The DIY Plumbing Repair Checklist: Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure

Does your home experience low water pressure? A little investigation might uncover some important clues and some possible plumbing repair solutions that will improve the water pressure problem.

• When did the low-pressure problem start? Was it immediately after a repair that turned the water supply off?
• Did the low-pressure problem develop gradually or was it sudden? 
• Is the pressure problem general or localized at a certain appliance or faucet?

These questions can help identify the plumbing repair problem(s) and provide solutions.

Plumbing Repair 101: Is Your Water Pressure Within the Normal Range?

What is normal water pressure? How can I determine water pressure as a DIY project?  Residential water pressure should range between 30 to 80 per square inch (psi), with 60 psi being considered ideal. Pressure can vary from supply district to supply district but can also vary within the district. For instance, homes that are near a water tower will probably have greater pressure than the home most distant from the tower. 

To determine water pressure in your home, purchase a water pressure test gauge, generally available at home improvement stores for under $20. Attach the test gauge to an outdoor spigot and test the pressure. Most washing machines have a similar connection, so:

•  shut off the water supply to the washer 
• disconnect the hose (collecting the water from the hose)
• connect the gauge to the water supply
• turn the water supply on and take the reading
• turn the water supply off
• disconnect the gauge and reconnect the washer hose to the washer
• turn the water supply on for the washer, making sure the connection is sealed properly.

5 Step Plumbing Repair Checklist: Troubleshooting Low Water Pressure

If the water supply is within the given range, but a pressure problem remains, start from the beginning and work your way to the problem area. 

1 Start at the source. If possible, observe the valve at the water meter. This is especially prudent if the water supply has been turned off recently. Most water meter valves require special tools to open and close, and some cannot be accessed without special tools. If the valve can be observed, determine whether it is open or closed.

1. 1. A closed valve will be perpendicular to the pipe: pipe l pipe
   2. An open valve will be parallel to the pipe: pipe – pipe
   3. If the valve is partially closed, the water supply is reduced, and water pressure is low.
   4. This fact is the same with each valve.

2 Check the valve at the pressure regulator. Water supply systems with pressure higher than normal will install a pressure regulator, a pressure reduction device. Make sure that the valve at the regulator is open.

1. Check the main shutoff valve. Each home should have a shutoff valve to allow repairs to the home’s water supply. Make sure this valve is completely open. 
2. Check the valve at each appliance. Each sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator should have a shutoff valve to allow repairs and maintenance. Make sure that each valve is completely open as well. 
3. Check the aerator in the faucet. Each faucet has a removable aerator that will easily unscrew from the spout. Aerators may contain a flow restrictor, mixer, and screen that can collect sediment or lime scales. This debris can restrict water flow. 

If these actions do not produce a solution that improves your low-water-pressure problem, call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat Plumbing Repair at 281-516-5935. There are other causes for low water pressure that require a professional plumbing repair expert.