Living in a home with low water pressure is hard. Sinks and washing machines take forever to fill up, and showering becomes a tedious task with a light spray of water coming out of the showerhead. Simple daily activities like washing dishes and clothes start to feel frustrating and time-consuming.
Fortunately, low water pressure is easy to deal with, given that you know where to look for the problem. Identifying the underlying cause is the very first step towards recovering proper water flow at home. Here are a few reasons that result in low water pressure.
1) Water Valve Issues
The water flow in your home is controlled by two shut-off valves. The first valve is located near the water meter on the city supply pipe connected to your home. It usually sits on the street side of the meter. The other valve is positioned on your home side of the meter and is accessible. If either of these valves has not been properly opened, it may result in low water pressure issues in your home. Gently work around your valve – open and close it for a few times – to wash off the sediment and you may regain full water flow.
2) Clogged Water Pipes
Once you are done checking the valves, inspect the pipeline of your plumbing system next. There is a strong possibility that your pipes have been clogged. This usually happens after a long time, and particularly with galvanized pipes. Call a certified professional for a thorough check-up and cleaning of your pipes. Don’t try to do it yourself, as the unclogging process is quite complex and requires expert assistance. If you have hard water at home, use a water softener to prevent mineral buildup in your pipes.
3) Faulty Fixtures And Faucets
One of the most common causes of low water pressure is faulty fixtures and faucets. If the faucets in your home are old, they are likely to get rusty and clogged with dirt. This not only impedes the water flow but also reduces the water quality immensely. To deal with this, turn your faucets one by one to see which one is defective. Once you find the clogged faucet, you can either clean it or replace it altogether. Make sure to purchase a faucet that fits perfectly in the same openings.
4) Corroded Plumbing System
Corrosion in plumbing often takes place in old houses, especially the ones having old pipelines. If this is the case with you, you may want to consider replacing your plumbing system completely. The replacement will cost you a little, but in the long run, it will prove to be beneficial for you. Also, make sure to enlarge the branch lines while adding plumbing fixtures in your home, as the old branch lines may prove to be too small for the project. Plan all the additions beforehand to avoid unnecessary hassles in the future.
5) Malfunctioning Pressure Regulator
If your plumbing system is equipped with a water pressure regulator, its failure may be another reason for low water pressure in your home. When a pressure regulator malfunctions, it affects all the fixtures of the building, and hence needs to be changed. The best way to ascertain its failure is by connecting another pressure gauge to an outdoor hose spigot closest to the pressure regulator. If the pressure tests very low, it is indicative of a failed pressure regulator. It is a good idea to call a professional to do the job.
Need help with your home’s plumbing system? Contact our experts at Snell Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for a quick and efficient repair. We will thoroughly inspect your plumbing and provide you with the right solutions.
