The kitchen, the bathroom, basement and outdoor faucets, and hose hookups are common areas where fixture specific low water pressure can occur. Run water in all faucets and showers in your home to identify if there is are one or multiple problem problem areas or to determine that all locations have low water pressure. Run both hot and cold water through all faucets. [2] X Expert Source James SchuelkeProfessional Plumber Expert Interview. 1 October 2019. If your water pressure is low only with hot water, the issue is likely your water heater.

Remove the end of the faucet. Examine your aerator. [5] X Expert Source James SchuelkeProfessional Plumber Expert Interview. 1 October 2019. Check to make sure there are no debris or buildup. If the aerator needs to be cleaned, soak it in a water-vinegar solution. If that doesn’t work, buy a replacement. These are very inexpensive. [6] X Research source Aerators are sold with different rates of water flow, so you can also try buying one with a higher rate of flow. Turn the water on before you replace the aerator. If the water flow is not restored to normal, the source of low water pressure is likely not the specific faucet but an overall problem.

Check the PRV and water shut off valves in your home. This is often the cause of low water pressure. Look for water leaks. A leaking toilet or water main can cause low water pressure. Check your water heater. If you only have low water pressure when you are running hot water, it is likely due to your hot water shut-off valve on your water heater.

Adjust it to see if it affects your overall water pressure. There will be a screw on the valve. To increase water pressure, tighten it by turning it clockwise. To decrease water pressure, loosen the adjusting screw by turning it counterclockwise. Replacement may be necessary if the valve has failed or broken. These can be purchased at hardware or plumbing supply stores.

Most homes and buildings have a master shut-off valve. This is located near the PRV valve or in a separate box near the water meter. This valve can shut off water to the entire home, and restrict flow if it is slightly closed. Turn the valve so it is completely open.

If you are still experiencing water pressure issues, you may have a water leak. Water leaks are a common source of low water pressure in a house. You should consult a plumber to fix a water leak or mineral buildup in your water lines.

Start by removing the lid from the tank of the toilet. Put a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet into the tank. Do not flush the toilet for at least one hour. If color has leaked into the bowl, your toilet has a leak. This can usually be fixed by replacing the toilet flapper or filling mechanism.

Locate your service meter. Take a reading of the meter and check to see if the indicator gear is turning. The leak indicator can be a small triangle shaped dial or disk that rotates when water is flowing. If the leak indicator is turning, you likely have a leak. If it is not turning, it does not mean there isn’t a leak. A slow leak may not register on the leak indicator. Don’t run any water for 2 hours and do another service meter reading. If the numbers have changed you are losing water and have a leak Call your water company or a plumber to help you find the source of a leak and to arrange repairs.

In many cases you can hear a dripping sound in the case of a leaking faucet. Usually this requires a simple home repair. If there are large areas of water in the basement, there may be a water main leak. You should also check the ground in the area outside your home where your main meets the local supply. If the weather has been dry and the area around this junction is wet, there could be a leak at this spot. Contact your water company to resolve this issue.

Verify the shut-off valve is completely open. For safety, each water heater includes a shut-off valve to use in case of emergencies. If the valve is shut even slightly, this can affect your water pressure.

If the hot water low pressure problem is not resolved, it could be the water lines into the water heater or the appliance itself. In this case, call a plumber to troubleshoot further.

The appliance itself may also be causing a problem. A licensed plumber will need to evaluate it to see if it needs to be replaced. Working with water heaters can be dangerous, so it is best to leave this job to a professional.