Nothing is more frustrating than turning on your shower only to get a weak trickle—or worse, hearing loud banging in your pipes every time you turn off a faucet. Water pressure problems can disrupt your daily routine, affect your appliances, and even lead to costly plumbing repairs if left unchecked.
At Done! Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, we’ve been helping homeowners in Aurora, Denver, and surrounding communities manage their water pressure since 1999. Whether your home is dealing with low pressure that slows everything down or high pressure that strains your pipes and appliances, we’re here to find the right solution.
In this article, we’ll help you recognize the signs of water pressure problems, explain their common causes, and share how our expert team can restore the perfect balance to your home’s plumbing system—so you can go back to enjoying strong, steady water flow in every faucet and fixture.
Understanding Water Pressure in Your Home
Water pressure determines how water flows through pipes to your faucets, showers, and appliances. It’s what makes a shower refreshing, lets you rinse dishes quickly, and keeps your washing machine working without a hitch. When the pressure isn’t right, though, it can create noticeable problems.
For homes in Aurora and Greater Denver, the sweet spot for water pressure is between 40 and 60 psi (pounds per square inch). If the pressure drops below that, you may find simple tasks taking longer than they should. On the flip side, pressure that’s too high can strain your plumbing, leading to leaks, damaged appliances, or even burst pipes.
Water pressure issues don’t just cause frustration—they can cause expensive damage if left alone. Taking care of the problem sooner rather than later helps avoid unnecessary costs and keeps things working smoothly.
Signs of Low Water Pressure
Slow-Filling Appliances and Fixtures
Does your bathtub seem to take forever to fill? Or maybe your washing machine takes longer than usual to complete a cycle? These are telltale signs of low water pressure. Faucets might only produce a small trickle, showers might feel underwhelming, and toilets might take longer to refill after flushing. These delays often hint at problems like a partially closed valve or a hidden leak in your plumbing.
Weak Shower Streams
A weak shower is one of the most frustrating signs of low pressure. Instead of a steady, strong flow, you’re left with a sputtering or inconsistent stream. This can make showers less enjoyable and point to issues like blockages or imbalances in your pipes.
Pressure Drops When Multiple Fixtures Are Used
If turning on the kitchen faucet makes your shower pressure drop dramatically, your plumbing might be stretched too thin. This happens when the system struggles to distribute water evenly, often due to undersized pipes, a partially closed valve, or an insufficient water supply. A professional can help figure out what’s going on and get everything working properly again.
Signs of High Water Pressure
Banging or Knocking Pipes (Water Hammer)
Hearing loud banging or knocking sounds in your pipes, especially after turning off faucets, often points to high water pressure. Known as water hammer, this happens when water moves through the pipes with too much force, causing vibrations and noise. Over time, this pressure can damage joints and lead to leaks or bursts, so it’s important to address the issue quickly.
Leaking Faucets and Fixtures
Dripping faucets and fixtures might seem harmless, but they often signal high water pressure. Excessive pressure can wear down seals and joints, leading to persistent leaks. These leaks not only waste water but can also drive up utility bills and cause water damage if ignored.
Running Toilets
If your toilet keeps running after flushing, high water pressure could be the culprit. Too much pressure can keep the fill valve from shutting off completely, allowing water to keep flowing. This wastes water and puts unnecessary strain on your plumbing, requiring professional fixes to stop the problem.
Damaged Appliances
High water pressure doesn’t just affect pipes—it can also harm appliances. Water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines are built to handle specific pressure levels. When the pressure is too high, it can cause leaks, shorten the lifespan of appliances, or lead to breakdowns. If your appliances seem to fail more often than they should, high water pressure might be the reason.
Causes of Water Pressure Issues
High Municipal Water Pressure in Denver
Denver’s water system typically delivers water at higher-than-average pressure levels. While this ensures homes at higher elevations get enough flow, it can overwhelm plumbing systems in lower areas. Adding a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) is a reliable way to manage water pressure and protect your plumbing.
Failing Pressure Regulator (PRV)
The pressure regulator, or PRV, keeps water pressure consistent throughout your home. Over time, this device can wear out or stop working properly, leading to sudden spikes or dips in pressure. If you’ve noticed changes in water pressure, a worn-out PRV might be to blame.
Closed or Partially Closed Valves
The main shut-off valve and water meter valve control how much water enters your plumbing system. If either valve isn’t fully open, it can restrict flow and lead to low water pressure. Checking these valves is an easy first step in solving pressure problems.
Plumbing Design Problems
Issues like undersized pipes or poorly planned layouts can cause noticeable pressure drops, especially when using multiple fixtures at once. For instance, pipes that are too narrow may not deliver enough water to keep up with demand.
Leaking or Corroded Pipes
Leaks and corrosion are common reasons for water pressure issues. Hidden leaks not only lower pressure but also waste water and increase utility bills. Corroded pipes, especially in older homes with galvanized steel plumbing, can cause blockages by narrowing the pipe’s diameter. Fixing these problems quickly can restore proper pressure and prevent further damage.
Why Professional Inspection Matters
Water pressure issues can seem simple, but finding the cause often requires the right tools and expertise. A professional inspection can pinpoint the problem and fix it without causing additional complications. DIY attempts might make things worse, leading to costly repairs. At Done!, we make fixing water pressure problems straightforward, providing solutions that fit your home’s specific needs.
Get Your Water Pressure Back on Track
If your water pressure isn’t what it used to be—whether it’s too low, too high, or inconsistent—ignoring the problem can lead to wasted water, plumbing damage, and unnecessary frustration. But you don’t have to live with it.
At Done, we specialize in accurate diagnostics and expert repairs to get your water pressure where it should be—safe, steady, and efficient. From fixing hidden leaks to installing pressure regulators, our licensed plumbers will find and resolve the issue the right way.
Let’s get your home’s plumbing running smoothly again. Call (833) 539-9153 or visit itsdone.com to schedule your water pressure inspection today.
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