If you've noticed your shower dribbling when it used to flow strong, or your kitchen tap taking forever to fill a pot, you're not alone. Low water pressure is one of the most common plumbing complaints from Kamloops homeowners — and the good news is that most causes are identifiable and fixable.

First: Is It Your Home or the City Supply?

Before calling a plumber, do a quick check. If every fixture in your home has low pressure at the same time, the issue could be on the city's side — contact the City of Kamloops Utilities department to ask if there's a known supply issue in your neighbourhood. If only certain fixtures or areas are affected, the problem is almost certainly inside your home.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

1. Mineral Buildup in Pipes or Fixtures

Kamloops water has moderate mineral content, and over time, calcium and magnesium deposits can coat the inside of older galvanized steel pipes and clog aerators or showerheads. Unscrew your showerhead or tap aerator — if there's visible white or brown buildup, soak it in white vinegar overnight. If the problem is in the pipes themselves, a professional can assess whether descaling or repiping makes sense.

2. A Failing Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV)

Most homes in Kamloops have a pressure reducing valve — a bell-shaped fitting near where your main water line enters the house. It keeps city water pressure (which can be quite high) at a safe level for your home's plumbing. If the PRV starts to fail, it can cause a dramatic drop in pressure throughout the house. PRVs typically last 10–15 years; if yours is older, it may be time to replace it. This is a straightforward job for a licensed plumber.

3. A Partially Closed Shut-Off Valve

If your pressure dropped suddenly after any recent work — a repair, renovation, or even a service visit — check that the main shut-off valve and any branch valves are fully open. It sounds simple, but a valve that's been turned even a quarter-way closed can significantly reduce flow throughout the house.

4. Leaks in the Supply Line

A leak somewhere in your supply piping — whether in the walls, under the slab, or in the yard — means water is escaping before it reaches your fixtures. Signs of a hidden leak include unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots on walls or ceilings, or the sound of running water when everything is off. If you suspect a leak, don't delay: water damage is expensive and slow leaks can lead to mold.

5. Corroded or Undersized Pipes

Older Kamloops homes — particularly those built before the 1980s — may still have original galvanized steel pipes. These corrode from the inside out over decades, narrowing the diameter and restricting flow. If your home is older and you've never repiped, this could be the root cause. Upgrading to copper or PEX piping is a lasting fix that also protects your water quality.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Clean or replace showerhead aerators and faucet screens
• Check that all shut-off valves in your home are fully open
• Call the City of Kamloops to confirm there are no supply issues on your street
• Check your water meter for movement when all fixtures are off (a sign of a leak)

If you've ruled out the simple fixes and the pressure is still weak, it's time to call a licensed plumber. A proper pressure test and pipe inspection can pinpoint the cause quickly and save you money compared to guessing. The team at Advanced Plumbing Kamloops diagnoses and repairs low-pressure issues across the city — give us a call and we'll get your flow back to normal.