What can be done to protect against frozen pipes?

How can I prevent clogged pipes?

How often should I get my boiler/ furnace serviced?

What are the benefits of a programmable thermostat?

What Causes Sewer Pipe Collapse?

I have the worst water pressure EVER! What's my problem?

Why do I keep running out of hot water? What can I do to fix it?

My water leaves spots on everything I clean. What's wrong with it?

Is my drinking water safe?

I have the worst water pressure EVER! What's my problem?

Something to consider right off the bat: Is it just your problem, or are your neighbors experiencing it too? If they are, be happy - not because misery loves company, but because the cause is probably a blockage or leak in a community water line, and that means you don't have to pay for repairs. Notify your local water department as soon as possible so they can get busy fixing the problem.

In older communities, neighborhood water pressure problems also may be caused by calcium deposits that build up on the inside of water pipe to restrict flow. It's just like hardening of the arteries and is especially common with iron pipe.

Sometimes there is a leak or blockage in the service line between the curb box and where the service line enters your home. This calls for major repairs that involve digging up and replacing pipe.

More often, though, the problem will stem from something inside the house, especially if it's an older home. Low water pressure is common in older homes for a couple of reasons. One is calcification. As years go by, just as with outside water mains (or human arteries), lime deposits build up on the inside of your home's water pipes, with hot water lines more susceptible than cold.

A more fundamental reason - again quite prevalent in older homes - is undersized water pipe. Many homes were built in an era when the typical house had only a single toilet and tub. Back in those days smaller diameter water pipe was the standard. Since then many households have added a bathroom or two, along with many more water using appliances. Nowadays three-quarters of an inch is the minimum you will find in modern homes.

Re-piping is expensive but often the only way to permanently solve a home's water pressure blues. The good news is that re-piping is a job that shouldn't be required more than once in a generation.

Lastly, if you suddenly experience slow flow out of a single faucet or showerhead, before you call anyone, check to see if it might be caused by granules in the aerator or showerhead openings. If so, clear them out. Problem solved.