Low Water Pressure in Your House

If you are an owner of old house then low water pressure can be a term frequently referred to what really is a low flow problem, when at least one fixture in a dwelling does not supply sufficient flow of water. There exists a correlation between pressure and water flow, however it is quite easy to maintain decent water pressure but nevertheless to get low flow from one or more plumbing fixtures. In this article the term “Low Water Pressure” will be used for combination of both low water flow and pressure since they both produce the identical result: the fixture does not get enough water.

Scenario 1. Single Fixture Has Low Water Pressure

In case when the low pressure problem affects one or just a few plumbing fixtures throughout the house, we would suggest reading Low Water Pressure in Faucets article.

Scenario 2. Whole House Low Water Pressure

If all plumbing in the house has low water pressure, the reason may be quite different including: a partially closed main shutoff valve, corroded piping, broke pressure relief valve (PRV) or low water flow from City side.

Partially Closed Valves

Simplest solution always goes first. We recommend verifying the fact that the main shut-off valve on the water supply line coming to the house is completely open. Your shut-off valve can be only one of the two basic types: full port ball valve or gate valve.

The ball valve most of the time has a lever. If the handle is “in-line” with the pipe water can flow freely. Turning the lever 90 degrees shuts off the water completely. If the handle stays somewhere in between on and off positions then water flow is reduced.

Gate valves use rotary handles to change the position of the “gate” inside. In order to close the gate you have to turn the valve handle to the right/clockwise. By turning the valve handle to the left/counter-clockwise you will open the gate entirely. If the valve is old and does not turn we suggest getting help from professional plumber.

In the case if all fixtures suffer with inadequate hot water supply we advise to check the shut-off valve fight before cold water inlet on the water heater;

Testing Water Pressure

Most municipalities carry out flow test for free. We advise to contact your local water work division and book the test. In Toronto it could be done simply by dialing 311.

Clogged Piping

Quite often it happens to older water supply lines. Caused by years of corrosion and mineral buildup the internal diameter of the water supply line shrinks and it significantly restricts water flow.
Regrettably, it is not much which can be done to rectify this problem. The old pipe needs to be replaced. The good news is that we as Licensed Toronto Plumber can help you to replace old water supply piping.