Low water pressure, in many cases, is just a tiny problem that you can solve on your own. However, in some cases, it may indicate a serious and potentially expensive problem, such as a broken water line. If you suspect there’s something wrong with your plumbing, contact a plumber to inspect the system for leaks or other damage. Even better if you have a home warranty plan, as it means you should be covered for the expense of certain plumbing issues. Here are some tips on how you can attempt to address this problem on your own:

1. Check Your Well Pump

One of the first things to check is whether your well pump runs at maximum capacity (high-pressure). If you have a 24-volt pump (like most do), find the pressure switch and try turning it off with a screwdriver or wrench when it’s not in use so it will save energy and not run constantly. However, if your pressure switch doesn’t work, you may have to replace it.

2. Clear the Clogs

Clogging is a common cause of low water pressure. Make sure you have no debris, hair, or other materials blocking your water lines anywhere in and around your home. If you can, get an inspection from a professional who can identify any problems and help you fix them.

3. Open Your Main Water Valve

You can also try turning off your home’s main water valve if you have one at least for a few hours to see if it resolves the issue. Open it up and turn the handle counterclockwise until it locks (clockwise will open the valve). However, if the problem persists, you may have to call a professional to repair or replace it.

4. Look Out for Leaks

If your water pressure isn’t coming from your faucet but instead feels like air, that’s a sign of water leaking into your home through small pipes or cracks in your walls. Look at each tap and hose to see whether any are leaking. If you find one that is, try tightening them or finding a way to seal them up to avoid splashing in the future.

5. Replace the Regulator Valve

If none of the above tricks can solve your problem, the water pressure regulator valve may be stuck. Please turn off the water to your home, open your main water valve and try turning it counter-clockwise with a wrench until it releases. If you can’t fix it yourself, call your service professional immediately.

With these helpful tips, you can hopefully be more familiar and knowledgeable on how to fix low-pressure water problems. As it is one of the common problems homeowners face, purchasing a home warranty plan is the best way to avoid high costs for issues related to plumbing and other home systems.