Where do I start when pressure drops?
Begin by asking whether the problem is everywhere or in one spot. Low pressure at only one faucet usually means a clogged aerator or a local problem. Low pressure at every tap points to the main supply, filter, pressure tank, pump or well.
Note when it happens. Pressure that sags after heavy use, in dry seasons or at certain times of day tells a story, so write down what you see.
Take a few minutes to map the system. Know where the well, pressure tank, filters, shutoff valves and main lines are, and mark them on a sketch. In an emergency or when you call a pro, a drawing of the system saves time and avoids guessing in the dark.
- One fixture or all fixtures?
- Hot water only or both?
- Constant, or only at certain times?
What simple things can I check?
Look at faucet aerators and showerheads for mineral buildup. Check that valves are fully open and that no hose or fitting is kinked. Look at any whole-house filter, since a clogged cartridge restricts flow, and replace it according to the maker's instructions.
Check the pressure gauge near the tank if you have one, and note the reading. Do not adjust or open pressurized equipment beyond what the manual says, since stored pressure can injure you.
Check outside too. A hose left running, a leaking trough float or an open hydrant can pull down pressure quietly. Walk the property and make sure every outdoor tap and stock waterer is closed and not dripping before you decide the problem is inside the house.
- Clean aerators and showerheads
- Inspect and replace filters on schedule
- Read the gauge and write down the number
What is the pressure tank doing?
On a private well, a pressure tank stores water and keeps the pump from starting every time you open a tap. If the tank loses its air charge or fails, pressure may swing and the pump may turn on and off rapidly, called short cycling, which wears the pump out.
Tank and pressure switch work involves electricity and stored pressure, so have a licensed well or pump professional check it. Do not open electrical covers on a pump system yourself.
- Rapid on and off pump noise is a warning
- Pressure that swings widely is a clue
- Call a licensed well contractor for tank and switch work
Could the well or pump be the problem?
A pump that is wearing out, a well that is low during drought, or a screen clogged with sediment can all reduce flow. Extension well guides explain that wells can run low in dry periods and that conserving water helps while you sort things out.
A well contractor can measure flow and pump performance and tell you whether the pump, the well or the pipes are at fault. Keep records of your well, such as its depth and when work was done.
If the well is low from drought, spread out water use, delay laundry and irrigation to different times of day and fix drips. Do not assume it will recover on its own, and ask a well contractor how deep the pump sits and whether the well level has changed since it was drilled.
- Cut back water use during low flow
- Ask a contractor to test pump and flow
- Keep well records handy
Could there be a leak in the line?
A leak between the well and the house, or in a livestock line, can drop pressure and run the pump constantly. Check wet spots, unusually green patches, a water meter that moves with everything off, or a pump that runs when no one is using water.
Frozen or damaged lines in winter are another cause. Locating buried leaks takes experience, so call a plumber or well professional.
- Walk the line looking for wet ground
- Check outdoor spigots and troughs
- Listen for the pump running with all taps off
When should I call a professional?
Call a licensed pro for anything involving the pump, wiring, tank pressure, buried lines or well casing, and ask about local requirements for permits or licensed work, which vary. If water turns cloudy, smells or tastes off after pressure changes, test it before drinking.
Your county health department or extension office can point you to approved labs and local well contractors.
Keep a short service log with the date, the symptom, who did the work and what was changed. Well and pump systems last longer when someone watches them, and a written history helps any new contractor understand your system and your water use.
Key takeaways
- Find out whether low pressure is at one fixture or throughout the system.
- Clean aerators and replace filters on schedule before suspecting bigger problems.
- Pressure tanks, pumps and wiring need a licensed professional.
- Test water quality if the water changes along with the pressure.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.