Have you turned on your tap or shower and noticed the water just dribbles out? You’re not alone. Many Canadian homeowners deal with low water pressure at some point. Whether it’s a weak shower or slow kitchen faucet, low water pressure can be frustrating.
Quick Ways to Fix Water Pressure Issue:
- Check all taps to see if the issue is everywhere or just in one place.
- Clean aerators and showerheads.
- Make sure your main valve is fully open.
- Look for leaks around your home.
- Test the pressure regulator or PRV.
- Have your pipes inspected for buildup or corrosion.
- Install a booster pump if needed.
What Causes Low Water Pressure in a House?
Before trying to fix low water pressure, it is important to know what exactly causing it. Here are the most common reasons for low water pressure in Canadian homes:
- Clogged Aerators or Showerheads: Mineral deposits or debris block water flow at individual fixtures.
- Partially Closed Valves: If main valve or local tap valves are not fully open, water pressure will drop.
- Leaking Pipes: Small leaks can reduce pressure throughout home. Look for damp spots or check water meter.
- Faulty Pressure Regulator (PRV): If home has a pressure reducing valve and it fails, it can limit water flow throughout the home.
- Old or Corroded Pipes: Galvanized steel or old pipes can clog internally with time, which slows down water pressure.
- Municipal Supply Issues: Sometimes the problem is outside home. A drop in city water supply pressure can affect your home too.
Quick Tip: If only one faucet is affected, it is likely a local issue. If the whole house has low pressure, the cause is probably in main system or piping.
7 Easy Steps to Fix Low Water Pressure
1. Check Other Taps in Your Home
Start simple. Is the low pressure only in one spot, like the shower? Or is it in the whole house?
If it’s just one tap or showerhead, the problem is likely close by. You could be dealing with a clogged aerator or a blocked showerhead. That’s good news. It’s often a quick fix.
But if every faucet and shower is weak, then it might be something in the whole system. We’ll cover that too.
2. Clean the Aerators and Showerheads
Hard water can leave sediment buildup inside your faucet’s aerator or showerhead. This is a common cause of poor water pressure in one place.
Twist off the aerator (that small screen at the tip of your faucet). Rinse it under running water. You can soak it in vinegar to break down any buildup. Do the same with your showerhead.
Once clean, screw it back on. Test the water. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to fix weak water flow.
3. Check Your Main Shut-Off Valve
Sometimes a valve gets bumped or partially closed during work or moving furniture. Look near where the water line comes into your house. That’s usually in the basement or utility room.
Make sure the main shut-off valve is fully open. Turn it counterclockwise until it stops. If it was even slightly closed, that could cause low water pressure in your house.
4. Check for Leaks Around the House
A water leak can lower your water pressure fast. Walk around your home and look for wet spots. Check under sinks, near the water heater, and around your foundation.
A hidden leak in your wall or under the floor can waste water and drop pressure. If you suspect a leak, it’s time to call a plumber. Water leaks can lead to mold and damage.
You can also look at your water meter. Turn off all taps. If the meter keeps running, you probably have a leak.
5. Inspect the Pressure Regulator
Some homes in Canada have a pressure regulator or pressure-reducing valve (PRV). This controls how much water pressure comes from the city supply.
If this valve fails, it can lead to sudden drops in water pressure. You can usually find it near your water meter.
If you notice your water pressure suddenly dropped and stayed low, this could be the reason. A plumber can test and replace the PRV if needed.
6. Consider Pipe Problems
Old pipes can cause a lot of water pressure problems. Over time, pipes can corrode. The inside narrows, and that slows down water.
In older Canadian homes, especially those with galvanized steel pipes, this is common. You may need to replace sections of the pipe.
Pipe corrosion or clogged pipes usually show signs over time. If you’ve noticed pressure dropping slowly for years, this could be why.
Call a licensed plumber to check your pipes. They can use tools like cameras to inspect inside the lines.
7. Boost Your Water Pressure
If everything checks out and you still have low water pressure, you might need to boost it.
One way is to install a water pressure booster pump. This small device helps push water through your system more forcefully. It works well for homes with gravity-fed systems or higher elevation bathrooms.
You can also ask your city about the municipal water supply. If the pressure from the street is low, that could be why. Your local water utility can run a test.
Still Have Water Pressure Issues? Time to Call a Plumber
Not every problem is easy to spot. Some issues are hidden inside walls or underground. If you’ve gone through these steps and still have low water pressure, a professional plumber can help.
Licensed plumbers have tools to test water flow rate, check for pipe diameter issues, and find the exact source of the trouble. In Canada, always make sure your plumber is certified and insured.
You can find licensed plumbers through:
What If Low Water Pressure Happened After Plumbing Work?
This is more common than people think. If your low water pressure started after a repair, renovation, or plumbing job, something may have been left partly closed.
Ask the plumber who did the work to come back and double-check all valves. Also, aerators and pipes might have collected debris during the work. Cleaning them can help.
Final Thoughts
Low water pressure can be annoying. But most causes are easy to find. And many fixes are simple. Start small. Clean and check. Then move to bigger checks like leaks or pipes.
If it feels too much to handle, don’t stress. Help is just a call away. Plumbers can quickly find and solve water pressure issues so your home can get back to normal.
Keep this guide handy the next time you notice weak water flow. And remember, regular plumbing inspections can prevent future problems.
Quick FAQs: Fixing and Understanding Low Water Pressure
Why is my water pressure low in just one faucet?
This usually means the faucet aerator is clogged with sediment or mineral buildup. Unscrew it and rinse it under water. Soak it in vinegar if needed.
How can I fix low water pressure in my shower?
Start by cleaning the showerhead. Soak it in vinegar to remove mineral buildup. If that doesn’t help, check the shut-off valve or the pressure regulator.
What are the common reasons for low water pressure in homes?
Some causes include clogged pipes, a partially closed valve, a faulty pressure regulator, sediment buildup, or hidden leaks.
Can clogged pipes cause low water pressure?
Yes. Over time, pipes can get clogged with rust, debris, or mineral buildup, especially in older homes with steel pipes.
How do I clean a clogged faucet aerator?
Unscrew the small screen at the tip of the faucet. Rinse it or soak it in white vinegar to dissolve buildup. Then screw it back on.
What are some DIY solutions for low water pressure in the kitchen sink?
Clean the aerator, check the shut-off valve under the sink, and inspect for leaks in the faucet line.
How do I increase water pressure without calling a plumber?
Try cleaning your aerators, making sure all shut-off valves are fully open, and checking for leaks. You can also test and adjust the pressure-reducing valve.
What causes sudden low water pressure in the whole house?
It could be a major leak, a failing pressure regulator, or city supply issues. Check your shut-off valve and water meter first.
How can I adjust my pressure-reducing valve for better water flow?
Locate the valve (usually near your water meter). Turn the screw clockwise slightly to increase pressure. Don’t overdo it, small turns make a big difference.
What are signs of pipe corrosion affecting water pressure?
Brown water, rust stains, and slow pressure that worsens over time are all signs. A plumber can check your pipes with a camera.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.