With over 20 years of experience serving homeowners in Victoria and Sooke, Homewise Plumbing has seen just about every water pressure problem you can imagine. Whether you’re trying to enjoy a hot shower or get your dishes done in a reasonable amount of time, low water pressure can be frustrating. Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved with a few simple checks, and in some cases, professional help.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the common causes of low water pressure, some DIY solutions you can try, and when it’s time to call in professional plumbers.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

There are a few typical culprits behind a sudden or gradual drop in water pressure. If you’re dealing with low pressure in just one tap or throughout the house, these are the main causes we see:

1. Mineral Buildup in Fixtures

Victoria and much of southern Vancouver Island have moderately hard water, which means mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium can accumulate in your taps and showerheads. Over time, this buildup can reduce water flow, especially in older fixtures.

2. Old or Corroded Pipes

If your home is located in a heritage neighbourhood like James Bay, Fairfield, or Oak Bay, you may be dealing with older plumbing. Galvanized steel pipes, which were common in older homes, corrode from the inside out, gradually reducing flow over time.

3. Hidden Leaks

A small leak in your plumbing system (especially one hidden behind walls or underground) can cause a noticeable drop in water pressure. If the issue isn’t isolated to one fixture, a leak might be the reason.

4. Partially Closed Shut-Off Valves

Sometimes, a main shut-off valve (either at the meter or inside the home) may be partially closed after routine maintenance or a plumbing repair. Even if it’s only slightly turned, it can reduce flow.

What You Can Do as a Homeowner

Before calling a plumber, there are a few things you can check yourself:

Clean Your Faucet Aerators and Showerheads

Unscrew the aerator or showerhead and soak it in vinegar to break down mineral deposits. After 30 minutes, scrub it with an old toothbrush and reinstall it. You may notice an immediate improvement.

Check Your Main Shut-Off Valve

Make sure your home’s main shut-off valve is fully open. It’s usually located near where the water line enters your home (often in a basement or utility room).

Test Pressure at Multiple Fixtures

Is the problem isolated to one tap or the whole house? If it’s just one location, the issue may be with that specific fixture. If it’s all over, your main line or internal plumbing could be the problem.

Inspect for Leaks

Look for signs of water damage, soggy spots in your yard, or unusually high water bills. Even small leaks can have a big impact on water pressure.

When to Call a Plumber

While some pressure issues are easy to fix, others require a professional touch, especially if you’re dealing with older pipes or need pressure testing.

Call Homewise Plumbing if:

You’ve tried cleaning fixtures and checking valves with no improvement.
You suspect corroded or outdated pipes in an older home.
You’ve noticed signs of hidden leaks.
You want professional water pressure testing to diagnose the issue properly.

We often help customers in Saanich, Esquimalt, View Royal, and throughout the Greater Victoria Area upgrade their outdated plumbing systems for better pressure and water flow. In some cases, replacing aging sections of pipe or installing a pressure booster pump may be necessary for long-term results.

Need Help With Water Pressure in Your Home?

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get your water pressure up to par, it’s time to bring in the pros. The team at Homewise Plumbing is here to help. Whether it’s pressure testing, pipe replacement, or general diagnostics, we’ll get things flowing again.

Contact our team of experienced plumbers in Victoria BC to schedule a service today.

Plumbing Services

Discover our Plumbing Services
Explore our Renovation Services

How to Increase Water Pressure in Your Home