One of the most common non-emergency complaints people have about their plumbing is that it delivers water at too low of a pressure. Indeed, showering in a low-pressure shower can feel a little mundane and even chilly. Washing your hands or dishes under low water pressure can be a nuisance, too. But even though this is a common issue, many homeowners don't know very much about what causes it or what can be done. Keep reading, and you'll learn the basics about low water pressure.

What causes low water pressure?

Sometimes, low water pressure is the fault of your water company. They may not be sending water through the pipes at a very high pressure. Or, their customer base may have grown faster than they were able to upgrade their equipment, resulting in a sort of water shortage where no one home gets quite as much water as it could or should.

Other times, low water pressure arises due to an issue with your own plumbing. Older pipes can develop mineral scale buildup inside, which reduces the amount of water that can flow through them. This can happen at individual taps and faucets, too. Your shower head, for example, may get mineral buildup that blocks some of the holes that water is meant to pass through.

What can a plumber do about low water pressure?

Luckily, a plumber can solve your low water pressure problem whether it's being caused by your water department or your own plumbing. If your pipes have scale buildup, a plumber can replace the pipes that are the most affected, allowing water to flow freely again. If a tap or shower head has mineral buildup, a plumber can replace that piece for you.

If your plumber finds that water is entering your home at a low pressure, they can install something called a pressure box or holding tank. Basically, this tank will fill up with water and remain full until you need to use the water in your home. It will then send the water out at the selected pressure, which can be much higher than the pressure at which the water comes in from the street.

Low water pressure can be miserable to live with, but there is no reason to continue being miserable. Regardless of the cause, your plumber can fix or address your low water pressure. So, give them a call and start a discussion about your options. For more information on plumbing, contact a professional near you.