Why Your Home Has Low Water Pressure... And How to Fix It

If you have noticed your water pressure suddenly drop while showering, washing dishes, or filling a bathtub, it usually means something in your plumbing system is not working the way it should. Low water pressure can be annoying, but it is also an early warning that something deeper is going on inside your home’s water supply.

At Colossus Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Weber and Davis counties diagnose pressure problems quickly. Here is what you should know about pressure drops, why they happen, and which fixes actually work.

Common Reasons Your Home has Low Water Pressure

1. A Failing Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

Homes in Utah usually have a PRV installed right after the water meter. This valve keeps city pressure, often 120 PSI or more, at a safe level (typically about 60 PSI) for your plumbing.

Over time, PRVs wear out and cause:

• Sudden drops in pressure

• Fluctuating pressure throughout the day

• Weak flow in showers, faucets, and sprinklers

A failing PRV is one of the most common causes of water pressure issues.

2. Mineral Clogged Pipes or Fixtures

Utah has extremely hard water. As water flows through your plumbing system, minerals build up inside pipes, aerators, shower heads, and valves.

Common signs of mineral buildup include:

• Pressure slowly dropping over months or years

• One fixture having low pressure while others seem fine

• White crust forming around faucets or valves

In older homes with galvanized pipe, corrosion can reduce the inside of the pipe to the size of a pencil or less.

3. Partially Closed or Defective Valves

Sometimes the fix is simple. A valve is not fully open or is damaged.

Common valves that cause issues:

• The main shutoff valve

• Meter side valves

• Angle stops under sinks and toilets

Even if a valve looks open, internal damage can restrict the flow of water.

4. Water Leaks in the System

Leaks can cause sudden or gradual pressure loss. Some leaks are visible while others happen underground.

Warning signs include:

• Soft or wet spots in your yard

• Higher water bills

• Water meter spinning when nothing is running

A leaking main line will cause major pressure loss throughout the home.

5. Problems With the City Water Supply

Sometimes the city performs maintenance or experiences an issue that lowers pressure for an entire street or neighborhood.

This can happen during:

• Fire hydrant use

• Road or construction work

• Pipe repairs

Although this is pretty rare... if the pressure drop is sudden and your neighbors notice it too, this may be the cause.

How to Tell Where the Problem Is

Step 1: Check multiple fixtures

If all fixtures have low pressure, you likely have a system wide issue.

If only one fixture is affected, the problem is probably a clog or buildup at that location.

Step 2: Test your pressure at an outdoor hose bib

Normal pressure is between 50 and 80 PSI. Anything below 50 PSI is a sign that something is wrong.

Step 3: Look at your PRV

If the PRV hums, shakes, has corrosion, or gives inconsistent pressure, it is likely failing.

Step 4: Check the water meter

If the meter is moving while everything is off, you may have a leak.

How Colossus Plumbing Fixes Pressure Issues

Every home is different, so we start with a full system evaluation and pinpoint the exact cause with no guessing.

Fixes often include:

• Replacing the PRV

• Flushing or replacing clogged fixtures

• Repairing or replacing older pipes

• Fixing underground leaks

• Upgrading old galvanized lines

• Installing a water softener to reduce future buildup

We also measure your PSI and flow rates so you know exactly how your system is performing.

When to Call a Plumber

Call a professional if:

• Your pressure dropped suddenly

• You notice wet spots in your yard

• Your shower pressure is extremely weak

• Your PRV is 10 to 15 years old

• Hot water pressure is much lower than cold water pressure

These signs usually point to a real issue that will not correct itself.

Get Your Water Pressure Back to Normal

Consistent water pressure is important for your daily routine. If you are experiencing pressure loss, Colossus Plumbing can diagnose the issue and get your home working the way it should.

Have pressure problems?

Call or text Colossus Plumbing today. We are ready to help!