I'd love to hear from other landlords that have experienced low water pressure in their rentals and what, if anything, they've done to correct it.

I have a duplex with one water meter. Galvanized pipe coming into the house is very corroded. I'm looking into having a plumber come out to repair that. I wouldn't be surprised if the entire line to the street is corroded as well.

The water bill is already higher than anticipated. We purchased this house last summer and figured my rents based off of a $150.00 water bill for the entire house. Well, the bill has run $175-$195 per month.

I'm concerned that if I put money into repairing/replacing this line, that the bill will go much higher.

Thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

If you have galvanized pipes that are over 50 years old, you could have rust (corrosion) that has built up inside the pipes. If this is the case, replacing the pipes with PEX would help solve your problem.

My 2 cents. All the above observations are credible and I'll add some. Old galvanized pipes are the likely cause, but I've seen this problem occur after nearby water company work. Turning water off - then back on can stir up dirt and corrosion which can clog the filter in a water meter - thus reducing pressure. Ask your utility if there has been work done nearby. I have 4 properties in same small town. Water pressure varies widely by neighborhood. Ask your neighbors if they have the same experiences.

Since I'm also a licensed plumbing contractor, I often "test" each fixture location after removing any aerators or restriction devices at the faucets.

Sometimes it's just a riser line or a section of horizontal piping. So long a the pipes are still in okay condition with no signs of erosion, I can sometimes do a quick fix by replacing troubled areas.

For example, one shower had little pressure, but the sink was fine. Meaning the line going to that bathroom was okay, but only the shower had issues. I removed the supply pipe from the shower manifold and found it blocked by sediment and rust. I flushed out and cleared that short section then reattached it. Now it works fine. Or the shut-off valve and wall nipple under a sink is clogged. When only one small area is affected, it can be fixed.

I agree with Roy. I don't recommend a "patchwork" approach of just cutting out one small section of galvanized to replace the troubled area. AT LEAST replace every stitch of it in the leg that is giving you issues. Cutting drywall open or paying a plumber $80 just to show up at your house is not something you want to repeat every 6 months.

As far as the line going out to the street, I think the responsibility varies by municipality. In our area they will get the line to the meter, which is usually out by the street/sidewalk. If you have that line replaced, make sure they use 3/4"....they used to use 1/2" and you might as well upgrade to what's commonly used today.

It's different on the drain/sewer, you are responsible out to the city main line and if your drains go under the street that can be a major expense.

As Roy said, PEX is your best option. CPVC is another option but is not as good IMO.

My rentals all were built in the 1950s and early '60s, so I've dealt with the internal rust issue and it's real. First try cleaning aerators, but if that doesn't work then it's likely something more substantial.

If you have galvanized pipe it is past its lifespan. You know you will have a problem.

Why wait for an emergency you know will happen soon.

Replace it.

I dont think the increase pressure will hurt you.

You may find that there is a pinhole in the old galvanized pipe as well. Typically galvanize with rust from the inside out and at a point it will get a pin hole. If it's in the yard, you may never even know it.