Totally agree, valves can make a huge difference. Did you also check your faucet aerators and showerheads? Mine were clogged with mineral deposits... quick vinegar soak cleared them right up. Pressure improved noticeably without any major plumbing work.
Vinegar works wonders, but honestly, if your pipes are older or galvanized, the buildup inside could be the real culprit. Had to replace a short section of mine last year—pressure jumped dramatically afterward. Sometimes minor plumbing fixes just aren't enough...
"Sometimes minor plumbing fixes just aren't enough..."
True, but replacing sections of pipe isn't always the best first step either. Had a similar issue a couple years back—thought I'd have to rip out half the plumbing, but installing low-flow fixtures actually made a noticeable difference. Less water usage overall and pressure felt more consistent. Might not solve every situation, especially if your pipes are really ancient, but it's worth considering before diving into major replacements...
Had a similar issue at my old place—pressure was all over the place, especially noticeable when someone flushed a toilet or ran the dishwasher. Thought I'd have to redo a bunch of plumbing, but turned out the main culprit was actually sediment buildup in the water heater. Flushed it out thoroughly, and it made a surprising difference. Pressure stabilized quite a bit, and showers felt way better.
Not saying that's your exact issue, but sometimes it's worth checking simpler stuff first before jumping into pipe replacements or fixture swaps. Plumbing can be weirdly unpredictable like that...
Had a similar issue recently, but flushing the heater didn't help much for me. Turned out it was actually the pressure regulator valve acting up. Swapped that out, and things improved noticeably... plumbing really is a guessing game sometimes.
