Low Water Pressure in Your Home: Causes, Cures, and When to Call a Plumber

When Your Water Trickles Instead of Flows, Heritage Can Help

Heritage Home Service proudly serves homeowners across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts with trusted plumbing expertise — including diagnosing and fixing low water pressure issues. Whether it’s a slow shower in the morning or a kitchen sink that barely rinses dishes, low water pressure is more than just an inconvenience. It can signal deeper plumbing problems that need attention before they worsen.

Understanding “Normal” Water Pressure

For most New England homes, normal residential water pressure ranges between 40–60 psi (pounds per square inch). This ensures that fixtures like showers, faucets, and appliances work properly without putting excessive strain on your plumbing.

When pressure drops below this range, you’ll notice slower flow at faucets, appliances taking longer to fill, or uneven pressure between rooms. Persistent low pressure can also reduce the efficiency of water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can come from a variety of sources — some simple, others more serious. In Northern New England, where many homes have older plumbing or rely on well systems, these are the most frequent culprits:

1. Clogged Fixtures and Aerators

Over time, mineral buildup from hard water can restrict flow in faucet aerators and showerheads. This is particularly common in areas with high mineral content in groundwater — a frequent issue across Maine and New Hampshire. Cleaning or replacing these components can often solve isolated low-pressure problems.

2. Pressure Regulator Issues

Many homes have a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) installed on the main line. If this valve fails or goes out of calibration, it can reduce water pressure throughout the home. Replacing or adjusting the PRV typically requires a licensed plumber.

3. Hidden Leaks in the Plumbing System

Undetected leaks behind walls, under floors, or underground can cause gradual pressure drops while wasting thousands of gallons of water. Smart leak detection systems (like those we discussed in our previous blog) can help catch these issues early.

4. Corroded or Aging Pipes

Many New England homes, especially older ones, still have galvanized steel or aging copper pipes. Over time, corrosion builds up inside the pipes, reducing interior diameter and restricting flow. Repiping with modern materials like PEX can restore strong, consistent pressure.

5. Well Pump or Municipal Supply Issues

For homes on private wells, a failing well pump or pressure tank can cause noticeable drops in pressure. If you’re on municipal water, temporary pressure reductions may be due to city maintenance or issues with the supply line feeding your property.

6. Main Shutoff Valve Not Fully Open

It sounds simple, but sometimes low pressure is due to the main shutoff valve not being completely open — often after recent plumbing work. A quick inspection can rule this out before deeper troubleshooting.

DIY Checks Before Calling a Plumber

Before scheduling service, homeowners can try a few safe, simple checks:

• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral buildup.
  
• Check multiple fixtures: If only one area has low pressure, the issue may be local to that fixture.
  
• Inspect the main shutoff valve near where the water line enters your home — ensure it’s fully open.
  
• Ask neighbors (for municipal systems): If others are experiencing similar issues, it may be a temporary city supply problem.
  
• Check pressure at an outdoor spigot with a gauge. Readings below 40 psi across all fixtures indicate a system-wide issue.
  

These quick steps can help isolate whether the problem is fixture-specific or affects your entire plumbing system.

When It’s Time to Call Heritage Home Service

If your DIY checks don’t solve the issue — or if pressure problems are affecting multiple fixtures — it’s time to bring in a professional. Persistent low water pressure can indicate more serious problems, including:

• Hidden leaks behind walls or underground
  
• Corroded piping that needs replacement
  
• Malfunctioning pressure regulators or valves
  
• Well pump or pressure tank failure
  
• Municipal supply line leaks
  

Heritage’s licensed plumbers have the tools and experience to diagnose the root cause quickly. Using pressure gauges, line inspections, and (when necessary) camera technology, we can determine whether the issue is inside your home or upstream in the supply line — and fix it right the first time.

Real Example: Fixing Low Water Pressure in Wilmington, MA

Earlier this year, a homeowner in Wilmington, Massachusetts, called Heritage after noticing weak water flow throughout their home. Our technician discovered a failing pressure regulator on the main line, compounded by mineral buildup in several fixtures.

Within a few hours, we replaced the PRV, cleaned all aerators, and restored strong, balanced water pressure to every room — all in one visit. The homeowners were thrilled to enjoy their morning showers again without the “trickle effect.”

Preventing Future Water Pressure Problems

Consistent maintenance and occasional upgrades can help you avoid pressure issues altogether. Heritage recommends:

• Annual plumbing inspections to catch leaks, valve problems, or corrosion early.
  
• Smart leak detection systems to monitor pressure changes in real time.
  
• Repiping older homes with modern PEX piping to improve flow and reduce future issues.
  
• Regular well pump and pressure tank checks for homeowners on private wells.
  
• Seasonal checks after winter freezes or major plumbing work.
  

By taking a proactive approach, you’ll ensure reliable water pressure year-round.

Why Homeowners Across New England Trust Heritage

For decades, families throughout New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts have relied on Heritage Home Service for expert plumbing, HVAC, and electrical solutions. As a family-owned company, we’re committed to:

• Same-day service for urgent plumbing issues
  
• Highly trained, licensed technicians
  
• Clear communication and upfront pricing
  
• Local expertise in New England’s unique plumbing challenges
  

From simple fixes to complex system overhauls, our team has the knowledge and tools to restore strong, consistent water pressure in your home.

Call Heritage Home Service Today

Don’t live with weak showers or slow sinks another day. Whether the issue is a clogged aerator or a more complex plumbing problem, our friendly experts are here to help.Call Heritage Home Service today to schedule your plumbing service in New Hampshire, Maine, or Massachusetts.
Or, request an appointment online for fast, reliable service you can trust.