Low water pressure can be a frustrating problem for San Francisco area homeowners. There are a number of causes for it, some of which can be fixed by you and some that require the assistance of a professional plumber.
Low water pressure at only one source
If you’re experiencing low water pressure in your house, the first thing you’ll want to do is determine if it’s affecting your entire house or just one water source. If you find that it’s just one source, such as a kitchen faucet, one likely culprit is the faucet aerator.
A faucet aerator can get clogged and rusted over time. Unscrew your aerator and inspect all of its parts, especially the screen, for any buildup. If you are able to remove all of the buildup, simply screw the aerator back in and check your water pressure. If your aerator is rusted, it might be best to simply replace it with a new aerator.
Low water pressure in your whole house
There are many possible explanations for low water pressure in your entire house. Some of the most common ones include:
- Shutoff valves not fully on. If a water shutoff valve is even slightly turned from the “on” position, it can cause your water pressure to drop. Check every shutoff valve from the street to your house to ensure they are all fully turned on.
- Water leaks in your pipes. If you have leaks if your pipes, water will be lost as it travels to its source. This will decrease the water pressure in your house. To check if you have a leak, turn off all the taps inside and outside your house. Check the water meter and return back a couple hours later. If your water consumption has gone up, you probably have a leak.
- Mineral deposits blocking water flow. In older homes with galvanized iron pipes, mineral deposits can build up inside the pipes and reduce their diameter. This gives less space for water to travel through and makes it harder for it to reach its source.
If you have any questions about low water pressure in your house, or if you’d like to have your home serviced by a professional, contact Cabrillo, your San Francisco plumbing, heating and cooling company. We service the San Francisco area and surrounding cities like Burlingame, Woodside, Orinda and Los Altos.