There's nothing worse than trying to shower when the water pressure is bad. You end up showering in a trickle of water. That's definitely no fun. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to identify the problem. Once the problem has been located, either you, or your plumber, can get the repairs taken care of. If you're tired of living with low water pressure, here are three steps you should take.

Have the Pressure Regulator Inspected

You might not realize this, but the water pipes in your home are equipped with a pressure regulator. That regulator is designed to control the pressure in your pipes. Too much water pressure can be just as bad as not enough pressure, which is why the regulator is so important. If your water pressure is bad, the first thing you should do is have your pressure regulator inspected, especially if you have an older home. If the regulator is bad, you should have it replaced. However, if the regulator is working properly, it's time to look elsewhere for the culprit.

Clean the Faucet Aerators

If the water pressure is bad in just a few of your faucets, you could have a problem with your aerators. Those are the screens that are installed inside your faucets to filter out sediment. Over time, the aerator screens can get filled with sediment, which can interfere with water pressure through those faucets. Remove the aerators from the affected faucets and give them a thorough cleaning. If this fixes the problem, you're good. If it doesn't, it's time to move on to the next possible culprit.

Look for Leaks in the Yard

Leaky pipes can also cause problems with your water pressure, especially if there's significant damage to them. If all your faucets are experiencing pressure loss, look for leaky pipes. First, look under your sinks to see if you can find leaks there. Next, check all your walls to see if you can find evidence of leaks behind the drywall. Finally, look in your yard for puddles or areas in your lawn that are extra green. If you've got leaks, contact your plumber and have them taken care of immediately. Not only are those leaks interfering with your water pressure, they're also increasing your water bills.

Don't live with limited water pressure. Use the step-by-step guide to locate the cause of your problems. If you still can't locate the source of your pressure problems, contact a plumber, like one from Milford Plumbing & Heating, near you.