Low Water Pressure in House: 7 Causes and How to Fix Them
Weak showers and slow-filling washing machines are frustrating, but low water pressure is also a clue. Here are the seven most common causes we find in Indiana homes, roughly in order of how easy they are to fix.
1. Clogged aerator or showerhead
If only one fixture is weak, unscrew the aerator and soak it in vinegar. Hard water scale is the usual culprit in Indiana.
2. Partially closed shutoff valve
Check the main shutoff near the meter and the valve where the line enters the house. Both should be fully open.
3. Failing pressure regulator
Many homes have a pressure-reducing valve near the main. When it fails, pressure can drop suddenly in the whole house. Replacement restores normal flow.
4. Hidden leak
A leak in a supply line — especially under a slab or underground — steals pressure and raises your bill. Our leak detection service finds it without tearing up walls.
5. Corroded galvanized pipes
Older homes with galvanized steel pipe lose diameter to rust over decades. If pressure has declined slowly over years and you see rusty water, whole-house repiping is the permanent fix.
6. Damaged main water line
Tree roots, shifting soil, and age crack the service line from the meter to the house. Wet spots in the yard confirm it. See water line repair.
7. Municipal supply issues
If neighbors have the same problem, call your water utility.
Need help?
A Good Plumber diagnoses low water pressure throughout Indiana, including Carmel, South Bend, and Bloomington. Call (888) 480-9811.