Low water pressure can be frustrating, whether it affects a single fixture or the entire house. At Flow Pros Plumbing, one of the first questions we ask homeowners in St. Petersburg, FL, is:
👉 What is the age of your home?
👉 Is the low pressure affecting all fixtures or just one?
The answers help us diagnose the problem quickly, as older homes often have galvanized piping, outdated valves, or water softener issues. Let’s dive into the four most common causes of low water pressure and how to fix them.
1. Old or Galvanized Piping
Many older homes in St. Petersburg were built with galvanized steel pipes before copper and plastic became standard. Over time, galvanized pipes corrode, causing:
🔹 Rust buildup inside the pipe, narrowing water flow
🔹 Metal flakes breaking off, clogging fixtures
🔹 Insurance issues, as many carriers are dropping policies for homes with galvanized piping
💡 Solution: If your home still has galvanized pipes, consider repiping with modern materials like PEX or copper to restore full water pressure and avoid leaks.
🚰 Need a plumbing upgrade? Check out our kitchen & bath plumbing services for repiping options!
2. Active Water Leaks
A hidden water leak can cause a sudden drop in pressure, often cutting your water flow in half. Signs of a leak include:
💦 Unexplained high water bills
💦 Water stains on walls or ceilings
💦 A hissing sound inside the walls
💡 Solution: If you suspect a leak, turn off all fixtures and check your water meter. If it’s still running, you likely have a leak. Contact Flow Pros Plumbing for a leak detection service before the damage worsens.
3. Water Softener Issues
In St. Petersburg, many homes use water softeners to combat Florida’s hard water. But if your softener isn’t maintained, it can cause:
⚠️ Clogged water softener head, reducing flow
⚠️ Blockages in pipes, caused by hard water minerals
⚠️ Swollen gaskets and fittings, affecting fixtures
💡 Quick Fix:
- Bypass the water softener by turning the bypass valve. If pressure returns, the softener is the issue.
- Regularly maintain your water softener to keep it running efficiently.
🚿 Need help with your water softener? We can assist with maintenance and repairs!
4. Faulty Water Valves
If your home’s main water valve is partially closed or failing, it can restrict water flow. The two most common types of valves are:
🔹 Gate Valves – Older and prone to failure, as the gate inside can break or shift, reducing pressure.
🔹 Ball Valves – More reliable, providing a full open or closed position for proper flow.
💡 Solution: If you have an old gate valve, consider replacing it with a ball valve for better water control.
🚰 Need a valve replacement? Flow Pros Plumbing can upgrade your water service for improved pressure!
Call Flow Pros Plumbing for Water Pressure Issues in St. Petersburg, FL
If your home has low water pressure, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Our experienced plumbers at Flow Pros Plumbing can diagnose and fix the issue fast—whether it’s old pipes, leaks, softener problems, or failing valves.
📞 Call us today or schedule a service online for expert plumbing solutions in St. Petersburg, FL! 🚰💧