Low water pressure can turn even the simplest daily routines into a test of patience. Whether it’s a shower that feels more like a drizzle or a kitchen faucet that takes ages to fill a pot, weak pressure is a sign that something’s not quite right behind the scenes. The good news? Most causes are fixable — and many are more common than you think.
1. Build-Up in Your Pipes
Over time, minerals from hard water can cling to the interior walls of your plumbing. That buildup shrinks the pipe opening and slows water flow. It’s especially common in older homes in Colorado Springs, where aging plumbing and hard water can team up for a low-pressure double punch.
Fix: A plumber can flush, descale, or replace sections of clogged pipe.
2. Partially Closed Shut-Off Valves
Sometimes the solution is surprisingly simple: a valve that isn’t fully open. Every fixture has its own shut-off valve, and your home has a main one too. If any of these are only halfway open, your pressure suffers.
Fix: Make sure all accessible valves are fully open — or have a pro check the ones you can’t reach.
3. A Failing Pressure Regulator
If your home has a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), it can fail over time. When it does, you might experience pressure that’s way too low — or even suddenly too high.
Fix: A licensed plumber can test and replace a PRV quickly.
4. Leaks You Can’t See
Even a small leak steals water pressure before the water ever reaches your faucet. Some leaks are obvious, while others hide inside walls, floors, or crawlspaces.
Fix: Water line inspections, moisture mapping, and repair of the damaged line.
5. Old or Corroded Pipes
Galvanized steel pipes — common in older homes — corrode from the inside out. As the diameter shrinks, water pressure drops steadily.
Fix: Replacing old piping with modern materials (like PEX or copper) often brings instant pressure improvement.
6. Municipal Water Supply Issues
Sometimes the issue isn’t inside your home at all — it’s in your neighborhood. Water main breaks, city maintenance, or high-demand periods can temporarily drop pressure.
Fix: Your local utility can confirm whether there's an active issue.
When It’s Time to Call a Pro
If troubleshooting doesn’t restore your pressure, it likely means the cause is hidden — and plumbing isn’t the place to experiment. HOMEfix plumbers diagnose pressure problems daily and can get your home flowing again quickly and safely.
