FAQs about how to fix poor water pressure traced to clogs, pipe diameter, or clogged water supply piping.

This article series describes How to Cure Bad Water Pressure Due to Clogged Water Supply Pipes. The process of diagnosis and the costs of the repair are explained.

Clogged Water Supply Piping / Poor Water Pressure & Flow Repair FAQs

These questions and answers about improving poor water pressure or flow traced to clogged piping were posted originally at CLOGGED SUPPLY PIPES, REPAIR - be sure to review that article.

Sketches courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection, education, & reporting tool firm.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2019-11-17 by (mod) - lost water pressure in part of building: clog or blockage vs. weak incoming water pressure

Anthony:

1. If you have good water flow in part of a building and none elsewhere then yes it seems likely that there is a valve that's closed or a valve, elbow, or section of piping that's blocked.

Typically a plumber will go to the first valve or elbow that's downstream from the last point where pipes are successfully supplying water, and will begin exploring valves and if finding nothing there will cut open and examine pipes near the first elbow.

2. Please show me a photo of the "header tank" in the attic.

Is this a water pressure tank that's supposed to be feeding the rest of the home?

If so is it the case that the water in the kitchen tap and outdoor hose spigot are the only outlets on a first floor and all other plumbing is on upper floors?

If so then the problem could be a water delivery pressure issue not a pipe blockage.

If that is the case you may need a water pressure booster pump. (Search InspectApedia.com for that phrase to see details).

On 2019-11-17 by Anthony

I have a problem I have flow to the kitchen tap and garden house at the kitchen window but does not go the rest of the house the entry point for mains is at the kitchen reason why I seem to have flow there.

The water doesn't go to the header tank in the attic. The house had all plastic pipes going to the house it is also plastic too. Is there any way of solving this? Or do I have a blockage?

On 2019-10-12 by (mod) - hot water pressure is bad

Rick

Assuming you've ruled out the obvious like a clogged or partly closed hot water supply valve,

Let's start with the diagnostics at

HOT WATER PRESSURE IMPROVEMENT

On 2019-10-12 by Rick

Have low hot water pressure to the bathtub only, good water pressure to the rest of the house?

On 2019-08-18 by (mod) - diagnose lost or weak hot water pressure

Diagnosing weak hot water flow is found in two InspectApedia articles, Paul

HOT WATER PRESSURE LOSS
and

HOT WATER PRESSURE IMPROVEMENT

Please review those pages and let me know what you find or what questions remain.

You'll see that the general approach to a loss of hot water pressure involves

1. identify how hot water is produced; for example if it's a tankless coil or tankless water heater mineral scale may be blocking water flow while if hot water is made by a conventional water heater tank (calorifier, geyser, hot water cylinder) there may be a blocked dip tube or outlet or inlet

2. follow the hot water piping: if all fixtures have weak or no hot water flow the blockage is near or at the water heater itself

3. open or disassemble stop valves that may be blocked

4. if those steps don't find the blockage it may be useful to actually cut into the hot water line at intervals to find the blocked pipe or elbow or fitting that is then cut out and the line repaired.

On 2019-08-18 1 by Paul Waters - no water out of three of my hot water taps and a trickle out of one

I am getting no water out of three of my hot water taps and a trickle out of one. I presume there is a (partial) blockage some where. Is there a reasonably simple way of getting rid o it?

On 2019-02-27 by (mod) -

I agree that this sounds like a debris in water and pipe clogging problem. Am I going to well driller to run a camera down the well to see if the casing is damaged because that would explain the presence of silt or dirt in the well. Or the foot valve may be too close to the bottom.

If water pressure is good at the point of delivery to the house then you probably have clogged pipes and possibly a water heater. May be possible to flush those out if it's just to Bri and not scale.

On 2019-02-27 by (mod) -

Frank thanks for asking you a great question. I think that if you can find a water Outlet such as an outdoor hose spigot that is very close to the water entry point in your home and if you find terrific flow there that would be a pretty good pointer to the pipes in the rest of the building.

