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Selling a Home With Low Water Pressure? 4 Ways to Fix That

Posted On Thursday, 15 May 2025 08:26
Selling a Home With Low Water Pressure? 4 Ways to Fix That Image source: Freepik

A home with low water pressure is more than just a slight inconvenience, and the issue should be addressed before you put your home on the market. Low water pressure disrupts daily routines, including showering, washing dishes, and even hand washing. Even though it’s not too hard to fix, some potential buyers will avoid buying a home with low water pressure because it’s so disruptive. Solving this problem before you list your property is in your best interest. Here’s how to get to the root.

1. Try some DIY solutions first

Sometimes, low water pressure is an easy fix. Try the following solutions first:

• Clean your aerators and shower heads. Mineral deposits can accumulate in faucet aerators and shower heads, restricting water flow. Regular cleaning can restore pressure. If you only experience low pressure from certain faucets and shower heads, it could be from deposits.

After a good initial cleaning, this should be a monthly task to keep them free of buildup. Soak the components in vinegar to dissolve the minerals. If they get too bad, replace your fixtures. If you’re only getting low pressure from the hot water, there could be a problem with your water heater, which will require a professional.

•  Check your valves at each faucet to make sure they’re all the way open. Sometimes kids get curious and close valves without knowing what they’re doing. If these simple solutions don’t work, you’ll likely need some professional help.

•  Install new fixtures. Sometimes low pressure is resolved by installing new fixtures. High-efficiency aerators can improve pressure, and so can high-pressure shower heads.

•  Inspect your main shutoff valve. If the main shutoff valve is partially closed, it can cause water pressure to drop throughout the whole house. Make sure it’s fully open by turning it counterclockwise.

•  Check pressure-reducing valves. Your pressure-reducing valve might need to be adjusted. This valve is usually located right next to the main shutoff valve. Adjust the screw on top to increase pressure. If it doesn’t help, call a plumber.

•  Look for leaks. A leak will cause low pressure, so if you notice signs of a leak (damp spots on the walls, ceilings, or floors), or a higher water bill, this could be the cause. If you can’t fix the leak, a plumber will help.

2. Hire a professional to inspect your plumbing

Plumbing systems can be complex, and if you aren’t certain about the source of the low pressure, it’s time to call in a plumber. Pressure problems can be caused by a variety of factors, and not all issues are visible.

A plumber will be able to trace the issue back to the source. For instance, if you’re on a well, your pressure tank bladder might be broken, and that’s not something you can catch with a visual inspection. If you’re on city water, there could be a leak somewhere or a broken pipe underground. You really need to know plumbing systems to diagnose an issue that can’t be visually diagnosed.

3. Install a booster pump system

Water pressure naturally varies between houses, and the city can’t adjust water pressure. Multiple homes often share the same water supply lines, and that affects pressure. You might just be dealing with low pressure during periods of high usage in the neighborhood. Or, it could be caused by your home being at a higher elevation than your neighbors.

If your plumber finds no issues with the house, there’s a simple solution: install a booster pump for the house. Booster pump systems increase water pressure throughout an entire building using a small pressure tank and pump. When the pressure from the main water supply drops below a set point, the booster system kicks in and pushes water into the system. The result is consistent water flow at all of your faucets and showers.

4. Replace your water heater

If you only experience low water pressure with hot water, the water heater could be the cause. It’s recommended to flush your water heater regularly to remove sediment, and if you haven’t done that in a while (or ever), now is a good time to start. If you aren’t familiar with water heaters, call a plumber first. If the problem turns out to be your water heater, don’t hesitate to replace it.

Prioritize water pressure to sell your home faster

Low water pressure may not seem like a deal breaker, but to many buyers, it is. It’s an inconvenience and a sign of unknown plumbing problems to come. If you’re looking to sell fast and close at your asking price, make sure your home delivers strong, consistent water pressure. It’s a small fix that can make a big impression when you show your home.

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