Summer is here, and you may have noticed your shower lacks its usual force or your garden hose seems weaker than normal. You're not alone, many homeowners experience low water pressure in summer.
The most common causes of summer low water pressure include increased neighborhood water usage, mineral buildup in pipes, and issues with pressure regulators that may struggle during seasonal changes.
According to the EPA’s WaterSense program, the average American household uses 320 gallons of water per day, with about 30% dedicated to outdoor uses—primarily irrigation, pool filling, or garden hoses, which significantly increases summer water demand and can reduce pressure during peak seasons .
This shared demand can significantly reduce the pressure reaching your home. Additionally, older homes may have pipes narrowed by years of mineral deposits that restrict water flow.
The good news is that many low water pressure problems can be fixed without major plumbing work. Simple solutions like cleaning aerators, checking valve positions, or adjusting pressure regulators can make a big difference.
In this article, you’ll learn how to identify and fix low water pressure in summer, especially during seasonal peaks.
Let’s break down the key points you should consider:
Keep reading! Understanding the specific cause is the first step toward enjoying strong, consistent water flow throughout your home this summer.
Summer brings unique challenges to your home's water system. Several factors can cause a noticeable drop in water pressure during the hottest months of the year, especially in warm regions like Arizona.
Municipal water supplies face tremendous strain during summer months. According to the EPA, water usage typically increases two to four times compared to winter months as households fill pools, water lawns, and use more water overall.
This collective demand creates peak water usage periods, usually in early morning and evening hours. When everyone in your neighborhood waters their lawn simultaneously, the shared water lines simply can't deliver the same pressure to each home.
Many municipal systems weren't designed to handle this seasonal surge. Older neighborhoods with aging infrastructure feel this impact most severely. Water pressure may start strong in the morning but noticeably weaken as the day progresses and more users tap into the system.
Extreme temperatures can physically impact your water delivery system. During heat waves, soil around buried pipes may dry out and shift, potentially creating stress points on water lines.
Pipes themselves expand and contract with temperature changes. Metal pipes are particularly susceptible to this thermal expansion, which can create slight changes in water flow capacity.
Underground leaks become more common during summer months as this soil movement puts pressure on connection points. Even small leaks can result in reduced pressure throughout your home, with the effect becoming worse over time if left unaddressed.
Outdoor irrigation becomes a major factor in summer pressure drops. Automatic sprinkler systems drawing large volumes of water can dramatically reduce pressure available for indoor use.
In fact, according to the USDA, irrigation alone accounts for roughly 42% of all freshwater withdrawals in the U.S., and during summer, this demand can reduce the available pressure in municipal systems, especially in residential areas near heavy agricultural or suburban irrigation zones
Consider these common summer water users:
Inside your home, increased use of dishwashers, washing machines, and showers during hot weather compounds the problem. Water-conserving fixtures and appliances can help maintain better pressure by reducing overall demand.
Smart irrigation controllers that water during off-peak hours can make a significant difference. We recommend scheduling lawn watering for very early morning when municipal demand is lowest.
Low water pressure often stems from problems within your home's plumbing system. These issues can develop gradually over time, making them hard to notice until they significantly impact your water flow.
Pipe clogs are among the most frequent causes of low water pressure. These blockages form when minerals, debris, and sediment accumulate in pipes and fixtures.
Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, accelerates this problem by leaving mineral deposits that narrow pipe openings. You might notice this issue affects specific faucets first.
Aerators on faucets can become clogged with sediment, restricting water flow. A simple test is to unscrew the aerator and check for buildup.
Supply lines can also develop partial blockages. These clogs typically form at bends or joints in the piping where flow rate slows, allowing particles to settle.
Homes built before the 1960s often have galvanized pipes that are prone to corrosion issues. These steel pipes were coated with zinc to prevent rusting, but this protection wears away over time.
As corrosion develops inside the pipes, it creates rough surfaces where minerals and sediment easily attach. This buildup gradually narrows the interior diameter of pipes, reducing water flow.
Signs of corroded galvanized pipes include:
Water testing kits can help identify if you have minerals or metals in your water from pipe corrosion. Unfortunately, this issue typically requires pipe replacement rather than simple cleaning.
Your home's water pressure system relies on several mechanical components that can fail over time. When these parts wear out or malfunction, you might notice reduced water flow throughout your house.
A pressure reducing valve (PRV) or pressure regulator controls water pressure entering your home. This device prevents excessive pressure that could damage pipes and appliances. When this valve fails, it often causes inconsistent water pressure.
Signs of a failing pressure regulator include:
You can test your home's water pressure using a water pressure gauge attached to an outdoor spigot. Normal readings should fall between 40-60 psi. Readings consistently below 40 psi indicate a potential regulator problem.
