Low Water Pressure in Columbia & Lexington, SC: Causes, Fixes & When to Call a Plumber

Stephanie Carwell - 02/24/2026

Low water pressure is one of the most frustrating plumbing problems homeowners face in Columbia and Lexington, South Carolina. Whether your shower feels weak, your kitchen sink barely flows, or your whole house suddenly loses pressure, it’s a problem that shouldn’t be ignored.

Sometimes the fix is simple. Other times, low pressure is a warning sign of a deeper plumbing issue.

Let’s walk through the most common causes in Midlands homes — and how to fix them.

First Question: Is It Just One Fixture or the Whole House?

Before assuming the worst, figure out whether:

• Only one sink or shower is affected
• Multiple fixtures are weak
• The entire house has low pressure

This tells you a lot about the underlying cause.

1. Clogged Faucet Aerators (Simple Fix)

If pressure is low at just one sink, mineral buildup inside the faucet aerator is likely the culprit.

Columbia and Lexington both have mineral content in their water supply that can cause scaling.

Fix:

Unscrew the aerator, rinse out debris, soak in vinegar, and reinstall.

If that doesn’t fix it, the issue may be deeper in the line.

2. Showerhead Buildup

Mineral deposits clog small spray holes over time, reducing water flow.

Remove the showerhead and soak it in vinegar overnight. If pressure doesn’t improve, it may be a line restriction instead.

3. Hidden Plumbing Leaks (Very Common)

If multiple fixtures suddenly have weak pressure, you may have a leak somewhere in the system.

Hidden leaks can:

• Reduce available water flow
• Increase water bills
• Damage drywall or flooring
• Cause foundation moisture issues

If you suspect this, it’s smart to have professional leak detection services performed before damage worsens.

Learn more about our leak detection services here: https://www.freedom-plumbing.com/plumbing-services/leak-detection

4. Drain or Sewer Line Issues

This surprises homeowners — but partial blockages can affect pressure and drainage performance.

If you notice:

• Slow drains
• Gurgling sounds
• Backups in multiple fixtures

There may be a restriction in your plumbing system.

Professional drain cleaning can restore full flow and system balance.

Explore drain cleaning services here: https://www.freedom-plumbing.com/plumbing-services/drain-cleaning

5. Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Failure

Homes in Columbia and Lexington often have a PRV (pressure reducing valve) installed to protect plumbing systems.

When it begins failing, you may notice:

• Sudden drop in pressure
• Fluctuating pressure
• Weak flow throughout the home

PRVs typically last 7–12 years depending on water conditions.

If your entire house feels weak, this is a strong possibility.

6. Corroded or Aging Pipes

Older homes in the Midlands may have galvanized steel or aging copper piping.

Over time:

• Corrosion narrows pipe diameter
• Mineral scaling restricts flow
• Pressure decreases gradually

If pressure has slowly worsened over years, this may be the cause.

7. Municipal Supply or Neighborhood Issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t inside your home at all.

Recent construction, water main work, or municipal adjustments in Columbia or Lexington can temporarily reduce pressure.

Check with neighbors to see if they’re experiencing the same issue.

When Low Water Pressure Is a Bigger Warning Sign

Call a professional if low pressure is combined with:

• Sudden water bill increases
• Water stains or damp drywall
• Multiple drains acting strangely
• Water hammer or pipe noises
• Yard wet spots

These signs may indicate a leak, broken line, or developing plumbing failure.

If you’re unsure, Freedom Plumbing Inc. can be reached at 803-447-0471 for professional diagnostics.

How to Prevent Low Water Pressure

Here are smart preventative steps:

• Flush water heaters annually
• Clean aerators and showerheads regularly
• Address slow drains early
• Schedule periodic plumbing inspections
• Monitor water bills monthly

Routine maintenance can prevent major pressure problems later.

Low water pressure is rarely “just annoying.”

Sometimes it’s mineral buildup. Other times it’s the early sign of a leak or failing plumbing component.

The key is identifying the cause early before it turns into costly damage.

If you’re dealing with persistent low water pressure in Columbia or Lexington, professional inspection can provide clarity and long-term solutions.

Call Freedom Plumbing Inc. at 803-447-0471 if you need help diagnosing your plumbing system.