Hot and Cold: If only hot water is weak, it points to the water heater.
- Talk to Neighbors: If others are experiencing the same issue, it’s possible that it’s a municipal problem.
Professional Solutions from Goodbee Plumbing
At Goodbee Plumbing, our trained technicians are experts in water pressure issues. Here’s how we help:
- Comprehensive System Inspection: We perform a detailed inspection of your entire plumbing system to pinpoint exactly what’s wrong.
- Leak Detection & Repair: Using advanced equipment, we detect hidden leaks and repair them promptly to restore water flow.
- Pipe Replacement: For corroded or outdated piping, we offer complete repiping solutions using durable, modern materials.
- Drain Cleaning: Clogs develop over time, and hydro jetting or simpler unclogging solutions can help avoid larger clogs down the line.
- Water Filtration Systems: To combat hard water and prevent future blockages, we install high-quality water softeners and filtration systems.
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge, Covington, New Orleans, or nearby communities, we’re just a call away for fast, reliable service.
Preventing Low Water Pressure
Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual plumbing inspections to catch issues early.
Water Softening: Reduce scale buildup with water softener systems.
Educate the Household: Avoid using all major appliances at once.
Install Smart Valves: Consider modern plumbing upgrades that allow remote monitoring and control of your water system.
FAQ: What Causes Low Water Pressure?
Can low water pressure damage appliances?
Yes. Low pressure can force dishwashers and washing machines to run inefficiently, causing strain and shortening their lifespan.
Is low water pressure always a plumbing issue?
Not necessarily. Sometimes it stems from municipal problems or temporary weather events.
Should I try fixing low pressure myself?
While simple fixes like cleaning aerators can be DIY, major issues like leaks or regulator problems should be handled by a licensed plumber.
Does low pressure affect water quality?
It can. Backflow and stagnation may occur, which compromises water purity.
What’s the ideal home water pressure?
Most homes function best between 40–60 psi. A pressure gauge can help you test it.
How quickly can Goodbee Plumbing respond?
We offer same-day service in most cases across southern Louisiana. Call us or schedule online for quick help.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what causes low water pressure, the next step is taking action. Whether it’s a simple fixture fix or a complex system upgrade, resolving pressure issues brings comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind. Don’t let low flow drain your day.
Contact Goodbee Plumbing today for expert diagnosis and lasting solutions. Your stronger shower, faster laundry, and better home experience await!