Low water pressure is a problem that many homeowners face, but not everyone understands the causes behind this problem. If your water pressure is too low, simple tasks like washing your dishes or taking a shower can become much more frustrating and time-consuming than they need to be. Here are three possible causes of low water pressure in your home so you can take the first step toward a solution.

1. Failing Pressure Regulator

The acceptable range of water pressure for residential homes is between 45 and 80 psi. However, the water from your supply lines may be providing water at a much higher pressure than this safe range for your plumbing and fixtures. To ensure a safe water pressure level, most homes have devices called pressure regulating valves, or pressure regulators, installed at the water main.

Your pressure regulator is usually set at an acceptable pressure when it is first installed and doesn't need to be adjusted afterward. If the pressure regulator is failing, it could be reading the water pressure that your home is receiving incorrectly and delivering lower pressure than it is set for. A plumber can inspect your pressure regulator and ensure it is operating correctly.

2. Plumbing Leaks

Your home's water supply lines can only provide the right level of pressure if they are tightly sealed. Leaks in your supply lines could be allowing enough water to escape, reducing water pressure from faucets and other fixtures.

If you only notice low pressure from a single faucet, there may be a leak in the supply line that runs to that faucet. If the problem exists across several faucets and fixtures in your home, there may be a leak in your water main that is reducing water pressure for your entire home. 

3. Municipal Supply Problems

Sometimes, the cause behind low water pressure doesn't have anything to do with your home or your plumbing at all. If there is an issue with the municipal water supply. If you have only been having problems with low water pressure recently, ask your neighbors if they are experiencing the same issues. This is a good sign that it's a supply issue, and contacting your water supplier may be the only way to correct the problem.

The causes behind low water pressure aren't always easy to track down, but this isn't a problem that you simply have to live with. Now that you know some of the common causes of low water pressure, you can contact a plumber or your water supplier to correct the problem. Don't have a plumber? Look for a plumber like Laroc Refrigeration-Metal Division.