Mineral deposits from hard water can also accumulate inside the regulator. These sediments restrict water flow as they build up over time. In older homes, this is especially common.
We recommend having a professional inspect your pressure regulator every 7-10 years. Replacement typically costs between $150-$350 depending on your location and system complexity.
Sometimes low water pressure points to serious plumbing issues that require immediate attention. These problems often hide underground or behind walls, making them difficult to spot until they cause significant damage.
Slab leaks occur when pipes beneath your home's concrete foundation develop cracks or breaks. These leaks are particularly problematic because they're hidden from view.
Warning signs include unexplained increases in water bills, the sound of running water when no fixtures are in use, and warm spots on your floor. In summer, the expansion of soil due to heat can put extra pressure on these pipes.
If you suspect a slab leak, it's important to call a professional immediately. Left untreated, these leaks can undermine your foundation, leading to expensive structural damage.
Modern detection equipment allows plumbers to locate leaks without extensive demolition. They use acoustic listening devices and thermal imaging to find the exact location before making repairs.
Summer heat can cause pipes to expand, potentially creating weak points or breaks. This is especially true in older homes with aging plumbing systems.
Tree root intrusion is another common summer problem. Roots naturally seek water sources, and they can detect even the smallest leaks in your pipes. Once they find a crack, they'll grow into the pipe, causing blockages and eventually complete pipe failure.
Signs of root intrusion include:
Root barriers and regular inspections can help prevent these issues. For existing problems, hydro jetting or pipe replacement may be necessary to restore proper water pressure.
Determining whether low pressure stems from your home's plumbing or the municipal water system is crucial for finding the right solution.
To check if it's a municipal issue, ask neighbors if they're experiencing similar problems. Many cities face infrastructure problems during summer months when water demand peaks. These can include water main breaks, system maintenance, or simply too many users drawing water simultaneously.
If the problem is limited to your home, check your water meter while all fixtures are off. If it's still running, you likely have a leak in your main water line between the meter and your house.
We recommend contacting your water utility if you suspect a municipal issue. They can provide information about any ongoing work or known problems in your area.
Licensed plumbers have specialized tools, training, and experience to quickly identify and resolve water pressure issues. They can implement solutions that might be difficult or unsafe for homeowners to attempt themselves.
Professional plumbers use advanced diagnostic tools to measure water pressure throughout your home. These precise gauges can detect even small variations that might indicate where problems exist. A thorough inspection will check your main water line, pressure regulator, water meter, and all accessible plumbing.
We find that many homeowners are surprised when we identify issues they didn't know existed. A licensed plumber can test each fixture separately and trace water flow patterns to pinpoint exactly where pressure drops occur.
This systematic approach saves time compared to trial-and-error methods most homeowners use. Professional diagnostics can reveal whether the issue is simple like a clogged aerator or more complex like corroded pipes.
Once the cause is identified, plumbers can implement the right solution immediately. For mineral buildup, we use specialized hydro jetting equipment that blasts away deposits without damaging pipes. This restoration method often brings immediate pressure improvements.
For damaged pipes, professional plumbers have the tools to make repairs without tearing up large sections of your home. They can:
Plumbers also bring the right parts for your specific plumbing system. This eliminates guesswork and prevents incompatible replacements that could cause more problems.
Professional plumbers don't just fix immediate problems, they help prevent future issues. We can develop customized preventative maintenance plans based on your home's specific plumbing configuration and local water conditions.
These plans might include regular inspections of pressure regulators, cleaning of susceptible pipes, or installation of water softeners to prevent mineral buildup. Many plumbers offer maintenance agreements that include scheduled water pressure tests throughout the year.
For homes with persistent pressure issues, professionals can design comprehensive solutions like pressure-balancing systems or zone-based plumbing improvements. They can also educate you about warning signs to watch for between service visits.
The investment in professional plumbing service typically pays off through improved water pressure, extended system life, and prevention of water damage from failing components.
Low water pressure during summer can be frustrating but is usually fixable. The most common causes include increased neighborhood usage, clogged pipes, water leaks, and problems with pressure regulators.
Don't just live with weak water flow. Taking action now can prevent bigger problems later. Simple fixes like cleaning aerators or checking valve positions might solve your issue immediately.
For persistent problems, we recommend contacting a professional plumber. They can properly diagnose the issue and offer the right solution. This is especially important if you suspect leaks or major pipe problems.
Regular maintenance of your plumbing system can prevent many pressure issues before they start. This includes checking for leaks, cleaning aerators, and having professional inspections.
Remember that water pressure problems often worsen over time if ignored. Acting quickly when you notice changes can save you money and frustration in the long run.
Schedule a pressure inspection with Dr Rooter today and get expert solutions to restore strong, steady water flow in your home.
