Low water pressure is one of the most common and frustrating issues a homeowner can face. A weak shower or a slow-filling sink can disrupt your daily routine. While it might seem like a simple problem, the root cause can be complex, ranging from a simple clogged fixture to a major issue with your main water line. As an expert who has diagnosed these issues for two decades, I can tell you that a systematic approach is key to finding the real problem.

First Steps: Is It Just One Fixture?

Before assuming a major problem, the first step is to check if the low pressure is isolated to one spot. Unscrew the aerator from the faucet spout and check it for debris. For a shower, check the showerhead for mineral buildup (scale). Often, simply cleaning these small parts can restore pressure instantly. If the problem persists at that one fixture, the issue might be a faulty valve or a clog in that specific supply line.

The Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

If the low pressure is affecting your entire home, the next place an expert looks is the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV). This bell-shaped device is usually located where the main water line enters your house. Its job is to reduce the high pressure from the city's water main to a safe level for your home's plumbing. These valves can fail over time, getting stuck in a partially closed position and restricting flow to the whole house. A professional can test the PRV and replace it if it's faulty, which is a very common solution for whole-home low pressure.

The Hidden Culprit: Aging Pipes

In many older homes in the Lower Mainland, the original galvanized steel pipes are still in use. Over decades, these pipes corrode and build up mineral deposits on the inside, effectively shrinking the diameter of the pipe. This acts like a clog throughout your entire system, severely restricting water flow. If you have an older home and are experiencing chronic low pressure, corroded pipes are a very likely cause. While it's a larger job, replacing these old lines with modern copper or PEX piping is a permanent solution that will not only fix the pressure but also improve your water quality and prevent future leaks.