Low water pressure is one of the most common calls we get, and the cause ranges from a two-minute fix to a real repair. Here's how to think it through.
Is it one fixture or the whole house?
This single question narrows it down fast.
Just one faucet or shower
- Clogged aerator or showerhead — hard-water scale is the usual culprit. Unscrew it, soak it in vinegar, rinse, reinstall.
- A failing supply valve under the sink that isn't fully open
- A partially blocked supply line to that fixture
The whole house
- A failing pressure-regulating valve (PRV) — these wear out and can drag your whole-home pressure down (or spike it)
- A main shut-off that isn't fully open after recent work
- Scale buildup in older pipes narrowing the lines over years
- A hidden leak bleeding off pressure before it reaches your fixtures
Quick things to check first
- Clean your aerators and showerheads
- Make sure your main shut-off and under-sink valves are all the way open
- Ask a neighbor if theirs dropped too (could be a municipal issue)
When to call a plumber
If cleaning fixtures didn't help and it's house-wide, it's usually the PRV, a line problem, or a hidden leak — all worth a professional look. We can test your actual pressure and tell you exactly where it's being lost.
House-wide pressure that dropped suddenly is worth checking soon — it can be the first sign of a leak. give K2 a call and we'll test it properly.