On 2019-02-26 by Frank

I have low flow in the house. Outside hose bibs have good flow. Before I spend thousands, I would like to confirm that the galvanized pipes under neath the house are the culprit. I am thinking that it could maybe just be the one pipe going into the house that is clogged or coroded. I noticed that whoever put it in they used gas pipe, as opposed to water.

And yes, I know its the water supply, not gas, cuz its leaking a little water from where it comes up off the ground. My plan is to remove the elbow joining the water suppply pipe with pipe going into the house, putting in a hose bib where the elbow was, twist on a water hose, and open the water hose with bib on and open the fixtures in the house and see if any improvements.

So in other words, by passing te piece of bad pipe I suspect might be culprit. Does this sound reasonable plan, any other suggestions? I would really appreciate any feed back. So new to all this . Thanks

On 2019-02-26 by Cathy R I am on a well. I had the foot valve replaced and that's when my problem started.

I am on a well. I had the foot valve replaced and that's when my problem started. After installation, the water was left to run until it ran clear. Half hour later, it was still muddy. I called the plumbers back. They started to play around with faucets and water pump. The hot water came in very slow.

They played around some more and then the cold water came in very slow but the hot water pressure was normal again. The cold water has been very slow to come in, the hot is fine. I have been dealing with this problem for over 3 years. Showers are awful without cold water. They left without figuring out what the problem was. Didn't have this problem before they came to fix foot valve. Retire and alone in the country.

On 2018-10-22 by (mod) - signs of scale deposit clogs

To me that sounds like mineral or other clogging in the water piping system

On 2018-10-21 by Salil

I have a problem of drop in water pressure in my taps and showers when any other outlet is opened. Typically noticed that when I open the tap which is positioned lower ( Garden tap or one in the bath tub) the ones higher in position drops significantly.

I live in a unit of 4 units and we checked the water pressure of the garden hoses across the 4 units and mine seems to be the lowest. Could this be becaise of the pipe running from the common meter to my unit likely to have been clogged ? How can this be diagnosed amd corrected ? Any advise would be appreciated.

On 2018-10-22 by (mod) - signs of mineral or other clogging in the water piping system

To me that sounds like mineral or other clogging in the water piping system

On 2018-10-21 by Salil

I have a problem of drop in water pressure in my taps and showers when any other outlet is opened.

Typically noticed that when I open the tap which is positioned lower ( Garden tap or one in the bath tub) the ones higher in position drops significantly.

I live in a unit of 4 units and we checked the water pressure of the garden hoses across the 4 units and mine seems to be the lowest. Could this be becaise of the pipe running from the common meter to my unit likely to have been clogged ?

How can this be diagnosed amd corrected ? Any advise would be appreciated.

On 2018-08-07 by (mod) - The pressure gauge does not control the pump turning on and off.

Thanks again KW

Just a point of clarification.

The pressure gauge does not control the pump turning on and off.

The pump is turned on and off by the pressure control switch. That's a separate device. However it is absolutely correct that the same debris that will clog a pressure gauge will also clog the sensor port on the pressure control switch.

On 2018-08-06 by kw - pressure gauge is stuck

Forgot to mention that if the pressure gauge inside the house at the pressure tank is stuck at 42 psi then it may need replacing as the inlet tubes clog after number of years with sediment gunk.

That would only give a false psi reading but not control the water pump switch which may also need replacing as the electrical contacts do wear out. Shut off the water pump, relieve any line pressure and replace it all at once.

It may take a full day but the job will save you any further worries. Just be sure to use plumbers tape on the threads of all fittings to avoid leaks around the pipes and tank.

On 2018-08-06 by (mod) - over-pressurizing any tank beyond its rated pressure can blow the tank so as to create flying metal shrapnel

Thank you for helping out KW. Spot on.

Watch out: I would just add the warning that over-pressurizing any tank beyond its rated pressure can blow the tank so as to create flying metal shrapnel that can injure or even kill someone - that happened to a plumber in New Paltz NY.

