My water pressure is low. What can I do?

Occasionally East Cocalico Township Authority (ECTA) customers have questions related to water pressure in their homes or businesses.  Most often these questions are related to a sudden, unexplained drop in water pressure or ongoing, low water pressure issues.  The purpose of this letter is to explain how water pressure is created throughout the ECTA water system and some things you as the property owner can do to help alleviate your pressure issue.

ECTA operates approximately 50 miles of water mains throughout the Township.  Our sources of water are 13 deep, ground wells.  We also operate a water treatment facility along with four water storage tanks located in different areas of the Township. 

The pressure in the ECTA water system is derived from the weight of the water in the storage tanks.  This weight forces the stored water out of the tanks, into the water mains and eventually into your home or business.  The elevation of your home or business in relation to the water level in the Authority’s tanks determines the water pressure you will find at your property.  By design, the water level in all of the Authority’s tanks is at the same elevation above sea level.  The lower your property’s elevation compared to the water level in the tanks, the higher your water pressure will be.  Conversely, if your property is closer in elevation to the water level in the tank, the lower your water pressure will be.  In general, the low-lying areas of the Township tend to have higher water pressure than the areas with higher elevation.

It is possible you may experience sudden or temporary changes in water pressure.  For instance, in the rare occasion that the Authority needs to take a water tank out of service for repair or if there is a large, unexpected break in a water main near your property, you may experience a temporary reduction in water pressure.  Firefighting activities can also decrease water pressure until the Authority’s water tanks recover.  Heavy neighborhood use during “peak periods” such as early mornings could also contribute to a temporary drop in water pressure.  Large industrial water users, especially if testing fire systems, can also cause a reduction in water pressure.  All of these activities are temporary and will not cause a long-term reduction in water pressure.

If the water pressure at your property has decreased over time or has suddenly decreased for no apparent reason and the Authority is not performing maintenance activities nearby, there are some things you as a property owner can do:

  • Water softeners are often the cause of low water pressure.  If you have a bypass valve, divert water around the softener instead of through it to see if the house pressure improves.  If pressure does improve, the softener probably needs repair or replacement.
  • Check faucets throughout the house to see if the pressure issue is isolated to only a few fixtures.  Run hot and cold water separately.  Both should have about the same pressure.  If hot water is noticeably less, there may be a problem with the water heater.  Check that the shut-off valve is fully open and that any sediment in the tank is not restricting flow to the house.  Flush the water heater to remove built up sediment.
  • If it is only a shower head or faucet that has low pressure, a good cleaning may solve the problem.  Soak the faucet aerator or shower head in vinegar and remove any stubborn sediment with an old toothbrush.  Run water through the faucet without the aerator before putting it back on. 
  • If any fixtures with low water pressure have shut-off valves, be sure the valves are fully open.
  • Aging pipes, especially in older homes, can develop a buildup over time that can restrict water flow. 
  • Most homes and businesses have a shut-off valve before and after the water meter.  Make sure these valves are fully open and not restricting flow. 
  • If your home has a pressure reducing valve, make sure it is operating properly.  A failing pressure reducing valve can cause a loss of water pressure throughout the house.
  • A leak in your private water service line connecting the water lateral in the street to the meter in your house can cause reduced water pressure.  This type of leak may go unnoticed for some time since it often occurs before the water meter and may not immediately surface.  Homes with meter pits can experience the same problem but the leak would occur after the meter in the pit.
  • Leaking fixtures, especially toilets can waste a great deal of money if not promptly repaired.  Depending on the size of the leak it can also lead to reduced water pressure.
  • If you have installed a water filtration system make sure the filters are clean and the system is operating as designed.

If you have thoroughly checked your home’s plumbing with or without the assistance of a plumber and you desire higher water pressure than the Authority’s system can provide, a water booster pump may be a good option.  The Authority does not purchase, sell, or install water booster pumps for customers.  Contact a plumber of your choice for more information and assistance with purchase and installation.