There is nothing worse than stepping into the shower expecting a powerful wake-up call, only to be met with a sad, weak trickle. Or perhaps you are standing at the kitchen sink, waiting an eternity for a single pot to fill. Low water pressure is one of the most frustrating household problems, turning simple daily tasks into time-consuming chores.
But before you call a plumber and spend hundreds of dollars, you should know that many pressure issues have simple, DIY fixes. The cause could be anything from a clogged screen to a partially closed valve. In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to improve water pressure in your house, starting with the easiest checks and moving to whole-home solutions.
Quick Diagnosis: Why Is My Pressure Low?
If you want to solve the problem, you first have to find the source. Use this quick checklist to narrow down the culprit:
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Difficulty to Fix |
| Low pressure at one faucet only | Clogged aerator or cartridge | Easy (DIY) |
| Low pressure with hot water only | Water heater sediment or valve issue | Medium |
| Low pressure in the whole house | Main shut-off valve or Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) | Medium |
| Sudden drop in pressure | Hidden leak or burst pipe | Hard (Urgent) |
| Gradual drop over years | Corroded pipes (in older homes) | Hard (Pro needed) |
Step 1: Check the “Easy” Suspects (Aerators & Fixtures)
Before you go messing with your home’s main plumbing, check the specific fixture that is giving you trouble. If the pressure is fine in the kitchen but terrible in the bathroom, the issue is likely isolated to that specific faucet or showerhead.
Clean the Aerator
The most common villain is the aerator—the little mesh screen at the tip of your faucet. Over time, it gets clogged with mineral deposits (scale) and sediment.
- Unscrew the nozzle at the end of the faucet (you might need pliers and a cloth to protect the finish).
- Check for grit or white buildup.
- Soak the parts in a bowl of white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve the calcium.
- Rinse and screw it back on.
If the fixture itself seems damaged or if you notice water dripping even when the handle is tight, the internal cartridge might be failing. This restricts flow and wastes water. For a deep dive on repairing these specific fixtures, check our guide on how to fix a leaking bathtub faucet, which covers dismantling the handle to get to the root of the problem.
Step 2: Inspect the Main Water Valves
If the water pressure is low everywhere in the house, the problem is likely at the source. There are two main valves you need to check: the Main Shut-Off Valve and the Water Meter Valve.
Sometimes, after a repair or a municipal inspection, these valves are accidentally left partially closed.
- Ball Valves: The handle should be parallel to the pipe. If it is at an angle, it is restricting flow.
- Gate Valves (Wheel handle): These should be turned fully counter-clockwise. Even one or two turns clockwise can significantly reduce pressure.
Safety Note: If you are unsure where your main shut-off is located or how to operate it safely, read our step-by-step guide on how to turn off water to your house before you start turning handles. Old valves can sometimes snap or leak if forced.
Step 3: Adjust the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)
Most modern homes have a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) installed on the main water line (usually near the shut-off valve). It looks like a brass bell shape. Its job is to lower the high pressure from the city (which can be over 100 psi) to a safe level for your home (typically 40–60 psi).
If your PRV is set too low or is failing, your pressure will suffer. Here is how to adjust it:
- Loosen the lock nut on the top of the valve.
- Turn the bolt clockwise to increase pressure (do this in small increments, like a quarter turn at a time).
- Check a faucet to see if the pressure improves.
Warning: Do not just crank it to the max. Pressure above 80 psi can damage your pipes, blow out appliance seals, and shorten the life of your water heater. It is best to buy a cheap water pressure gauge (available at hardware stores) to hook onto a hose bib so you can see the exact psi as you adjust.
Step 4: Check for Hidden Leaks
If your valves are open and your PRV is set correctly, but pressure is still low, you might have a leak. A leak “steals” pressure from the rest of the system because water is escaping before it reaches your tap.
The Meter Test:
- Turn off every water source in the house (taps, dishwasher, washing machine).
- Go to your water meter.
- Watch the leak indicator (often a small triangle or gear) or write down the numbers.
- Wait 15–30 minutes.
- If the indicator moved or the numbers changed, you have a leak underground or in a wall.
When to Call a Plumber (Pressure Boosters)
Sometimes, the issue isn’t your plumbing—it’s gravity or distance. If you live on top of a hill or at the end of a municipal water line, the supply pressure might naturally be weak.
In this case, no amount of cleaning aerators will help. The solution is installing a Water Pressure Booster Pump. This electric pump integrates into your main water line and actively boosts the pressure for the entire home. It is a significant investment (often $500–$1000+ installed), but it is often the only fix for gravity-fed issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 40 psi good water pressure?
40 psi is considered on the low end of “acceptable.” Most homeowners prefer pressure between 50 and 60 psi. Anything below 40 psi will feel weak, especially when running two fixtures at once (like a shower and a dishwasher).
Why is my hot water pressure low but cold is fine?
This usually indicates a problem with your water heater. Sediment buildup in the tank can block the hot water outlet. Alternatively, the shut-off valve leading into the water heater might be partially closed.
Can old pipes cause low pressure?
Yes. If you have an older home with galvanized steel pipes, they corrode from the inside out. Over decades, rust builds up internally, narrowing the pipe diameter and restricting flow. Unfortunately, the only fix for this is repiping the house.
Conclusion
Improving water pressure in your house is often a process of elimination. Start small with your aerators and showerheads—these 5-minute fixes solve the majority of complaints. If that fails, check your main valves and PRV settings. By systematically troubleshooting the system, you can often restore that powerful shower spray without needing an expensive emergency plumbing call.
