The short answer
Check for a Municipal Water Main Issue
First, see if your neighbors are experiencing the same problem. If they are, the low pressure is likely due to a break or maintenance on the city's water main. The local water utility may be aware of the issue and working on a fix. You can often check their website or social media for outage announcements and estimated repair times.
During severe storms, high demand from firefighting or system-wide pressure reductions to prevent further breaks can also lower pressure for everyone. This is a temporary situation that should resolve once the municipal system stabilizes. If the problem is only on your property, the cause is within your home's plumbing system and requires your attention.
Your Main Shutoff Valve May Be Partly Closed
A common culprit is a partially closed main water shutoff valve. This valve controls all water entering your home and is often located where the supply line enters your house or near the water meter. After a storm, someone may have turned it slightly to prepare for potential flooding or a leak, forgetting to reopen it fully.
To check, locate the main shutoff valve and ensure the handle is parallel to the pipe, not perpendicular. If it is a gate valve, turn it counterclockwise as far as it will go. Sometimes these older valves can fail internally, restricting flow even when they appear open. If adjusting the valve doesn't help, the problem lies elsewhere.
Ground Movement Can Damage Supply Lines
Heavy, sustained rain saturates the soil, which can shift and settle. This ground movement puts stress on your buried water service line, the pipe running from the city main to your house. The pipe itself can crack, or its connection at the meter or house can loosen. Even a small leak underground can significantly reduce the pressure reaching your fixtures.
This is a serious issue that often requires a professional plumber to locate and repair. You might notice soggy patches in your yard or hear water running when no taps are on. Ignoring it can lead to higher water bills and further erosion around the pipe. In areas with sandy or loose soil, such settling is a known risk after heavy rainfall.
Sediment in Your Pipes or Pressure Regulator
Storm surges or changes in municipal water flow can stir up sediment in the pipes. This debris can clog your home's pressure regulator, a device that controls maximum water pressure, or clog the aerators on your faucets. A clogged pressure regulator will fail to maintain proper pressure, while clogged aerators only affect individual fixtures.
Check your faucets by unscrewing the aerator screen and rinsing it. If pressure improves there, the aerator was the issue. If low pressure is house-wide, the pressure regulator may need cleaning or replacement by a plumber. Some homes, especially older ones, may not have a pressure regulator, so this would not be the cause.
- Check individual faucet aerators for grit or debris.
- Inspect the whole-house pressure regulator, if you have one.
- Look for signs of rust or mineral buildup at fixture connections.
- A plumber can flush your home's internal lines to clear sediment.
- If you have a water softener or filter, check it for clogs.
- Municipal water main flushing after a storm can temporarily introduce sediment.
When to Call a Professional
If you have checked the main valve and faucet aerators and ruled out a city-wide issue, the problem is likely a leak or damaged pipe. This requires a professional plumber. They have specialized tools, like electronic leak detectors, to pinpoint the problem without unnecessary excavation. A prompt repair prevents water waste and protects your property from further damage.
If the low-pressure event was accompanied by visible flooding in your home, you may also need water damage restoration. Standing water can warp floors, damage drywall, and lead to mold. Local water damage pros can extract water, dry the structure, and help prevent secondary damage. They focus on restoring your home after the plumbing issue is fixed by a plumber.
Water damage does not wait
Call (561) 794-2954 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (561) 794-2954Frequently asked questions
Can low water pressure indicate a leak inside my walls?
Yes, a significant leak inside a wall can reduce overall pressure. You may also hear running water, see stains on walls or ceilings, or notice a musty smell. A plumber can use acoustic or thermal imaging equipment to locate such hidden leaks without causing major damage to your home.
Will my homeowners insurance cover a broken water line repair?
It depends on where the break occurs. Many policies cover the service line from the street to your home, but not the portion on city property. You are typically responsible for lines inside your house. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Check your policy and report the damage promptly.
What if only my hot water pressure is low after a storm?
This points to an issue with your water heater. Sediment in the tank can clog the hot water outlet. The heater's shutoff valve may have been disturbed. A plumbing professional should inspect the unit, its valves, and the connecting pipes to diagnose and resolve the specific problem safely.