How to fix low water pressure in an outdoor faucet yourself – expert plumbers reveal the 6 steps to successfully DIY the fix

Low water pressure in an outdoor faucet is more than just a nuisance – it can seriously hinder garden tasks, from watering the lawn to washing off patio furniture.

But before you call in a plumber or give up altogether, it’s worth working through a few easy steps to identify the problem and solve it yourself. With the right know-how and a few cheap tools, you can usually get things flowing again quickly.

Here, we break down the most common causes of low outdoor faucet pressure and how to fix each one, based on advice from plumbing experts and home maintenance professionals. It's a spring home maintenance job that will make all the difference come summer.

How to fix low water pressure in an outdoor faucet

1. Check if it’s the outdoor faucet

The first thing to establish is whether the low pressure is isolated to your outdoot faucet or affecting your whole home.

‘When you’re dealing with low pressure at an outdoor faucet, it helps to break the causes into two groups: problems coming from the main supply and problems happening right at your home,’ says Jimmy Hiller, President of Happy Hiller.

If the issue is only with your outdoor faucet, and you cannot identify low water pressure in your shower or any other faucets, it’s likely something localized. This could be a clogged aerator or a kinked hose – rather than a problem with your water supplier.

But if all of your faucets have low pressure, a partially closed valve could be the cause. Locate your home’s main shutoff valve – usually near the meter – and ensure it’s fully open.

‘Sometimes it’s turned part-way without you realizing,’ says Jimmy. ‘Fully opening it can restore pressure instantly.’

2. Remove and clean a clogged aerator

One of the most common culprits of low pressure is a clogged faucet aerator – the small mesh piece at the spout outside.

You can try the simple vinegar bag method to clean it:

• Fill a small plastic bag with white vinegar
• Place it over the spout
• Secure with a rubber band
• Leave overnight

In the morning, scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse thoroughly. You can even add a pinch of baking soda for extra cleaning power. It's one of the many things you can clean with baking soda.

A clean outdoor faucet aerator will help maintain a smoother flow of water, too, as we discovered that the faucet aerator hack can improve indoor water pressure while cutting your water bill in half.

3. Rule out hose issues

It’s easy to assume your outdoor faucet is to blame, but hoses themselves can become kinked, blocked or deteriorated. Disconnect your hose and try the faucet without it. If pressure returns, the hose is likely at fault. You can fix the garden hose then maintain the garden hose for the future.

If the hose is kinked, gently warm the affected area with a hair dryer while keeping it straight – this helps it return to shape. Or, if it's too far gone, upgrading to a more durable hose will avoid this from happening down the line. The expandable Hydrotech garden hose at Home Depot is a great choice.

Shaylin King, a plumber at Mr. Rooter, adds: ‘The line may need to be flushed with the hose removed to clear debris that’s become lodged in the fitting.’

4. Consider water demand and timing

If the issue is seasonal or happens at certain times of day, it could be related to high demand in your neighborhood. Try watering early in the morning or late in the evening when fewer people are using water.

Or, it could simply be that other members of your household are using the water at the same time. As Pablo Martinez-Moore, water expert from North Ridge Pumps explains: ‘Multiple users – like washing machines or showers – can strain pressure at external spigots. Adjusting your usage times can help.’

5. Investigate more serious causes

Outdoor faucets often have a backflow preventer or vacuum breaker – a small device that stops dirty water from flowing back into your main line. If this becomes stuck, water can’t flow freely.

'In case of a stuck backflow preventer, gently tap it with a rubber mallet to loosen debris, or remove and clean it if that doesn’t work,' shares Jimmy Hiller. This can be done by simply washing with warm water and dish soap. It's one of those easily overlooked outdoor cleaning spots.

But if pressure is low across the whole house, it might point to supply-side problems. This could include:

• A faulty pressure reducing valve
• Corroded or leaking pipes
• Issues with the main water line

These are not DIY jobs. ‘Plumbing work needs to be done to code and correctly,’ says Shaylin King. ‘Improper repairs can cause additional issues.’

In this case, it’s best to call in a licensed plumber. Just make sure to avoid these common plumbing mistakes when renovating.

6. Install a pressure booster pump

If your outdoor faucet is far from the main building or uphill from your tank, you might need extra help. Installing a booster pump and pressure vessel can increase water flow significantly, while being a small upgrade that can boost your home's value.

‘This solution is common on farms, hotels or homes with long pipe runs,’ says Pablo. ‘It ensures consistent pressure even at remote spigots.’

There are plenty of pressure booster pumps at Home Depot depending on your home's needs, ranging from $100 to $1,000. Installation should be handled by a professional.

How to prevent low water pressure

To keep your outdoor faucet flowing properly, try these simple habits:

• Clean your aerator every few months with vinegar and baking soda
• Use hose filters to prevent sediment build-up
• Cover outdoor faucets in winter to prevent freeze damage
• Periodically flush the line to keep it clear

Jeremy Yamaguchi, CEO of Cabana, recommends: ‘Always remove your hose and test the faucet directly – this rules out a host of potential problems right away.’

Meet the experts

Jimmy Hiller

Jimmy Hiller is the Founder and President of Happy Hiller, a leading provider of plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services across multiple states. Since starting Hiller Plumbing in 1990, it has become one of the most trusted names in home service industries throughout the Southeast.

Next, find out how often you should clean the exterior of your house, and learn the outdoor cleaning tasks that should be completed for summer.