Low Water Pressure in Your Home? | Buffington's Plumbing

Turning on the shower only to get a weak stream of water is frustrating. So is waiting forever for the kitchen sink to fill or noticing that your water pressure drops whenever someone uses another fixture.

Sometimes low water pressure is caused by a relatively simple plumbing problem. Other times, it can be an early warning sign of a leak, aging pipe, water line issue, or another problem that deserves professional attention.

At Buffington's Plumbing, we help homeowners throughout Brooks, Griffin, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Newnan, Zebulon, and surrounding South Metro Atlanta communities diagnose water pressure problems and find the right solution.

Is Low Water Pressure Affecting One Fixture or the Whole House?

One of the first things to determine is whether the problem is happening at a single fixture or throughout your home.

If only one faucet or shower has weak pressure, the issue may be isolated to that fixture.

If faucets, showers, and other fixtures throughout the house suddenly have poor pressure, there could be a larger problem within your plumbing system or water supply.

Knowing the difference can help narrow down the possible cause.

1. Clogged Faucets or Showerheads

Mineral deposits and sediment can gradually build up inside faucet aerators and showerheads.

As those openings become restricted, less water can pass through, making it seem like your home's water pressure has dropped.

If the problem is limited to one faucet or shower, inspect the fixture for visible buildup. Cleaning or replacing the aerator or showerhead may solve the problem.

However, low pressure throughout the home usually points to something beyond a clogged fixture.

2. A Hidden Plumbing Leak

A leak allows water to escape before it reaches your faucets and fixtures, potentially reducing water pressure throughout your home.

Some leaks are obvious. Others can occur behind walls, beneath floors, or underground.

Possible signs of a hidden plumbing leak include:

Unexpected increases in your water bill
Damp or discolored walls and ceilings
Musty odors
Wet areas in the yard
The sound of running water when fixtures are turned off
Low or inconsistent water pressure

Ignoring a hidden leak can lead to water damage and more extensive plumbing repairs.

3. Problems With Your Main Water Line

If water pressure is low throughout your entire home, the main water line may be worth investigating.

Underground water lines can develop leaks or other problems due to age, corrosion, soil movement, tree roots, or damage.

Because the line is underground, you may not immediately see a leak.

Signs of a possible water line problem can include unusually wet areas of the yard, reduced water pressure, discolored water, or unexplained increases in water usage.

A professional plumber can evaluate the system and determine whether the water line needs repair or replacement.

4. Partially Closed Main Shutoff Valve

Your home's main water shutoff valve controls the flow of water entering the plumbing system.

If the valve isn't completely open, it can restrict water flow and reduce pressure throughout the house.

This sometimes happens after plumbing repairs or other work involving the water supply.

If you're unsure where the valve is located or whether it's operating correctly, it's better to have a professional inspect it rather than forcing a valve that may be old or damaged.

5. A Pressure Regulator Problem

Some homes have a pressure-reducing valve, or pressure regulator, that controls the pressure of water entering the home.

When the regulator begins to fail, homeowners may experience water pressure that's unusually low, unusually high, or inconsistent.

A plumbing professional can test the home's water pressure and determine whether the regulator is functioning properly.

6. Aging or Corroded Pipes

Older plumbing systems can develop corrosion and mineral buildup inside the pipes.

As the inside diameter of the pipe becomes narrower, water has less room to flow. The result can be gradually worsening water pressure throughout the home.

This is one reason persistent low water pressure shouldn't automatically be dismissed as an inconvenience.

A plumber can evaluate the condition of the home's plumbing and determine whether aging pipes are contributing to the problem.

7. High Water Demand

Sometimes the plumbing system isn't damaged at all.

You may notice temporary pressure changes when several fixtures or appliances are using water at the same time.

For example, pressure might decrease when someone takes a shower while the washing machine is filling and an irrigation system is running outside.

Occasional fluctuations may be normal. A significant or persistent loss of pressure, however, deserves a closer look.

Don't Ignore a Sudden Change in Water Pressure

If your home's water pressure has always been relatively consistent and suddenly drops, something has changed.

A sudden pressure loss could indicate:

A plumbing leak
Water line damage
A valve problem
A pressure regulator issue
A problem with the municipal water supply

If neighboring homes are experiencing the same issue, your local water provider may be dealing with maintenance or a water main problem.

If the problem appears limited to your property, it's time to investigate your home's plumbing.

When Should You Call a Plumber for Low Water Pressure?

You should consider calling a professional if:

Low pressure affects several fixtures
The problem appeared suddenly
Your water bill has unexpectedly increased
You notice wet areas around your home or yard
Your water looks rusty or discolored
Pressure continues getting worse
You suspect a water line leak

Buffington's Plumbing can inspect your plumbing system, identify the source of the problem, and recommend the appropriate repair.

With more than 30 years of experience, our team provides professional plumbing services throughout Brooks, Griffin, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Newnan, Zebulon, and surrounding communities.

Get Your Water Pressure Back to Normal

Low water pressure may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can sometimes be your plumbing system's way of telling you something isn't right.

Whether the problem is a fixture, hidden leak, pressure regulator, aging pipe, or main water line, identifying the cause early can help prevent additional damage and more expensive repairs.

If you're experiencing low water pressure in Brooks, GA or the surrounding area, contact Buffington's Plumbing to schedule professional plumbing service and get to the bottom of the problem.

