What's Causing Your Outdoor Faucet's Low Water Pressure And How To Fix It

Water is the lifeblood of any healthy garden or outdoor space. It's essential for keeping lawns lush, flowers blooming, and cars squeaky clean. However, when your outdoor faucet starts trickling instead of gushing, it can become a real pain in the pipes. There could be a variety of reasons why your outdoor faucet might have low water pressure, and understanding the cause is the first step to finding a solution. Let's delve into the potential culprits and provide some practical fixes for your low-pressure woes.

Ideally, you want to first find out if there are any pressure problems going on in the rest of the house as well. This can help narrow down your options rather than going through some tedious trial and error work to no avail. Look for a water pressure testing device from Home Depot or Amazon and find out your baseline. 

Let's begin with one of the most common reasons for reduced water pressure in outdoor faucets: clogged pipes. Over time, sediment, minerals, rust, and debris can build up in your pipes, restricting the flow of water. Depending on the extent of the clog, you may be able to clear it yourself using a plumbing snake or a specialized pipe cleaning solution. However, if the clog is stubborn, it may be necessary to call in a professional plumber.

So, if it isn't a clogged pipe, then what else can it possibly be? Well, there could be a potential leak. Leaks in your plumbing system can lead to a significant reduction in water pressure. If the water is escaping through a crack or hole before it reaches the faucet, the result will be a weak flow. Although detecting a leak can be challenging, you want to try and look for signs of corrosion, water build-up, or unusually high water bills. Once the leak is identified, it will need to be repaired.

If that didn't work, did you know some homes have a pressure regulator installed to ensure a safe and steady water pressure throughout the property? Check if you have one, because if this regulator malfunctions, it can cause low water pressure. Take your water pressure testing device and test it; most have a reading of 50 PSI. If yours doesn't then you may need a replacement regulator because it isn't working properly.

Onto our next point on the checklist: a closed or partially closed shutoff valve. Every outdoor faucet has a corresponding shutoff valve, which controls the water flow to that outlet. If this valve is not fully open, it can result in low water pressure. All you have to do is locate the shutoff valve and ensure it's fully open. If the valve is hard to turn, it may need some lubrication.

None of the above? Is your home old, by chance? Perhaps the issue could be corroded plumbing as galvanized iron pipes often suffer from corrosion, leading to restricted water flow and decreased pressure. Unfortunately, the only long-term solution for corroded pipes is replacement. This can be a significant undertaking, particularly if the corrosion is widespread. You'll need to get a quote from a professional plumber for this task.

Now let's say you have checked high and low and still you haven't been able to figure out the problem. There is still one avenue to still investigate. What if the problem isn't within your home's plumbing system at all, but the city's? If your municipality is experiencing issues with its water supply, it can affect your water pressure. If you suspect this may be the case, check with your local water supply company to see if there are any known issues affecting your area. Unfortunately, you have no control over these issues and will have to wait until they are resolved.

Low water pressure in your outdoor faucet can lead to high stress. But by identifying the cause and taking appropriate action, you can restore your water flow to its normal strength and relax from the pressure. Remember, while some fixes can be DIY, others may require the expertise of a professional plumber. Regardless, don't delay. Over time, even minor plumbing problems can lead to more significant issues if left unresolved.