A small leak—even one you can’t hear—can steal your water pressure. Check your water meter when nobody is using water. Is it still spinning? If yes, you have a leak somewhere. It might be a dripping faucet, a toilet that runs silently, or a pipe behind a wall.
Toilets are the worst offenders. A silent flapper leak can waste hundreds of gallons and drop your pressure without you noticing. Drop a food coloring tablet in the tank. If the bowl water turns color within an hour without flushing, you’ve found the vampire.
What About Water Heaters?
If the low pressure is only in your hot water, check your water heater. Sediment can build up at the bottom, clogging the outlet. Flush your water heater once a year. Hook up a hose, drain the tank, and let all that sand-like gunk flow out.
I guarantee you’ll be horrified by what comes out. And your pressure will thank you. Also, it extends the life of the heater, so it’s a win-win—unless you drop the hose on your foot.
