Nothing is more frustrating than stepping into the shower expecting a strong, steady stream of water—only to be met with a weak trickle. If your faucets take forever to fill a pot or your garden hose barely has enough pressure to reach the plants, you’re not alone. Many Arizona homeowners deal with low water pressure, and the causes can range from simple fixes to more serious plumbing issues.
AZ Family Plumbing in Glendale, AZ, has helped countless homeowners diagnose and resolve water pressure problems, making sure they get strong, consistent flow where they need it most.
Hard Water Buildup in Pipes
Arizona’s water is notoriously hard, meaning it carries high levels of minerals. While these minerals aren’t harmful to drink, they can cause problems inside your plumbing system over time. As water moves through your pipes, mineral deposits slowly build up along the walls, much like how limescale forms in a tea kettle. The more buildup there is, the narrower the pipes become, restricting water flow and lowering pressure.
You might notice this problem gradually, starting with just one or two faucets that seem weaker than usual. Over time, the reduced flow spreads to other parts of the house, making showers less satisfying and filling the kitchen sink more of a waiting game than it should be. If hard water buildup is the issue, it won’t fix itself. The longer it’s left alone, the worse it gets, and in some cases, pipes can become so clogged that they need to be replaced.
There are ways to slow this process down or prevent it from getting worse. Installing a water softener helps reduce the mineral content in your water before it ever reaches your pipes, keeping buildup to a minimum. If you already have hard water deposits affecting pressure, flushing the pipes or using descaling treatments may help. A professional inspection can also determine if certain sections of piping need to be cleaned or replaced.
Hidden Leaks Reducing Water Flow
Leaks aren’t always obvious, especially if they’re hidden behind walls, under the foundation, or in underground supply lines. Even a small leak can make a difference in water pressure. Since water will always take the easiest path, any break in the pipe means less water reaches your faucets, showers, or appliances.
If you’re dealing with low pressure in one area of your home but not others, a leak might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, if the problem is widespread, it’s worth considering. Signs of hidden leaks can include unexplained wet spots in the yard, an increase in your water bill, or the sound of running water when no taps are on.
Finding and fixing a leak sooner rather than later can prevent water damage and keep pressure at normal levels. Sometimes, a simple check of your water meter can help confirm if there’s an issue. If all your taps and appliances are off but the meter is still moving, water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t be. Professionals use specialized tools to pinpoint leaks without having to tear into walls or dig up large sections of the yard.
Problems With City Water Supply
Your home isn’t the only factor affecting water pressure—sometimes, the problem starts before the water even reaches your property. If your neighbors are dealing with similar low-pressure issues, it could mean there’s a problem with the municipal water supply. Cities perform routine maintenance on water lines, and sometimes, pressure drops temporarily due to repairs or pipe flushing.
Another possible issue is water demand. If you’ve ever noticed pressure being lower in the early morning or evening, it might be because too many people in your area are using water at the same time. During peak hours, water systems work harder to distribute supply evenly, which can result in a drop in pressure.
You can check with your local water provider to see if there are any ongoing maintenance projects or reported issues. If the pressure problem is temporary, you may need to wait it out. However, if it’s an ongoing issue, a pressure booster system might help maintain consistent flow inside your home.
Pressure Regulator Problems
Many homes have a pressure regulator, a small device installed on the main water line to control pressure coming into the house. These regulators ensure that water pressure isn’t too high, which can prevent strain on pipes and fixtures. However, if a regulator fails, it can cause sudden changes in water pressure—either too high or too low.
If your home’s pressure suddenly drops for no clear reason, a faulty regulator could be to blame. This is especially true if all fixtures are affected at once. Unlike clogs or leaks, which often show gradual changes, regulator problems tend to cause a more noticeable, immediate difference in water flow.
Replacing a pressure regulator isn’t something most homeowners do on their own since it requires shutting off the main water supply and adjusting settings correctly. A professional can check if the regulator is malfunctioning and replace it if needed, restoring proper water pressure throughout your home.
Old or Corroded Pipes
If your home has older plumbing, corrosion inside the pipes could be restricting water flow. Older galvanized steel pipes, in particular, are prone to rusting from the inside out. While they may look fine from the outside, the inside of the pipe can slowly close up over time as rust and debris build-up.
This issue is most common in homes built several decades ago that still have their original plumbing. If low water pressure has been getting worse year after year, rather than suddenly dropping, corroded pipes could be the cause. The problem may be isolated to certain areas, especially if newer plumbing has been added to parts of the home while older sections remain in place.
Replacing old pipes with modern materials like copper or PEX can restore proper water flow and prevent future corrosion issues. If only certain sections are affected, repiping part of the system may be enough to fix the problem without having to replace everything at once.
Water Heater Issues Affecting Hot Water Pressure
If only your hot water pressure is low while cold water pressure remains strong, the issue is likely coming from your water heater. Over time, sediment builds up inside the tank, especially in areas with hard water. This buildup can clog pipes leading from the heater, restricting the flow of hot water to your taps and showers.
Another potential issue is the heater’s shut-off valve. If it isn’t fully open, it can reduce the amount of hot water reaching your fixtures. Checking the valve and flushing the water heater to remove sediment can often improve pressure.
For tankless water heaters, mineral buildup inside the unit can also slow the flow of hot water. Regular maintenance helps keep your system running efficiently, preventing pressure drops before they become noticeable.
Steps to Improve Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be frustrating, but in most cases, there’s a fix. Whether it’s flushing out mineral buildup, repairing a leak, or adjusting a pressure regulator, addressing the problem early can prevent bigger plumbing headaches down the line.
Fix Your Water Pressure Today
Low water pressure can make everyday tasks more frustrating, but the good news is that most issues can be fixed with the right approach and the right plumbing services. From checking for clogs to inspecting for leaks, addressing the problem now can save you from bigger plumbing headaches later. If you’re tired of dealing with weak water flow, call AZ Family Plumbing today. We also offer water softeners, tubs, showers, pipes, hydrojetting, and leak detection services.
