One of the “so-called” little irritations in life is suffering through a shower with low water pressure when you are in a hurry to get somewhere; it just seems like everything takes more time. Needless to say, perhaps, is that it is also not very fulfilling, relaxing or soothing. Most of us tend to look forward to a refreshing shower after a long day of work, or play; but, if you have low water pressure, you may dread taking your next shower or, at the very least, tolerate it just as a necessary, unavoidable, ordeal.
First, determine if your neighbors also have low water pressure. If that is the case, there is really nothing to do but call the water company and complain. If, however, your home is the only one with the problem or if only parts of your home have the problem, then there are some things that you can have checked. A plumbing service company can check the water valve coming into your house from the city supplier. Your pressure reducing valve (by your household shut off valve) could simply need adjusting. Also, make sure that the home’s shut off valve is completely open. If your home is older, you could have rusted or clogged pipes or a broken or leaking water line.
If you think the low pressure is only affecting one faucet or showerhead, they may just need to be cleaned. Besides clogged aerators (screens), or partially closed valves, a blockage somewhere within the pipes can cause low water pressure. Once you’ve checked some of the common, simpler to remedy, causes for your low water pressure, make sure to call your local plumbing professional for a maintenance check of your plumbing system.
