7 Common Causes of a Low Water Pressure Issue at Home

3/10/2025

Low water pressure is a frustrating issue that can affect your entire household. Whether you’re struggling with weak showers, slow-filling sinks, or inefficient appliances, low water pressure can disrupt your daily routine. Homeowners in Myrtle Beach, SC, often face this problem due to various factors, ranging from plumbing system issues to municipal supply concerns.

In this article, we’ll explore seven common causes of low water pressure in homes. Understanding these issues can help you determine whether a simple fix is possible or if professional plumbing assistance is necessary. If you’re experiencing ongoing water pressure problems, a licensed plumber, like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC, can diagnose and resolve the issue efficiently.

From clogged pipes to faulty pressure regulators, let’s dive into what might be causing your water pressure problems and how you can address them.

Clogged Pipes

One of the most common causes of low water pressure is clogged pipes. Over time, minerals, rust, and debris can build up inside your plumbing system, restricting water flow. This buildup is especially common in homes with older galvanized steel pipes, which corrode and accumulate sediment more easily. Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can also contribute to mineral deposits inside pipes, further reducing water pressure.

Signs of a clogged pipe include slow water flow from faucets, inconsistent pressure in different parts of your home, and sputtering water from taps. You may also notice discolored water or strange noises, such as banging or gurgling, coming from your pipes. If only one or two fixtures are affected, the clog is likely localized to those specific pipes. However, if the problem occurs throughout your home, the blockage may be deeper within the plumbing system.

While chemical drain cleaners might seem like an easy solution, they can damage your pipes over time, especially if used frequently. DIY snaking methods can also push the blockage further down rather than remove it. If you suspect a clog, it’s best to call a professional plumber. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC has the tools and expertise to diagnose blockages and safely clear your pipes without causing additional damage.

To prevent future clogs, consider scheduling routine plumbing maintenance. Flushing your pipes periodically and installing a water softener can help reduce mineral buildup. Additionally, using drain strainers and avoiding pouring grease or food particles down the sink can minimize debris accumulation. Addressing minor clogs early can prevent more serious plumbing problems and costly repairs in the future.

Faulty Pressure Regulator

A faulty pressure regulator is one of the most common causes of low water pressure in homes. This device plays a critical role in maintaining the balance between your municipal water supply and your home’s plumbing system. When it’s working properly, it keeps water flowing at a safe and steady level. But when it starts to fail, the result is often frustratingly low water pressure throughout your home.

What Does a Pressure Regulator Do?

Installed near your home’s main water shutoff valve, a pressure regulator controls the force of water entering your pipes. Municipal water systems typically deliver water at high pressure, often above 100 PSI, which can be too intense for residential plumbing. The regulator reduces this pressure to a safer range, usually between 40 and 60 PSI, preventing strain on pipes, faucets, and appliances.

Without this control, high pressure can cause long-term wear and tear, while low pressure can leave you with slow sinks, sputtering showers, and underperforming appliances.

How a Malfunctioning Regulator Affects Water Pressure

Over time, regulators can become worn, clogged with sediment, or mechanically damaged. When that happens, they may either restrict water too much or allow too much through. The result is either persistently low water pressure or dangerous pressure spikes. In many homes, the problem presents as inconsistent pressure, where one bathroom sink has a strong flow, but the shower down the hall barely dribbles.

Fluctuations in water pressure while using multiple fixtures at once are a telltale sign that the pressure regulator may be struggling to balance flow effectively.

Signs Your Pressure Regulator May Be Failing

Knowing what to look for can help you catch regulator issues early. Here are some common warning signs:

• Sudden or gradual drops in water pressure throughout the home
• Noticeable differences in pressure between floors or rooms
• Water that starts strong but quickly weakens when in use
• Banging, vibrating, or whistling noises in your plumbing
• Frequent leaking or bursting of fixtures and pipe joints

These issues often point to a failing regulator that can no longer control water flow as it should.

Municipal Water Supply Issues

Sometimes, the cause of low water pressure isn’t inside your home but rather a result of issues with the municipal water supply. Your home’s water pressure depends on the supply from the local utility company, and if they are performing maintenance, fixing a water main break, or experiencing high demand, you may notice a temporary drop in pressure.