On 2018-08-06 21:45:51.720131 by kw

@Ron, sounds like the rubber bladder inside the pressure tank has blown out. Attach an electric air pump to the air pressure valve on the outside of the tank and increase pressure to standard PSI for that tank.

If pressure holds shut off switch will cycle normally. If air pressure drops after water usage over a couple of days then bladder is dead.

Replaced my tank couple of times with new ones from Lowes. Older style tanks do not have rubber bladders and simply need the air pressure maintained.

To much pressure will damage or burst water lines and create leaking shut off valves,

On 2018-07-10 by Ron

This morning my water flow is low.

The pressure gauge at my water tank in the house is at 42psi.

My well water pump runs continually however the tank in the house does not come on to increase the water pressure. I have turned the breaker off to the well pump as I don't want to burn it out.

On 2018-07-08 2 by (mod) - Check and replace the strainer screen at the end of the washing machine water supply hoses.

ashing machine water supply hoses.

On 2018-07-07 22:41:31.080645 by Gayla Easterling

Can a water line going into the washing machine become clogged? Our water into the rest of house is ok, however its not going into this appliance at all. Also we are on a well.

On 2018-06-27 20:05:49.591409 by (mod) -

If cold water flow rate is poor only at the washer the problem is local, not a system issue.

I would not risk trying to acid wash the clothes washer itself.

I would pull out the washer, remove the feed hose to the cold side (turn water off and relieve pressure first), then I'd inspect the connection at the washing machine hook-up.

Often there is a second debris screen (besides one that may be on the washing machine hose) in the washer hookup hose connection. That screen can become debris clogged. Take a look and if there is a clogged screen, replace it.

Keep us posted.

On 2018-06-27 19:53:32.404576 by Carla

We have seen a change in cold water flow first in our washing machine, and now in a bathroom close by. We had the water pressure checked and it is ok.

We replaced the aerators and the feeder line to the washer- no change.

How do you find out what is wrong, if an acid wash is recommended as noted below, and someone who actually does that kind of work??

On 2018-04-14 16:01:50.646001 by (mod) -

You connect a pump and water source to the the intake pipe from the well and pump backwards - something that won't work if your well uses a foot valve or check valve in that piping loop. More likely you'll need to pull the pump and pipe from the well.

On 2018-04-14 14:27:22.839520 by Gary Reinbold

My well service inspected my well pump and pressure tank for low volume if water after recovery from pressure below 40psi at pressure tank and he says I have blockage from we'll head to house. How do I clear that? He recommended reverse flow. How do I do that?

On 2018-03-27 03:28:56.168932 by Wayne

have no water flow through three brass housing when mixture valve has been removed.

the same water lines that supply my sink work great..

The fixture is 3 years old and worked fine last summer.

This shower is in my lake cabin...Is there a way to clean the brass housing ports to get water flow?

On 2018-02-27 23:28:04.580383 by (mod) - how do i tell if a where water line is clogged causing loss of flow after water runs for a short time

How do

If you have good water flow for a brief time then I suspect the issue is not one of clogged pipes but rather a well running out of water or a problem with the pressure control switch.

On 2017-12-09 12:24:43.729945 by Anonymous

This article will give methods to correct poor water pressure.

https://inspectapedia.com/water/Municipal_Water_Pressure_Increase.php

On 2017-12-09 10:46:19.667604 by George

since I do installation water which goes in (cold water) is ok..But No hotwater are comming out...what is the Problem

On 2017-10-26 19:21:30.743509 by Ronald

Someone ran into our house on New Year's eve; in March, repairs began, and we were out of the house for 2 months. At the same time, the local utility replaced 2 or 3 fire hydrants 1 block south of where we live.

After getting back in the house in April, we had other travel, but noticed that the water pressure was beginning to drop. We contacted the local utility, who replaced a gasket at the meter; pressure dropped more, called them back, they did a pressure check, and compared w/ neighbors, said we were good.

