Water Pressure Drops Then Comes Back (6 Causes & Fixes)

Whenever the water system fails, it always seems to be at the most inopportune time. You’re in the middle of taking a shower, attempting to wash a large load of laundry, or anticipating a large number of dinner guests, when all of a sudden, the water pressure in your home drops to a trickle. It seems to have returned. Phew. What is happening, though?

Clogged pipes, leaky valves, broken pressure regulators, broken pressure tanks, or an issue with the municipal water supply are the most common causes of fluctuating water pressure.

I have investigated potential means of diagnosis and solutions for each potential source of water pressure drops then comes back. Don’t panic until you’ve exhausted all of your options.

Water Pressure Drops Then Comes Back: Possible causes

You need to be familiar with the things that might impact water flow throughout the house to determine what is causing your water pressure to fluctuate. Both public water systems and individual wells are vulnerable to these issues. 

If you check your water system and discover no issues, you should contact the proper authorities. Water pressure fluctuations may occur due to routine maintenance at the local water treatment facility. 

Here are some potential reasons why your plumbing’s water pressure keeps changing:

Defective Faucets

Faucets and taps tend to leak and corrode as they age. The same applies to leaking sinks or tubs. The damage they do extends far beyond the water they waste. For instance, if your home has numerous levels, water leaks can reduce the pressure and slow the flow across the whole system.

The water pressure regulator starts going into overdrive as a result of the constant leaks. Water pressure changes may result. 

Using a private well system makes all of this worse since the submersible pump has to run more frequently to meet the increased pressure demands. In the long run, the machine will break down and cost you a lot of money to replace.

Water Heater Failure

A faulty water heater might be the cause of low pressure in your hot water system.

If your water heater is rusty or rusted by the metals in your water, your hot water pressure may fluctuate as the heater struggles to keep up with your needs.

Water Main Valve Not Working Properly

Problems with your home’s main water supply valve, the valve that feeds water into the main water supply line, might cause low water pressure.

If the valve gets partially blocked or hidden, it may close just enough to reduce the water pressure in your home.

Overuse of water resources

The cause of the water pressure fluctuations will likely be found during the preliminary diagnostic procedures. If you don’t notice any changes in your water supply, you could want to check with your neighbors.

The water pressure at your home might drop if the neighbor installed a swimming pool or jacuzzi. If you suspect that to be the case, it’s best to notify the proper authorities.

Malfunctioned pressure tank 

Locating issues within a pressurized water tank might be difficult. Due to a pinhole in the membrane, the pressure tank’s internal pressure is unable to maintain the desired level. Assuming the frequency of the pump cycles has increased, this is the case. The areas around the inlet, outlet, and pressure switch valves may also be leaking.

There are instances where the pressure switch is positioned too far from the tank. Because of the high frictional losses, the pressure might be disturbed. The pressure switch, according to experts, should be placed no further than five feet from the pressure storage tank. 

If there hasn’t been enough rain, the water table will decrease, requiring the pump to draw in additional air while it removes water. Over time, this might cause the water pressure to fluctuate. It’s a problem if there are plenty of air bubbles in the pipe but no obvious leaks.

Leaky or corroded pipes

Your home’s water pressure may be dropping during peak hours because of a clogged pipe.

A blocked water supply pipe may make it harder to detect a sudden decline in water pressure. More often than not, your water pressure will simply dip when you need it the most, such as when you are simultaneously utilizing multiple appliances that require water.

How to fix water pressure drops? 

The water pressure in the plumbing system has to be adjusted immediately, as you have now discovered the problem early on. Some suggestions are provided below. Of course, if you don’t feel like tinkering, there’s always the option of hiring a licensed plumber.

Install a regulator for water pressure

A water pressure regulator, also known as a water pressure reduction valve (PRV), lowers the water pressure just before it enters your plumbing.

If your water pressure occasionally spikes beyond 60 PSI before returning to normal, installing a water pressure regulator is an excellent option. However, it will not improve the water pressure to an unacceptable level.

In possession of a water pressure reducer already? Make sure that a broken pressure regulator is not causing your water pressure and flow to be inconsistent. If the regulator breaks, get it fixed or replaced.

Replace the defective valves and pipes

There are a few solutions if your pipes are leaking because of damage, such as cracks. Use a sealing putty or epoxy glue to repair the damage. Although it is only a stopgap, it does its job well. However, if the pipe or pipes are older than 10 years, it’s advisable to replace them rather than repair the damage. 

If your pressure regulator is leaking, you should replace it rather than try to patch it up. Valve replacement is necessary if repairs are only going to be temporary. You can do it yourself, or you may hire someone to do it for you.

Get Help From A Qualified Plumber Or Well Driller

The problem of erratic water pressure in your house may be too complicated for you to handle on your own. If you have a clogged pipe, a broken well pump, or a well that is running out of water, you should call a professional plumber for assistance.

Tell many local plumbers or well contractors about the problems you’re having. Pick someone who has served many satisfied clients before.

Depending on the root of the problem and the price of the necessary item, the price to hire a plumber or contractor to remedy your water pressure issues might range from $75 to $1,000 or more.

Pressure Tank Maintenance

After eliminating other causes, a defective pressure tank may be to blame for the pulsing water flow from the tap. To begin, use a tyre pressure gauge to determine the current air pressure within the tank. 

First, shut the main valve and turn off the pump. Now, all you have to do is empty the tank’s contents. After that, you’ll want to attach the tyre gauge to the Schrader valve, which is often positioned around the top of the tyre.

Two pounds per square inch (PSI) below the cut-on pressure is the ideal air pressure. At 30/50, the pressure gauge should show 28 PSI. 

If it is lower than 28 PSI, it might explain the sudden decrease in water pressure. In this case, you will need to pressurize the tank with an air compressor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the rapid drop in water pressure?

If you have a broken appliance or plumbing fixture, or if there is a leak or blockage in your water supply line, you may experience a sudden drop in water pressure. Your water pressure will decrease over time if your water filter becomes partially blocked. 

How come my water pressure fluctuates?

A malfunctioning well pump or pressure switch (for private well owners) or a blocked pipe, failed water heater, broken valves, or troublesome fixtures can all cause water pressure fluctuations or even permanent loss of water flow.

How come my water pressure drops after just a few minutes?

If there is a significant blockage in the place where a pipe in your home connects to the main whole home water supply line, you may experience a loss of pressure after only a few minutes. A pipe leak, broken valve, or malfunctioning pressure regulator are all possibilities.

What is the most effective way to check the water pressure?

A pressure gauge allows you to monitor the air pressure in your house. These are simple to use and provide accurate readings of your water pressure at any time of day.

Final Words

Water pressure fluctuations are rather normal, so there’s no need to fear.

Identify the problem by first ensuring that none of the aforementioned are to blame. You can try some do-it-yourself fixes if you figure out what’s lowering your water pressure. You’ll have to put in some effort, but these strategies will ultimately resolve the problem.

If the damage is too extensive, such as when pipes in the main water supply line are damaged or rusted, it’s best to have a professional take care of it. I hope this article gives you the answer to why water pressure drops then comes back.