Good points, but I'd say plumbing is more like 70% detective work and 30% knowing exactly what you're looking at. Luck helps, sure, but methodically ruling things out usually gets you there faster. Had a similar pressure issue once—turned out to be a partially blocked shut-off valve, not the PRV or sediment. Took me ages because I overlooked the basics first. Sometimes the simplest things trip us up the most...
"Sometimes the simplest things trip us up the most..."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've had my share of water pressure mysteries, and it's always the overlooked basics that get me. One time, I spent nearly two full weekends troubleshooting low pressure in my upstairs bathroom. Checked the PRV, flushed the water heater, even replaced a few faucet cartridges—nothing changed. Eventually, I traced it back to a kinked flexible supply line hidden behind the vanity cabinet. Felt like kicking myself after that one...
One thing I'd add to your detective analogy is that having a systematic checklist really helps speed things up. I learned this the hard way after wasting hours jumping from one random guess to another. Now, whenever I run into pressure issues, I follow a step-by-step approach:
1. Start at the fixture itself—remove aerators and showerheads to check for debris or mineral buildup.
2. Move down the line—inspect flexible hoses and shut-off valves under sinks and toilets for blockages or kinks.
3. Check main shut-off valves (like you mentioned) and PRVs for proper function and settings.
4. If still unresolved, look at the water heater inlet/outlet connections and flush sediment buildup.
5. Finally, if all else fails, consider checking main supply lines for leaks or corrosion (especially in older homes).
Another tip I've picked up is using a simple pressure gauge attachment on an outdoor hose bib. It's cheap and gives you a quick baseline reading to see if your issue is isolated or house-wide.
I do slightly disagree about luck though... sometimes you just stumble onto something by chance that saves hours of work. But yeah, relying on luck isn't exactly a solid strategy.
Anyway, plumbing is definitely part detective work, part patience test... and maybe a tiny bit of luck sprinkled in. Glad you got yours sorted out!
"having a systematic checklist really helps speed things up."
Definitely learned this the hard way myself. When I first moved into my house, I had terrible water pressure in the kitchen sink. Spent hours checking valves and lines, only to realize later it was just a clogged aerator... felt pretty silly afterward. Now I always start simple before diving deeper—saves a lot of headaches and unnecessary trips to the hardware store.
"Now I always start simple before diving deeper—saves a lot of headaches and unnecessary trips to the hardware store."
Fair point, but sometimes checklists can lead you astray too. Had a customer once who went step-by-step through an online troubleshooting guide, replaced half their plumbing, only to find out their city had temporarily lowered water pressure for repairs... Sometimes it's worth looking outside your own setup first.
Ha, that's exactly why I always check with neighbors first before grabbing the wrench. Had a similar thing happen last year—spent half a day convinced my water heater was dying, only to find out the city was flushing hydrants nearby. Checklists are handy, sure, but sometimes the real issue is completely out of your control. Better safe (and cheap) than sorry...