Why is my water pressure suddenly low?

Sudden low water pressure can be caused by a plumbing leak, partially closed valve, pressure regulator problem, water line issue, or temporary problem with the municipal water supply.

Why is the water pressure low in only one faucet?

If only one faucet has low pressure, mineral buildup or debris inside the faucet aerator may be restricting water flow. The fixture itself may also need repair.

Can a water leak cause low water pressure?

Yes. A plumbing or water line leak can allow water to escape before it reaches your fixtures, potentially reducing water pressure while increasing water usage.

Can an old water line cause low water pressure?

Yes. Aging, corroded, damaged, or restricted water lines can reduce water flow and contribute to low water pressure throughout a home.

When should I call a plumber for low water pressure?

Call a plumber if low water pressure affects multiple fixtures, appears suddenly, continues getting worse, or occurs along with high water bills, wet areas, or other signs of a plu

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What Not to Put Down Your Garbage Disposal

August 5, 2026

Garbage disposals make cleaning up after meals quick and convenient, but they're not designed to handle everything. Putting the wrong items down your disposal can lead to stubborn clogs, damaged blades, unpleasant odors, and even expensive plumbing repairs. Whether you're cleaning up after a backyard barbecue or preparing fresh summer meals, knowing what not to put down your garbage disposal can help keep your kitchen plumbing working properly. If you're upgrading your kitchen or adding an outdoor cooking area, Buffington's Plumbing also offers Gas Line Installation & Repair for gas ranges, outdoor kitchens, and built-in grills. At Buffington's Plumbing, we've helped homeowners throughout Brooks, Griffin, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Newnan, Zebulon, and surrounding South Metro Atlanta communities resolve clogged drains, jammed garbage disposals, and other common kitchen plumbing issues. Why Garbage Disposals Get Clogged 1. Grease, Oil, and Cooking Fat One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain. While liquids may seem harmless, grease hardens as it cools and sticks to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can: Restrict water flow Trap food particles Cause stubborn drain clogs Lead to unpleasant odors Instead, allow grease to cool, then dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash. 2. Coffee Grounds Coffee grounds don't dissolve in water. Instead, they collect inside your plumbing system and combine with grease or soap residue to create thick blockages. Dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or add them to your compost pile instead. 3. Eggshells Many people believe eggshells sharpen disposal blades, but that's a common myth. The thin membrane inside the shell can wrap around moving parts while crushed shell pieces may collect inside pipes and contribute to clogs. 4. Fibrous Fruits and Vegetables Certain produce contains long fibers that can wrap around your disposal's motor. Avoid putting items like: Celery Corn husks Asparagus Artichokes Onion skins Banana peels These foods are better suited for the trash or compost bin. 5. Pasta, Rice, and Bread Pasta, rice, and bread continue absorbing water after they're discarded. As they expand, they create a thick, sticky mass that can clog both your disposal and drain lines. It's best to scrape these leftovers into the trash before washing dishes. 6. Bones and Fruit Pits Even powerful garbage disposals aren't designed to grind hard materials like: Chicken bones Beef bones Peach pits Avocado pits Corn cobs These items can damage internal components or jam the disposal completely. 7. Potato Peels Large amounts of potato peels create a starchy paste that sticks inside pipes and slows drainage. While a few small pieces may not cause problems, it's best to throw most potato peels in the trash. 8. Seafood Shells Shrimp shells, crab shells, lobster shells, and oyster shells are too hard for most garbage disposals. These materials can dull grinding components and create stubborn blockages. 9. Non-Food Items It may sound obvious, but accidental items often end up in the disposal. Keep these out: Plastic wrappers Twist ties Paper towels Sponges Fruit stickers Glass Metal utensils These objects can quickly damage the disposal and require professional repairs. How to Keep Your Garbage Disposal Working Properly A few simple habits can extend the life of your garbage disposal: Always run cold water before, during, and after using the disposal. Feed food waste gradually instead of all at once. Cut larger food scraps into smaller pieces. Clean the disposal regularly with ice cubes and citrus peels for a fresher smell. Never overload the disposal. Regular care helps prevent clogs while keeping your kitchen plumbing flowing smoothly. Preventing kitchen clogs is just one way to keep your plumbing system running efficiently. If you've also noticed an unexpected increase in your monthly utility costs, check out our guide on Why Is My Water Bill So High This Summer? to learn how hidden leaks and plumbing issues could be affecting your home. When Should You Call a Plumber? If your garbage disposal: Frequently clogs Makes loud grinding noises Leaks underneath the sink Won't turn on Drains slowly Produces persistent odors it's time to have it inspected by a professional. Buffington's Plumbing provides reliable plumbing repairs and kitchen plumbing services throughout Brooks, Griffin, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Newnan, Zebulon, and surrounding communities. Our experienced team can quickly diagnose the problem and recommend the right solution to get your kitchen back in working order. Keep Your Kitchen Plumbing Running Smoothly A little prevention goes a long way when it comes to your garbage disposal. By keeping grease, fibrous foods, hard objects, and expandable foods out of the disposal, you can reduce the risk of clogs and costly plumbing repairs. If your garbage disposal isn't working properly or you're dealing with a stubborn kitchen drain clog, contact Buffington's Plumbing today. We're here to help homeowners throughout Brooks and the surrounding South Metro Atlanta communities keep their plumbing systems running efficiently.