Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!
Few things are more frustrating than turning on a faucet and getting only a weak trickle. Low water pressure can turn simple daily tasks like showering, washing dishes, or doing laundry into chores. More importantly, it can be a sign of an underlying plumbing problem that, if ignored, could worsen and lead to costly repairs.
The good news is that you don’t have to live with low water pressure. Once you understand the common causes and how a professional plumber can fix them, restoring a steady, reliable flow throughout your home becomes much easier.
Your home’s water pressure depends on a steady, unobstructed flow through your plumbing system. Any disruption along that path, whether from buildup, corrosion, or leaks, can weaken the flow at your fixtures. Some issues are simple to fix, while others require the diagnostic expertise of a licensed plumber.
First, determine whether the issue affects just one fixture or your entire home. If low pressure occurs only at one faucet or showerhead, the problem may be a clog or mineral buildup within the fixture. Cleaning or replacing the aerator or showerhead often restores full flow.
If the issue occurs in multiple areas, there’s likely a deeper plumbing problem affecting the system as a whole. In that case, it’s time to call Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air for a professional inspection.
Hard water can leave behind mineral deposits that narrow your pipes over time. This buildup restricts flow, causing inconsistent pressure or fluctuating water strength. Our plumbers can inspect your pipes and fixtures for scale buildup and safely remove it using descaling tools or approved chemical treatments.
If your home has chronic hard water, installing a water softener can prevent the problem from returning and protect your plumbing system from long-term damage.
Older homes, especially those built before the 1970s, often contain galvanized steel pipes. These pipes corrode internally, slowly narrowing the diameter and reducing water flow. Many homeowners don’t notice the issue until pressure becomes noticeably weak throughout the house.
Our team can test your internal water pressure and inspect pipe sections for corrosion. If necessary, we’ll recommend replacing outdated galvanized pipes with modern copper or PEX piping. Although repiping sounds like a major project, it restores strong water pressure, improves water quality, and reduces the likelihood of future leaks or contamination.
Even small leaks can significantly reduce water pressure. When water escapes through cracks, loose fittings, or worn joints, less water reaches your faucets. You can perform a simple check by shutting off all fixtures and noting your water meter reading. If it moves after a few minutes, a hidden leak is likely.
Our plumbers use advanced leak detection and pressure testing tools to locate and repair leaks quickly. Once the leak is fixed, your water pressure will return to normal and your system will stop wasting water.
Many homes have a pressure regulator installed near the main water line. This bell-shaped device reduces high incoming water pressure from the city supply to a safe, consistent level for your home. When the regulator fails, you might notice sudden drops in pressure or irregular flow.
We can test your home’s water pressure using a gauge attached to an outdoor spigot. If readings fall below the recommended 45 to 60 psi range, our plumbers can adjust or replace the regulator to restore balance.
Sometimes, the cause of low pressure is as simple as a valve that isn’t fully open. The main shutoff or water meter valve may have been partially closed during maintenance. You can check this yourself, but our team will also verify that all valves are open and functioning correctly during service. If we find damaged or restricted valves, we’ll repair or replace them to restore proper water flow.
If water pressure is low only on the hot side, the problem may be related to your water heater. Sediment buildup inside the tank can block flow, especially if the unit hasn’t been flushed regularly. Our plumbers can drain and flush your tank to remove sediment and restore performance. If the dip tube or shutoff valve is damaged, we can repair or replace those components. For older water heaters, upgrading to a new unit may be the most efficient long-term solution.
Sometimes, low pressure originates outside your home. If your neighbors are experiencing the same issue, the cause could be temporary maintenance or demand fluctuations in the municipal water system. These issues are usually short-term and resolved by the utility provider.
If you use a private well, however, the issue may stem from the well pump, pressure tank, or filtration system. Our plumbers can inspect and test these components to ensure they deliver consistent, strong water pressure throughout your home.
Professional plumbers do more than treat symptoms; they identify and resolve the root cause. When you call Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air, our technicians will begin by testing water pressure at multiple points in your plumbing system. This process helps pinpoint whether the issue is localized or system-wide.
We then inspect valves, regulators, and visible piping for corrosion, leaks, or obstructions. When necessary, we use camera or sonic leak detection tools to examine hidden pipes behind walls or underground. If the water heater, filter, or pump contributes to the issue, we can service or replace those components. After repairs are made, we re-test your system to ensure water pressure is fully restored.
It can be tempting to ignore low pressure if water is still flowing, but waiting often leads to more damage. Corrosion spreads, leaks worsen, and buildup becomes harder to remove. Early repairs not only save money but also protect your plumbing system from long-term wear and tear.
Consistent water pressure also helps your water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine operate more efficiently. Fixing problems early reduces strain on valves, joints, and fixtures, extending their lifespan and keeping your system in top shape.
Once your water pressure is restored, it’s important to take preventive steps to keep it that way. Schedule annual plumbing inspections with Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air to detect leaks, corrosion, and buildup early. Regular maintenance helps you avoid pressure fluctuations and unexpected repairs.
Between professional visits, clean faucet aerators every few months, flush your water heater annually, and fix any minor leaks right away. If your home has hard water, consider installing a softener to prevent mineral buildup in pipes and fixtures.
Low water pressure is more than an inconvenience; it’s a sign that your plumbing system needs attention. If you’re dealing with weak showers, slow sinks, or inconsistent water flow, contact Ready & Able Plumbing, Heating & Air. Since 1998, we’ve been serving homeowners across the Harrisburg area with trusted plumbing, heating, and cooling services. Call us today to schedule an inspection and enjoy strong, consistent water pressure throughout your home.
Welcome to Ready & Able, formerly known as David LeRoy Plumbing! Although our name and brand have changed, we are still here to serve you and all of your plumbing, heating, cooling, and air quality needs!