One of the easiest ways to determine if this is the problem is by checking with your neighbors. If others in your area are experiencing low water pressure, then the issue likely originates from the city’s water system. You can also contact the Myrtle Beach, SC water department or check their website for updates on scheduled maintenance or emergency repairs.

Water main leaks or breaks can also affect pressure levels. If a major leak occurs in the supply lines leading to your neighborhood, less water reaches your home, resulting in weaker flow. Similarly, during peak water usage times, such as early mornings or evenings, demand may be higher, causing temporary pressure drops.

While you can’t fix municipal water supply issues directly, you can take steps to minimize their impact. Installing a water pressure booster pump is one option if your home consistently experiences low pressure due to supply limitations. If you suspect a long-term issue with your water provider, a licensed plumber, like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC, can assess your plumbing system and recommend the best solutions to maintain steady water pressure.

Leaking Pipes

A hidden leak in your plumbing system is one of the most common, and often overlooked, reasons for low water pressure in your home. When water escapes through even the smallest cracks or holes in a pipe, the pressure that delivers water to your fixtures drops. This pressure loss results in low water pressure at sinks, showers, and appliances, which can quickly become a daily annoyance. What starts as a slow, unnoticed drip can escalate into a widespread issue that reduces flow throughout your entire household.

Leaks can develop in many places across your plumbing system. Common problem areas include under sinks, inside walls, behind showers, in ceilings, beneath flooring, or even underground. Because these areas are often out of sight, the signs of a leak, and the cause of low water pressure, can remain hidden for quite some time. Key warning signs to look for include damp spots on walls or ceilings, mildew smells, unusually high water bills, or the sound of water running when all fixtures are off. These symptoms often accompany a steady decline in water pressure and may suggest an undetected leak.

Identifying the exact location of a leak isn’t always simple. Some leaks are visible and easy to access, but others, such as those in a slab foundation or behind drywall, may require advanced diagnostic tools. Plumbers use methods like pressure testing, infrared imaging, and acoustic listening equipment to pinpoint the source of low water pressure caused by concealed leaks. These technologies allow for accurate detection without unnecessary demolition or guesswork.

Delaying repairs not only contributes to ongoing low water pressure, but can also lead to serious consequences. Water damage from prolonged leaks can weaken your home’s structure, encourage mold growth, and waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. To avoid costly repairs, it’s wise to schedule routine plumbing inspections and watch for early signs of water loss.

If you’re experiencing unexplained low water pressure and suspect a hidden leak, reach out to the experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC. Their trained professionals can locate leaks with precision and restore full water flow quickly and efficiently. Taking action now ensures dependable water pressure and protects your home from further plumbing damage.

Water Valve Issues

Another common cause of low water pressure is a partially closed or malfunctioning water valve. Your home has two main valves that control water flow: the main shut-off valve and the water meter valve. If either of these is not fully open, it can restrict water flow and lead to reduced pressure in your faucets and appliances.

The main shut-off valve is typically located inside your home, near where the main water line enters. It may have a wheel-like handle or a lever. If someone recently performed plumbing work, they may have turned it off and forgotten to reopen it completely. Checking this valve is an easy first step if you experience low water pressure.

The water meter valve, controlled by the municipal water supplier, is another potential source of pressure issues. This valve is usually near the street and may be partially closed if recent repairs or maintenance were done in your area. Homeowners are generally not allowed to adjust this valve, so if you suspect it’s the problem, you may need to contact your local water utility in Myrtle Beach, SC.

If checking these valves does not resolve the issue, it may indicate a problem elsewhere in your plumbing system. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC can inspect your home’s valves and ensure they are functioning properly. Keeping these valves fully open and in good condition helps maintain consistent water pressure throughout your home.

