Did you check if there was any sediment buildup when you installed the new fixtures? Sometimes when you switch to low-flow, the narrower openings can get clogged up pretty easily. Happened to me after I swapped out our showerhead—pressure dropped like crazy until I cleaned out some mineral deposits. Might be worth unscrewing them and taking a quick peek inside...
Sediment buildup is definitely a common culprit, but I'd caution against immediately unscrewing fixtures without shutting off the water supply first. I've seen folks accidentally cause leaks or damage threads by rushing into it. Also, sometimes pressure issues aren't just about sediment—could be a partially closed valve or even municipal water supply fluctuations. Might be worth checking your main shut-off valve position before diving into fixture disassembly...just to rule out simpler fixes first.
"Might be worth checking your main shut-off valve position before diving into fixture disassembly...just to rule out simpler fixes first."
Totally agree with this. Can't tell you how many times I've been called out for an "emergency" only to find the main valve was partially closed or someone had messed with the pressure regulator. People often jump straight to sediment or fixture issues, but honestly, a faulty pressure reducing valve (PRV) is another common culprit that's overlooked. If your home has one installed, it's worth checking—especially if neighbors aren't experiencing similar issues.
Also, don't underestimate the municipal supply angle. Had a client once who spent days troubleshooting internally, only to discover the city was doing maintenance down the street and hadn't notified anyone properly. A quick call to your local water department can save you a lot of headaches and unnecessary work.
Bottom line: start simple and work your way up. Saves time, money, and frustration in the long run.
"People often jump straight to sediment or fixture issues, but honestly, a faulty pressure reducing valve (PRV) is another common culprit that's overlooked."
Good point about the PRV. Had a similar issue last year—spent a whole weekend convinced it was sediment buildup in the pipes. Even bought one of those fancy flush kits (which is still sitting unopened in my garage, lol). Turned out the PRV was shot and needed replacing. Lesson learned: don't assume it's always sediment or fixtures.
Also, speaking of municipal supply... I had a weird experience where our water pressure dropped randomly every evening around dinner time. Drove me nuts for weeks. Eventually found out from a neighbor that our local fire department was doing hydrant testing down the block. Apparently, they were opening hydrants around the same time each day, causing temporary pressure drops. Wish they'd given us a heads-up!
Still, I'd say checking your main shut-off valve first is solid advice. It's easy, quick, and free—can't beat that combo. But yeah, if that doesn't solve it, definitely look into the PRV or give the city a call before tearing apart your plumbing. Trust me, your sanity (and wallet) will thank you later...
Fair points all around, but I'd caution against jumping straight to the PRV without ruling out simpler issues first. I've managed several properties over the years, and more often than not, water pressure problems ended up being something minor—like a partially closed valve or even a kinked supply line behind an appliance. Had one tenant swear up and down it was a faulty PRV, only to find out later their kid had been messing around under the sink and accidentally nudged the shut-off valve halfway closed.
Not saying PRVs aren't a legit issue—they definitely can fail—but they're usually pretty reliable. Before spending money replacing one, it's worth double-checking the basics. And yeah, municipal supply fluctuations are surprisingly common. I've seen pressure dips from nearby construction projects or even heavy neighborhood sprinkler use in summer months. Always good to ask around before assuming it's your own plumbing that's acting up...
