When water pressure drops in only one part of the house, the problem is usually somewhere on the pipes that feed that area. Common causes include a clogged faucet aerator or showerhead, a partly closed valve, mineral buildup in older pipes, or a leak on that branch line.
Start With the Fixture
If only one faucet or shower is weak, unscrew the aerator or showerhead and look inside. Small screens catch sand and mineral flakes. Rinsing them out often brings the pressure right back. If both hot and cold are weak at one sink, also check the small shut-off valves under it to make sure they are fully open.
When a Whole Area Is Weak
If an entire bathroom or the whole second floor has weak pressure, the problem is likely in the pipe that feeds that area. Older galvanized steel pipes can fill with rust and scale on the inside, narrowing the space water flows through. Upper floors also feel pressure drops first, since water has to travel up to reach them.
Hot Water Only?
If only the hot water is weak throughout part of the house, the cause may be at the water heater. A partly closed valve on the heater, sediment in the tank, or buildup in the hot water lines can all reduce flow on the hot side alone.
Could It Be a Leak?
A leak on a branch line can steal pressure from the fixtures past it. Look for damp spots, stains, or warped flooring near the weak area. Check the water meter with everything off. If it moves, water is going somewhere it should not. In that case, a careful search for the hidden leak can find it without opening large sections of wall.
Pressure problems often have more than one cause, especially in older homes. If cleaning the aerators does not help, you can have a plumber trace the problem through the house. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.