From the Archive: Weak Streams
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
A shower that dribbles, a hose that barely reaches the garden. Low pressure has a short list of usual suspects.
or ring (365) 399-5986
Quick answer
Work out whether the problem is one fixture, one part of the house, hot water only or the whole home. That single observation points to the cause.
What you notice, what we usually find
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Weak at one faucet only | Clogged aerator or cartridge |
| Weak everywhere | Partly closed main valve or failing pressure regulator |
| Weak hot side only | Sediment in the tank or a sticking mixing valve |
Narrowing it down
- One fixture only: the aerator or shower head is probably clogged with scale. Unscrew it, soak in vinegar, rinse and refit.
- Hot water only: look at the water heater. A partly closed outlet valve, sediment or a failing tankless unit are common causes.
- One floor or one branch: a partly closed valve, a kinked line or a corroded section of pipe.
- Whole house: check that the primary shut-off is fully open. Then consider a failing pressure-reducing valve if you have one, a corroded service line or a problem on the municipal side.
- Sudden and street-wide: ask neighbours. Halton Region posts water main breaks and service interruptions.
A water softener or filter can also cut pressure if its cartridge is clogged or the bypass is partly closed. Check it before calling.
Missteps to avoid
- Raising a pressure-reducing valve too high. Very high pressure strains fittings and appliances.
- Replacing a faucet when only the aerator was blocked.
- Ignoring a gradual drop over years, which often signals galvanized pipe closing up.
Stop and phone a plumber when
- 1A ceiling or wall starts dripping
- 2More than one drain backs up at once
- 3You smell gas or sewage indoors
- 4A valve will not turn or drips when touched
When a plumber helps
Call if pressure is low throughout the home, or if fixing aerators made no difference. We can measure static and flowing pressure and trace the restriction. Older homes may need repiping or a new service line. Read about galvanized pipes too.
Straight answers to common calls
What is normal household water pressure?
Household systems commonly run in a moderate range. Very high readings need a pressure-reducing valve; a plumber can measure yours.
Why did pressure drop after a softener install?
A clogged prefilter or a bypass valve left part-way can restrict flow.
Keep reading
- Galvanized Pipes in Older Homes
Grey steel pipes with threaded joints were standard in houses built before the 1960s.
- Whole-Home Repiping in Oakville
Patch after patch, leak after leak.
- Water Service Line Replacement in Oakville
One pipe carries every drop into the house, from the curb stop to the meter.
- Living with Hard Water in Halton
White crust on the tap.
Ready when you are
One call books the visit. Tell us what you are seeing and we will tell you straight what it likely is.