Water Heater Problems

If you’re experiencing low water pressure only when using hot water, your water heater could be the culprit. Unlike issues affecting both hot and cold water, a pressure drop in only the hot water supply typically points to a problem within the heater itself. Over time, sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate inside the heater’s tank, restricting water flow and reducing pressure. This is especially common in areas with hard water, like Myrtle Beach, SC, where calcium and magnesium build up faster inside the tank.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure from a Water Heater

1. Sediment Buildup – When minerals settle at the bottom of the tank, they can block the heating elements and reduce water flow. This can also lead to uneven heating and fluctuating temperatures.
2. Clogged or Corroded Pipes – If your hot water pipes are old or made of galvanized steel, they may be corroding from the inside, restricting water flow. This issue often worsens over time.
3. Partially Closed Shut-Off Valve – Your water heater has a shut-off valve that controls water flow into the tank. If it isn’t fully open, it could be restricting the pressure of hot water throughout your home.
4. Malfunctioning Dip Tube – The dip tube directs cold water to the bottom of the tank for heating. If it’s damaged or broken, it can reduce the efficiency of hot water delivery, leading to low water pressure.

How to Fix Water Heater-Related Pressure Issues

Flushing your water heater at least once a year can help prevent sediment buildup and improve water pressure. This involves draining the tank to remove minerals and debris that may be clogging the system. If flushing doesn’t restore normal pressure, other problems, like a failing heating element or corroded pipes, may require professional attention.

If your water heater is over 10 years old, replacing it may be the best long-term solution. Newer models are more efficient, have better anti-sediment features, and can help maintain steady water pressure. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC offers expert water heater maintenance, repairs, and replacements to ensure your system runs efficiently. Whether your heater needs a deep cleaning or a full upgrade, addressing the issue promptly can restore low water pressure and improve your hot water experience.

When to Call a Professional Plumber in Myrtle Beach

Low water pressure can be more than just an inconvenience, it can signal deeper plumbing issues that may worsen over time. While some minor fluctuations in water pressure can be caused by temporary changes in municipal supply, consistent problems inside the home should never be ignored. That’s where the professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC come in.

Knowing when to call a plumber can save you time, money, and potential water damage. If you’ve ruled out basic issues like a partially closed shutoff valve or localized faucet clogs, and the pressure problem affects multiple fixtures, it’s time to get expert help. A licensed plumber can assess your entire system, identify hidden leaks, test your pressure regulator, and determine if pipe corrosion or buildup is to blame.

Homeowners in Myrtle Beach also need to consider the impact of seasonal shifts. In the warmer months, demand on water systems increases. If your pressure consistently dips during peak times, your system may need updating or adjustment. A qualified plumber can evaluate your setup and recommend long-term solutions to ensure consistent water flow year-round.

Don’t wait for the problem to worsen. If your home is experiencing poor water flow and basic fixes haven’t helped, call the trusted team at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, SC. Their skilled technicians will get to the root of the issue and restore reliable water pressure with professional care.

FAQ – Low Water Pressure Explained

1. What causes sudden drops in water pressure?

A sudden loss of water pressure often points to a burst pipe, a malfunctioning pressure regulator, or a major leak. It can also be linked to municipal water line repairs. If your entire home experiences an abrupt drop, it’s best to call a plumber right away to inspect your system.

2. How do I know if it’s my pipes or the city water line?

If only your home is affected while your neighbors have normal water pressure, the issue likely lies within your plumbing. However, if multiple households in your area are experiencing similar problems, the city supply may be the source. You can always check with your local utility provider or a professional plumber to confirm.

3. Can low water pressure damage my appliances?

Yes, consistently low water pressure can cause your appliances, like dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, to work harder than necessary. Over time, this strain can lead to reduced efficiency, increased wear and tear, or even early failure of your equipment.

4. Is low water pressure more common in older homes?

Absolutely. Older plumbing systems often include galvanized steel pipes, which are prone to internal corrosion. As these pipes degrade, they restrict water flow, leading to noticeable drops in pressure. If your home is several decades old, it might be time for a plumbing inspection.

5. How fast can a plumber fix a pressure issue?

The timeline depends on the cause. Simple issues like valve adjustments can be fixed quickly, often the same day. More complex problems, such as pipe replacement or pressure regulator installation, may require more time. A professional plumber can diagnose the issue and give you a clear timeline for repair.