If you’ve been noticing a weaker flow of water from your faucet or showerhead, you’re not alone. Plenty of folks across Southern Arizona deal with low water pressure, and it doesn’t always come from the same source. Sometimes, it starts with something small. Other times, it traces back to a bigger issue that’s been building up for a while.
Cool Willy’s is here to walk you through the top 10 causes of low water pressure in your home and when to call us for plumbing repair. We believe in getting to the root of the problem so you can get back to living comfortably with every plumbing fixture in your home doing what it’s supposed to do.
Mineral Buildup in Pipes
Hard water runs all over Tucson. That means minerals — like calcium and magnesium — can settle inside your pipes over time. The buildup narrows the path water takes through your plumbing system, and what used to be a wide, clear route becomes more like a clogged artery.
When mineral deposits get heavy enough, pressure starts to drop. You might notice this in your shower first or at the sink, where flow weakens. Left untreated, the buildup spreads. It can even affect appliances that rely on water, like your dishwasher or washing machine.
Corroded Plumbing
Corrosion is the silent destroyer of plumbing systems. It happens when old metal pipes (particularly galvanized steel) begin to rust and deteriorate from the inside out. The rough, irregular surface created through corrosion restricts water flow and causes pressure drops throughout your home.
Signs of corrosion include:
- Discolored water (especially reddish-brown)
- Uneven pressure throughout the house
- Leaks developing in multiple locations
In Tucson, many older homes constructed before the 1970s struggle with corrosion problems. Our hot desert climate combines with distinctive local water chemistry, creating a harsher environment for plumbing systems. This unique combination accelerates the corrosion process, making pipes more susceptible to internal damage and faster deterioration than in other regions.
Partially Closed Shut-Off Valve
This cause is both the simplest and most overlooked source of pressure problems! Your home has several shut-off valves controlling water flow, including:
- The main water valve (usually near where the supply enters your house)
- Individual fixture valves under sinks and toilets
- Appliance valves for washing machines and dishwashers
If any of these valves aren’t fully open, they’ll restrict water flow. This happens surprisingly often after plumbing work or home renovations when someone forgets to reopen a valve completely.
The good news? Checking your valves is something you can easily do yourself! Look for the handle valves throughout your home and make sure they’re completely open. For gate valves (with round handles), turn them counterclockwise until they stop. For ball valves (with lever handles), the handle should be parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
Many Tucson homes have a pressure regulator — a bell-shaped device typically installed where the water supply enters your house. This component reduces the municipal water pressure (which can be quite high) to a safe level for your home’s plumbing system.
When a pressure regulator fails, it often defaults to a lower pressure setting or restricts flow altogether. Your entire house will suddenly experience reduced water pressure if this component malfunctions. The average lifespan of a pressure regulator is 7-12 years. If yours is older than that and you’re experiencing house-wide pressure issues, having a plumber check and possibly replace this component might solve your problem.
Leaks in the Plumbing System
Leaks are sneaky pressure killers. Even small leaks divert water that should be flowing to your fixtures, resulting in reduced pressure when you turn on a tap or shower.
The tricky part about leak detection is that many leaks occur in places you can’t easily see — inside walls, under floors, or in your foundation. Signs that might indicate hidden leaks include:
- Unexplained increases in your water bill
- Damp spots on walls or ceilings
- The sound of running water when no fixtures are in use
- Mold or mildew in unexpected places
- Musty odors near plumbing fixtures
- An increase of gnats flying throughout your home
Shared Water Supply Line
This issue is common in older neighborhoods or multi-unit buildings. If your water supply line (the pipe bringing municipal water to your property) branches to serve multiple homes or units before reaching you, you might experience pressure drops when others are using water simultaneously.
This problem gets worse during peak usage times (mornings and evenings) when everyone is showering, doing laundry, or washing dishes. If your pressure seems fine during odd hours but drops dramatically during normal usage times, a shared line might be the culprit. Updating to a dedicated supply line is the ideal solution, though it requires coordination with neighbors and possibly your municipality.
Clogged Fixtures and Faucets
Sometimes, low water pressure results directly from your plumbing fixtures themselves. Mineral deposits, debris, and sediment buildup clog fixtures like taps, aerators, and showerheads. Luckily, fixing clogged fixtures takes little effort. Regularly removing and cleaning these parts with vinegar is the best way to noticeably improve your water flow.
Issues With the Water Meter Valve
Similar to your home’s main shut-off valve, the water meter valve controlled by your utility company can sometimes be partially closed. This might happen after repair work on the street or maintenance on the municipal system.
If you suspect this might be your issue, contact your local water department. They’ll send someone to check and adjust the valve if necessary — usually without charging you.
Malfunctioning Appliances
Modern homes connect numerous appliances to the water supply — dishwashers, refrigerators with ice makers, washing machines, water softeners, and filtration systems. Each of these can affect your overall water pressure if it malfunctions.
For example, a water softener stuck in regeneration mode might divert water from the rest of your home. Similarly, a clogged refrigerator filter can cause pressure drops at nearby fixtures.
If you notice pressure problems occurring after installing a new appliance, or if the issues seem related to when certain appliances run, investigating these connections might reveal the source of your troubles.
Municipal Supply Issues
Occasionally, the problem isn’t with your home at all — it’s with the city’s water supply. Municipal maintenance, water main breaks, or high neighborhood demand can all lead to temporary dips in pressure. If you’ve ruled out internal plumbing issues and your neighbors are experiencing the same drop, it’s likely a citywide problem. While you can’t fix this issue yourself, calling your water provider can confirm whether they’re working in your area and when you can expect normal pressure to return.
When to Call a Professional for Low Water Pressure
While some pressure issues have DIY solutions, others require professional expertise. Consider calling a plumber if:
- You’ve checked the obvious causes (valves, fixture clogs) without improvement
- The pressure dropped suddenly and dramatically
- You notice signs of leaks or water damage
- The problem affects the entire house
- You hear unusual noises in your plumbing system
- Your water bill has increased unexpectedly
A professional plumber from Cool Willy’s has specialized tools for diagnosing pressure problems, including pressure gauges, that can pinpoint issues you might miss.
Low Water Pressure? Reach Out to Cool Willy’s!
Living with low water pressure isn’t something you have to accept! Our team at Cool Willy’s has helped countless Tucson homeowners restore their water pressure to optimal levels.
Our experienced plumbers understand the unique challenges of desert plumbing systems. We’ll diagnose your pressure problems accurately and provide clear, honest recommendations for fixing them, whether the issues are related to a burst pipe, pinhole leak, a faulty pressure regulator, or anything in between. Give us a call today for a pressure evaluation.