They said there was no evidence of leak. There are no leaks in the house, and the house does not have a pressure regulator.

Pressure starts good, then falls to almost nothing in the shower. If water is running in one area (kitchen) then turn on water elsewhere or flush toilet, BAM!! Pressures drops to almost nothing. What could be the problem? Can't keep taking sponge baths...

On 2017-10-14 20:46:13.896141 by (mod) -

Usually when just the hot flow is slow I suspect mineral/scale clogging of a tankless coil or less often of hot water pipes. That's where your plumber will look first. So I'm not sure there's a "Temporary fix". The plumber generally either replaces the piping or tries an acid wash.

On 2017-10-14 17:46:06.292264 by Paula

My tub hot water runs slow and has been decreasing over time. I've been able to fix all other lines by clearing the filters. How do I fix the tub?
I'm planning on changing out rest of pipe in about 6 months, but need to keep the run running in the mean time.

On 2017-09-25 22:39:40.769297 by (mod) -

Indeed, Todd, thanks for adding that.

On 2017-09-24 21:31:32.881913 by Toddp

Also may have clogs in the cut off valve that feeds te water lines to the sinks or toilets.

On 2017-09-19 01:43:58.498835 by (mod) -

Stephanie

A water softener won't fix water that's high in iron or sulphur (sulfates). Those can clog pipes; blowing out with air cannot fix hard scale clogging in water pipes from hard water, iron deposits, or other scale formations. Sometimes a plumber can acid-wash pipes (a dangerous procedure not for DIY'ers). Or she will replace the badly clogged sections and will recommend a suitable water treatment system.

Before calling the plumber be sure that there is no simple water filter canister that's clogged.

On 2017-09-19 01:42:12.565621 by (mod) -

It's quite possible that the piping or maybe just portions of it are clogged with mineral and iron deposits. "Blowing out" such lines won't repair them; a plumber can sometimes clear such lines with a (dangerous) acid treatment, else pipes are replaced, and in all events a suitable water treatment system is installed to protect the system from re-clogging.

A water softener won't address high iron nor high sulfates.

On 2017-09-19 01:39:48.115981 by Stephanie

Hi, i am new to a home that has well water. I had someone come out and test the water and it read .9 in iron and sulfate. We hardly have any water pressure and no cold water comes out of any faucet or tub or washer pipes and now one of our toilets quit working. The landlord has been here twice in a month to blow out the lines but nothing is working and we even have a water softener.. I really dont know what to do...

On 2017-09-01 15:47:23.004306 by (mod) -

Perhaps the water heater needsdescaling.

Use the search box on this page to find WATER HEATER SCALE REMOVAL

On 2017-08-30 23:16:15.946099 by Jackie

When flushing toilet after 3 flushes the fill valve keeps clogging up with scale which i clean out. This is a new fill valve and cannot understand why scale keeps clogging it up when fresh water comes in, please help.

On 2017-06-07 00:39:48.454878 by (mod) -

It might be possible to clean the line of scale deposits by using an acid wash. That's something to discuss with your plumber.

On 2017-06-06 22:53:42.887381 by Anonymous

We're in a 1915 guest house. The line from the meter to our house (175' down hill) is 3/4". Water pressure has slowed drastically. I'm told I need to replace water line from street to house. Is there anything that can be done to blow out, clean out line instead of replacing line?

Thanks!

On 2017-04-06 01:44:25.297238 by (mod) -

I think I would start by investigating the real cave in. For example if you have a damage to casing it will not be possible to clear the plumbing system before fixing the casing since more sand or soil will simply continue to enter your water supply. Once that's fixed you should be able to remove aerators open faucets and flush the piping system. However saying has entered your pressure to it may need to be disassembled or even replaced

On 2017-04-05 21:43:45.180793 by Faye

Our well just had a small cave in and clogged up our aerator and some of the incoming water pipes to the house. Some are okay, but others are running very slowly. How can we get the sand out of the pipes?

