Low Water Pressure in the House
If only one faucet or shower is weak, clean or replace its aerator or shower head. If the whole house lost pressure, check that the main shutoff is fully open, then the pressure regulator (PRV) near the main line. Hidden leaks and old galvanized pipes are the expensive causes. A PRV replacement usually costs $300 to $600.
Typical pro cost
$150 to $600
- Urgency
- Not urgent
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Time to fix
- 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Prices
- US typical range
Last reviewed September 2026
Signs it's this problem
- Weak flow at one faucet or shower only
- Low pressure throughout the house
- Pressure drops when another fixture runs
- Hot water weak but cold water fine
- Sudden drop along with a higher water bill
Common causes
Clogged aerator or shower head
Mineral buildup blocks the small openings. Affects one fixture.
Partly closed main valve
Often after plumbing work. Affects the whole house.
Failing pressure regulator
The PRV on the main line wears out after 10 to 15 years.
Hidden leak
Water escaping underground or under the slab reduces pressure and raises your bill.
Old galvanized pipes
Corrosion narrows the inside of steel pipes over decades.
Water heater issues
If only hot water is weak, sediment or a partly closed valve at the heater is likely.
How to fix it, step by step
- 1
Check more than one faucet, and both hot and cold, to see if the problem is one fixture or the whole house.
- 2
For one fixture: unscrew the aerator or shower head, soak it in vinegar for an hour, rinse and reinstall.
- 3
For the whole house: make sure the main shutoff valve and the valve at the meter are fully open.
- 4
Ask neighbors or the water utility whether there is a supply issue in your area.
- 5
Test pressure with a hose-bib gauge ($10 to $15). Normal home pressure is about 40 to 60 psi.
- 6
If pressure is below 40 psi and the PRV is old, have it adjusted or replaced. If your meter moves with all water off, look for a leak.
Tools and materials
- Water pressure gauge
- Adjustable wrench
- White vinegar
- Old toothbrush
Approximate DIY cost: $10–$40
Call a pro when
- Pressure is low throughout the house with valves fully open
- The water meter moves when nothing is running
- You have galvanized steel pipes
Low Water Pressure in the House cost
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Replace pressure reducing valve (PRV) | $300–$600 |
| Leak detection | $150–$400 |
| Replace main water line | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Repipe a house with PEX or copper | $4,000–$15,000 |
Ranges are typical US prices compiled by FixHomeCost. Prices vary by region, home and contractor, so compare 2–3 local quotes.
Common questions
What is normal water pressure for a house?
About 40 to 60 psi. Below 30 feels weak; above 80 can damage plumbing, and most codes require a regulator in that case.
Why is my water pressure low in only one bathroom?
A clogged aerator or shower head, a partly closed shutoff valve under the sink, or a problem in the branch line to that bathroom.
Why is only my hot water pressure low?
Sediment in the water heater, a partly closed valve on the heater, or a clogged mixing valve in the shower.
Can a water softener cause low water pressure?
Yes, a clogged resin bed or undersized softener can restrict flow. Use the bypass valve to test.
Related guides
This is general information, not a professional inspection. See how we research costs.