Can Hot Weather Cause Water Pressure Problems?

By Hannah Stephens

June 04, 2025

Most homeowners are aware of the risk freezing temperatures pose to their pipes, but you might be surprised to learn that hot weather can also cause plumbing headaches. If your shower is more disappointing dribble than cascading waterfall during the summer months, high temperatures could be the culprit.

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Does Hot Weather Affect Water Pressure?

Hot weather can certainly cause or contribute to low water pressure. When this happens, you'll likely notice a reduced flow of water from showers, faucets and other plumbing fixtures. Water-hungry appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, may take longer to fill, and you may hear unusual sounds coming from your plumbing system.

However, water pressure issues aren't always due to weather conditions. Other plumbing problems, such as leaks and clogged pipes, can reduce your water pressure all year round. Therefore, it's worth consulting a plumber if the problem is severe or doesn't resolve when temperatures drop.

Why Is My Water Pressure Low in Hot Weather?

The most common reason for summer water pressure problems is plumbing expansion. As the temperature rises, the materials used to make pipes, joints and other parts of your system expand. This expansion increases the risk of leaks, which can lead to low water pressure.

Hot weather-related water pressure issues can also occur when water evaporates from the earth more quickly than usual. Excessive evaporation can lower the water table, affecting the water pressure in nearby homes. This problem is more likely if you live in an area that experiences very hot, dry summers.

Human activities can create low water pressure in hot weather as well. Often, households use more water during the summer due to more frequent bathing. Higher temperatures may also encourage homeowners to fill their pools and water their yards more often. Increased demand can overburden the local supply, causing sluggish water pressure.

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How Can I Fix Low Water Pressure in Hot Weather?

The first step toward higher water pressure in hot weather is to check whether a hidden plumbing issue is to blame. Plumbing problems that cause low water pressure can cause significant damage to your home when left unchecked, so it's worth hiring a certified plumber to inspect your system. Your plumber can diagnose and repair burst pipes, blockages and other issues to increase your water pressure. Let's take a look at other potential solutions.

Adjust Your Pressure Regulator

If your plumbing system is in good working order, your home's pressure regulator may be set too low. While you can usually adjust the regulator to increase your water pressure, setting it too high could damage your pipes and fixtures. Extremely high pressures could injure a member of your household, so you shouldn't adjust your water pressure without the right knowledge. A plumber can help you locate your regulator and determine a safe setting to improve your water pressure while protecting your system.

Consider a Pressure Booster

Sometimes it's possible to install a pressure booster to give your water pressure a helping hand during summer months. However, it could damage your plumbing system if your pipes and fixtures can't withstand the higher pressure, so you should only install one after consulting a plumber.

Change Your Water Usage Patterns and Fittings

You could try using your plumbing fixtures outside peak times, as decreased demand may lead to temporarily higher water pressure. Low-flow fixtures, such as showerheads designed to use less water, can also be helpful. These fittings are engineered to function correctly with a smaller volume of water and may offer better performance than their standard counterparts.

Contact Your Water Company

If none of these solutions work or everyone in your neighborhood has low water pressure, the pressure in your area's municipal system may be too low. In this situation, consider informing your water company of the issue. Your provider may be able to increase the pressure to local homes.

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