Low Water Pressure in Your Home? Here's How To Diagnose It
Low water pressure is one of those problems that's easy to notice and surprisingly hard to diagnose without a systematic approach. The cause could be as simple as a clogged aerator or as serious as a failing pressure regulator or a corroded pipe. Here's how to work through the possibilities.
Is It One Fixture or the Whole House?
The first question to answer is whether the low pressure is isolated to one fixture or affecting the entire home. If it's just one tap, start by unscrewing the aerator (the small screen at the tip of the faucet) and cleaning it — mineral deposits frequently clog aerators and reduce flow significantly. If it's just the shower, the showerhead may be scaled up. If low pressure is affecting every fixture in the house, the cause is somewhere in the main supply system.
Check the Pressure Regulator
Most homes have a pressure reducing valve (PRV) installed where the main water line enters the house. This valve regulates the pressure from the city supply down to a safe level for household use (typically 40–80 PSI). PRVs have a lifespan of 10–15 years, and a failing PRV can cause pressure to drop throughout the entire home. A plumber can test your pressure with a gauge and replace the PRV if it's the cause.
Corroded or Scaled Pipes
In older New Orleans homes with galvanised steel pipes, corrosion and mineral scale buildup inside the pipes can significantly reduce the internal diameter over decades of use, restricting flow. This type of pressure loss is gradual and gets worse over time. If your home has galvanised pipes and the pressure has been declining for years, repiping with copper or PEX is the long-term solution. A plumber can inspect your pipes and advise on the best approach.
A Partially Closed Shut-Off Valve
It sounds obvious, but a partially closed main shut-off valve or meter valve is a surprisingly common cause of whole-house low pressure — particularly after plumbing work has been done and the valve wasn't fully reopened. Locate your main shut-off valve (usually near the water meter or where the main line enters the house) and make sure it's fully open. A ball valve should be parallel to the pipe; a gate valve should be turned fully counter-clockwise.
A Leak in the Supply Line
A significant leak in your main supply line — whether above ground, underground, or under the slab — will reduce pressure throughout the house. If you've ruled out the other causes and your water bill has also increased, a supply line leak is a strong possibility. A plumber can perform a pressure test and use leak detection equipment to locate the problem without unnecessary excavation.
G Fox Plumbing diagnoses and repairs water pressure problems throughout New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, and Gretna. If your pressure isn't what it should be, we'll find the cause and fix it. Call (504) 920-7152 or request a quote online.
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