If you’re experiencing a decrease in water pressure at your property, the issue is typically within your plumbing system. The list below may help you identify the cause of the low pressure at your property.
In many cases, the cause of a sudden change or decrease in home water pressure is the result of a water softener. If it has been a while since your water softener was serviced, you may want to consider having a professional service technician evaluate your water softener condition.
Depending on the type of water softener and plumbing configuration at your property, you may be able to troubleshoot low-pressure issues caused by your water softener. One option is to temporarily put the softener on bypass and see if pressure increases. If it does, the low pressure is probably caused by the water softener and it may need to be serviced or possibly replaced.
If the low pressure is at every faucet in the home and you have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed on your home plumbing system, you may want to verify that your PRV is set appropriately. Most PRVs are bell-shaped devices that may be installed near the water heater, water softener or outside on the inlet water line between your home and water meter. PRVs should be adjusted by a certified plumber.
If the low pressure is not affecting every faucet, the problem may just be a clogged or blocked faucet aerator. Check the aerator screens for rust, debris, scale or other particles that may be restricting flow. Simply clean or replace the aerator altogether.
If the low pressure is only affecting the hot water at your property, there could be a problem with your water heater. Check the shut-off valve near the water heater and make sure it is fully open. You may need to consult a certified plumber to evaluate the condition of your water heater and determine if it is affecting your water pressure.
Most homes in Southern Nevada have an on-site water valve located near other on-site fixtures, like a water heater or water softener. The valve may also be located in the garage or on the inlet line between your home and water meter. This valve, which may be utilized to make plumbing repairs, allows you to shut off the flow of water to the home. Make certain that this valve is open completely; even the slightest closure can restrict flows and decrease the water pressure.
Low pressure also can be caused by a water leak somewhere on the property
The author is a journeyman p l u m b e r in Nevada not a p l u m b i n g contractor.