Do you have low water pressure? Mornings can be difficult when trying to rinse your hair under a showerhead that barely produces a trickle. Low water pressure can be caused by various factors, some of which are exclusive to the room and others that affect the entire house.
Unfortunately, you may not know how much you rely on water to complete various jobs until you have a water supply problem.
In the worst-case scenario, you may be without water for an extended period. This blog post dives into what is happening when your pressure suddenly drops, why this happens, and how to fix small problems like this.
The 5 Most Common Causes of Water Pressure Problems
If you live in an area where the water pressure is low, it can be difficult to shower, wash your dishes, and use the bathroom. Decrease in pressure is also a common problem in homes built before the 1960s. Here are the five most common causes of decrease in pressure:
- Failing Pressure Regulator
Pressure regulators keep the water flow from becoming too extreme. If the pressure in your entire house suddenly lowers, it could signify a malfunctioning pressure regulator.
- Leaks
Leaking pipes frequently cause decreased pressure. Leaks in the plumbing redirect water flow, leaving you stranded. Sound or dampness in the vicinity can help you locate a leak.
A plumber may ask you to turn off all of the house’s water faucets and keep track of the water meter. If it reveals increased usage a few hours later, you probably have a slab leak.
- Closed Valves
A water meter valve and the main shutoff valve are found in most residences. One of these valves may be closed or partially closed if you experience backflow pressure throughout the house.
- Aging Infrastructure
Older pipes and pumps can often lose water pressure over time due to corrosion and wear. In some cases, this can be due to natural corrosion in underground water supplies.
If you’re having a hard time with your pressure, it might be worth investing in a water softener or filtration system to help restore lost pressure.
- Low water tank capacity
If your house or apartment is built on a large plot of land with limited water resources, your municipality may have restricted how much water your property can use.
In some cases, this may also be due to environmental concerns – like contaminating local groundwater supplies by wastewater runoff – which may lead to higher water bills for homeowners.
If Your Home Utilizes a Pressure Regulator Check That It’s Fully Operational
A pressure regulator is put immediately after the main shutoff valve in specific homes in areas with greater than normal pressure to guarantee that the plumbing fixtures and pipes within the residence are not damaged by excessively high water pressure.
Additionally, the pressure that exceeds the standard PSI for a residential residence puts undue strain on the water system’s fixtures and valves, causing them to burst and causing major water damage if not contained.
In addition, if your home has a regulator, your backflow pressure could be caused by the regulator’s current setting or a damaged regulator, resulting in higher or lower water pressure than usual.
Some Ways to Fix Low Water Pressure
- Fix the leaks in your plumbing
Once you’ve discovered a leak, you can clean and seal it yourself. More severe leaks may require replacements and the intervention of a professional plumber.
- Open Valves
The main shutoff valve is usually situated on an outside wall or in utility areas like the basement, laundry room, or garage.
A gate valve looks like a wheel; turn it counterclockwise to open it. In addition, as with a water meter valve, make sure the lever is parallel to the pipe when opening a ball valve.
- Fixing a Broken Pressure Regulator
Sudden, house-wide fluctuations in water pressure are an easy way to spot a broken pressure regulator. Connect a water pressure gauge to an exterior water faucet where a garden hose is connected to confirm any suspicions.
Contact a professional to repair the damaged pressure regulator if the water pressure is below the permissible range of 52 to 75 pounds per square inch.
Think We Can Help with Your Problem? Contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona
Do you have low water pressure? If you’re tired of dealing with the bad flow, contact Custom Plumbing of Arizona at 602-883-2761. The sooner we address it, the less damage it will cause, and the sooner you’ll have normal water pressure again.