1
Find the Location
Is It One Faucet or the Whole House?
Determine whether low water pressure
is isolated to one fixture, one room,
or throughout your home.
Run water at different faucets,
showers and other fixtures to
compare the flow.
Helpful clue:
If only one fixture is affected,
the problem may be local to that
fixture rather than the main supply.
2
Compare Temperatures
Test Hot and Cold Water Separately
Check both the hot and cold water
pressure at several fixtures.
If only the hot water has weak flow,
the issue may involve the water
heater or the hot water supply lines.
Helpful clue:
Normal cold water flow but weak
hot water flow helps narrow the
investigation to the hot water system.
3
Check the Fixture
Inspect Faucet Aerators
If only one faucet has low water
pressure, inspect the aerator
at the end of the spout.
Mineral deposits, sediment and
other debris can collect in the
aerator and restrict water flow.
Where removable, clean the
aerator according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
Helpful clue:
A clogged aerator can make water
flow seem weak even when the rest
of the plumbing system is working normally.
4
Check Water Valves
Inspect the Water Supply Valves
Check whether your home's main
water shutoff valve is fully open.
A partially closed valve can
reduce water flow throughout
the home.
If only one sink is affected,
inspect the individual shutoff
valves beneath that fixture.
Important:
Never force a seized valve or
adjust utility-controlled water
meter equipment. Contact a plumber
or the water utility when necessary.
5
Look for Leaks
Check for Water Supply Leaks
A sudden, unexplained decrease
in water pressure may be associated
with a leak somewhere in the
plumbing system.
Look for visible moisture around
water supply lines, valves, walls,
ceilings and floors.
Helpful clue:
Water stains, damp areas or
unexplained water use may
indicate a hidden leak.
6
Get Professional Help
Call a Plumber if the Problem Persists
Some water pressure problems are
caused by simple restrictions,
while others involve damaged pipes,
pressure regulators, supply lines
or other plumbing components.
If you've checked the obvious
causes and the problem continues,
John The Plumber can help
investigate the issue.
We're here to help:
Our Ottawa plumbers can assess
possible causes and recommend
the appropriate next steps.
