How to use this check
Go room by room with this page. At each fixture, run cold, then hot, then both, and rate the flow as good, fair or weak. Note whether the stream is even or sputtering, and whether it changes when someone else runs water elsewhere. The whole walk takes about twenty minutes in a typical home.
Do the check with no irrigation running and the dishwasher and washer idle, so you are not measuring competing demand by accident.
Flow worksheet
| Fixture | Floor | Cold | Hot | Even stream? | Drops when another tap runs? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen sink | |||||
| Primary bath sink | |||||
| Primary shower | |||||
| Second bath sink | |||||
| Second shower or tub | |||||
| Laundry tub or washer valves | |||||
| Front hose bib | n/a | ||||
| Back hose bib | n/a |
Reading your results
- IfOne fixture weak, others goodThenClean that aerator or shower head and check its cartridge and angle stop.
- IfHot weak everywhere, cold goodThenLook at the water heater connections, its shutoff valve and sediment.
- IfUpstairs weak, downstairs goodThenCheck the regulator setting and the line feeding the second floor.
- IfEverything weak including hose bibsThenSupply side: main valve, regulator, main line or street.
- IfFarthest fixtures worst, rusty water at timesThenSuspect corroded galvanized pipe.
Quick fixes to try before calling
- Aerators.Unscrew, rinse and soak in vinegar if scaled, then reinstall.
- Shower heads.Soak or replace; check the small screen where the head meets the arm.
- Angle stops.Make sure the valves under sinks and toilets are fully open, without forcing them.
- Filters.If a whole-house filter or softener is installed, try its bypass.
What to have ready for a plumber
Common questions
What counts as weak flow?
Compare fixtures against each other. A sink that takes noticeably longer to fill a pot than another sink is worth noting.
Should I check toilets?
Yes. A toilet that refills slowly can point to a clogged fill valve screen; one that refills on its own can point to high pressure.
Do I need a gauge for this check?
Not for the walk itself, but adding a hose-bib reading makes the results much more useful.
General information for Coyote Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.