On 2017-03-30 00:54:56.062485 by (mod) -

Katy

When work is done on plumbing systems often there is some debris released in the pipes.

Try removing faucet strainers and shower heads, then flush the faucets - if you see good pressure that's the problem and all that remains to be done is to clean the debris from the strainers and shower heads.

Let me know hot that works for you

On 2017-03-29 23:26:22.934467 by Katy

Hi
I had low pressure on the cold water supply on the first and second floors of my house. Thames water changed the valve in the street and the pressure on the ground floor has improved but the first and second floor have got worse! Please help!

On 2017-03-14 16:37:47.519823 by (mod) -

Disassemble the shower head and remove any debris; if it's clogged with scale, soak the parts in vinegar overnight, clean with a soft brush, and check that the openings are then cleared.

On 2017-03-14 11:02:41.799399 by Steve

I have 2 rose's (200mm dia) on each end of the shower, one end has great water pressure, at the other end no hot or cold water pressure the home is only 7 years old, what can fix this problem. (I have replaced the washer)

On 2017-03-11 20:36:21.710361 by (mod) -

Anon:

A plumber can circulate a suitable acidic cleaner through the piping and then thoroughly flush out the system. Because of the trouble and cost involved I'd want a spot check at several points in the piping system to confirm that the pipes are mineral-scale blocked.

On 2017-03-11 20:08:12.119349 by Anonymous

How do I unclog hot water lines after the heating tank and before all faucets

On 2017-02-08 00:16:00.830465 by Maria

I have old farm house with well replaced pump about 4 yes ago lately my cold water pressure is terrible the hot is not as bad but has lost some pressure to.

On 2017-01-29 14:40:24.368070 by hi, all of a sudden no hot water pressure in shower

Heard something then no hot water pressure and only warm water in shower only. Plenty of cold n pressure. Only in the shower. No access panel. We do use limeaway to get tub to drain faster. Can someone please help, Thanks Kym

On 2016-09-16 15:00:19.365787 by (mod) -

Sounds as if the floor drain is not properly sloped, wrong sized, or partly clogged by glue, solder, debris. Perhaps you can get a camera into the drain line to inspect to see what's going on.

On 2016-09-15 08:37:06.896855 by brendon

I recently re-did my bathroom. Since then i have poor drainage in my shower. The plumber installed the outlet pipe level to the floor and sewage outlet. The previous outlet has a slight angle therefor it was not an issue. Since we cant break the floor and tiles, is there anything else i can do?

On 2016-04-05 16:48:58.640338 by (mod) -

Well not much at the outset, Carl but may be eventually.

Leaving the washer "wet" all the time might invite mold and stink.

And depending on where the drip is occurring, I worry that today's drip is tomorrow's flood.

I'm guessing that the washer's solenoid-operated water valve is not closing properly. If so I'd consider replacing that part.

On 2016-04-05 02:43:33.328106 by carl

what is the problem when cold water only drips into the washing machine

On 2016-01-24 01:33:43.560652 by (mod) -

Check the well casing for cracks or damage or leaks into the well;
Test your water for potability to be sure it's safe to drink;
Consult with a water treatment company about a higher capacity silt filter.

On 2016-01-14 01:49:40.762306 by Robert

My house was built in 2006, water pressure was fine till last spring [lots of rain]. I replaced 3/4' cpvc from bladder to house filter. line was full of iron ? red and silky. Filter needed replaced again after 36 days , didnt have this problem before. what can I do to stop the build up?

On 2015-07-17 20:10:13.932229 by (mod) -

If the flow issue is ONLY with hot water then I'd look for a clog anywhere in the hot water piping between water heater tank inlet and the end plumbing fixtures.

On 2015-07-11 by john

live in old run down farm. no hot water checked water tank everything is ok.turned on hot water tap vanity starts good pressure the ebbs to a trickle sometimes hot. can anyone tell mee or direct me to the problem? thanks!

...

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