By [company_name]
When you get into the shower, are you greeted by a dribble of water instead of a strong spray? Do you need to wait several minutes before your faucet supplies you with any water?
These are typical problems of a home with low water pressure.
Without finding the cause behind your decline in water pressure, you’ll have a hard time applying a fix. That’s why we’ve collected all the reasons why a water line starts to have low pressure and how best to correct it.
Keep reading to find out more!
Problems in the Water Supply Line
When there’s an issue with the source of your water, you’ll feel the effects of low water pressure. Sometimes this is only a temporary reduction. It’ll right itself once your provider finishes things like hydrant testing or other kinds of regular maintenance.
Other times, your provider might put flow restrictions on the supply line. If you have a well or a water tank, it’s also possible that there’s not enough water in these reservoirs to supply you with water.
In these cases, you want to call your water provider for more information on how to continue.
Leaky and Corroded Pipes
Corroded piping and leaks often show up together in a pipe system. Once the pipes start to decay, leaks pop up all over the place.
Leaky pipes are inefficient because they waste upwards of 9,000 gallons of water every year per household. This costs you extra money.
In addition, leaky pipes can be dangerous because corroded pipes bring unintended and unsafe minerals to your water supply.
Make sure to take a look at your walls and ceiling. If you notice any water stains forming, that’s a clear sign that you’ve got a leak somewhere.
When there’s a severe problem with the pipes, it’s difficult for a regular homeowner to fix the problem. Trying to fix it on your own is more likely to result in further damage that requires expensive repairs. It’s best to get in contact with a trusted plumber to see what’s happening deep within your water pipeline.
Clogged Pipes
Have you noticed any strange sounds when you turn on your water? Are you unable to get any water flow at all?
Although clogged pipes are more common in the drains of your water system, it’s still possible in the supply line as well. The minerals present in natural water build-up within the pipes until the water is no longer able to pass through. This is more likely if you live in a home with hard water since there’s a higher mineral concentration.
Make sure to call your local plumber to clear the clogs. It’s tricky to get rid of mineral deposits like this on your own. A professional has all of the right tools and knowledge to clear away any kind of clog without causing further damage to your home.
Failing Pressure Reducing Valve
Does your home have a pressure-reducing valve? This valve dictates how much pressure runs through your pipes at any time, but not all homes have them.
If your home does have a pressure-reducing valve installed, your low water pressure issues may come from here. A faulty pressure valve often results in either too little pressure or far too much pressure.
A professional can take a look at the valve and set it right, either through repairs or replacement.
Poor Repair Jobs
A repair job that wasn’t completed correctly can have a bad effect on your water pressure. It also is a potential risk for further damage to your home and its water system.
Sometimes a plumber doesn’t quite finish a job in the right way, leaving your home vulnerable to additional problems. Sometimes you might try to fix a problem that appears easy but turns out to be more difficult.
The best way to fix this type of issue is to call an experienced plumbing company. They’ll take a look through the older repair job and give it the facelift it needs to provide you with the water pressure you deserve.
Closed Shut-Off Valve
If you’ve done any renovations within the last few weeks, it’s possible that you needed to turn off the water for a few hours. Are you certain the valve was turned all the way back on?
It’s an easy thing to miss, especially when you’re busy with all the other parts of the renovation. Take a look at the valve and make sure it’s turned the right way. A partially closed valve will stop the water pressure from reaching peak levels.
If you’re uncertain which way it needs to go, try one way and test your water flow. The nice thing about this kind of problem is that it’s an easy fix that takes very little skill and no time at all!
Faulty Fixtures
Sometimes the issue isn’t the water or the pipes. Instead, the faucet itself may be the cause of low water pressure.
Either a new installation has a defect or an old faucet has a crack in it somewhere. Look around for any leaks around the area for more evidence of a faulty fixture. If left alone, these kinds of leaks could start to cause dangerous mold growth.
If you notice something’s loose, it’s easy enough to tighten it yourself. A crack in the faucet, however, means you’ll need to either seal it or replace the whole thing.
It’s also possible that something within the inner mechanism of the faucet isn’t lined up in the right way. Unless you know how to repair these kinds of fixtures, your best bet is to replace the faucet and call the manufacturer for a refund, if possible.
Low Water Pressure is a Problem For the Whole Family
Regardless of the cause, no family enjoys having low water pressure. It makes taking showers a pain, and it’s impossible to complete many of your regular chores, such as washing clothes.
The problem is that it’s an annoyance that won’t go away without a little extra help.
We’re here to help you supply your home with the best water pressure. Check out our services to get started today!