26 May What Causes Low Water Pressure? A Guide
No one likes to take a shower or run a kitchen faucet with low water pressure. It can be downright frustrating!
It’s also more difficult to clean dishes, do laundry and perform other tasks with reduced water pressure. The good news is that low water pressure is usually easy to fix.
Clogged Pipes
Over time, minerals like rust and limestone build up along the walls of your pipes, restricting their diameter. This reduces the overall flow of water and causes low pressure. You can tell if your water is clogged by comparing the pressure of hot and cold faucets. If your cold faucet has normal water pressure but your hot faucet has low water pressure, it’s probably due to a clogged pipe.
Corrosion is not the only cause of clogged pipes, however. A leaking valve, a kinked supply connector hose or an angle stop could also contribute to the problem. Additionally, some older homes have outdated galvanized steel pipes that corrode over time. These pipes are prone to clogging as well, and they can eventually restrict your home’s water flow.
If you’re not using any water in your home, it might be a simple solution to check the main valves on your house and at your meter. Sometimes, when the water is temporarily shut off and then turned back on again, one of these valves may be left partially closed. It’s important to double-check that both of these valves are fully open.
In some cases, a clogged pipe isn’t actually a clog but a slow leak that robs you of your water pressure. It’s a good idea to have your water system checked by a professional plumber to find the source of the leak.
Some homeowners also experience reduced water pressure when their plumbing fixtures are located on a shared line, such as a shower or a laundry room. This is especially common in apartment buildings or homes that use a community well. If you suspect this is the problem, try changing the way you use your water to see if it solves the issue.
Corroded Pipes
Over time, metal pipes can corrode, which means they become less effective. This usually results in a build-up of rust and sediment, which can restrict water flow and cause low water pressure. If this issue is affecting your home, your plumber may need to replace your pipes.
In many cases, homeowners can identify this problem by turning off all the plumbing fixtures in their house and checking their home’s water meter. They should take a reading and then wait fifteen minutes to half an hour to see if the water meter reads differently. This could indicate a major leak in the house.
Older homes are particularly susceptible to corroded pipes, especially if they were made of galvanized steel. If your plumbing system is ten or more years old, you should consider having it repiped to prevent future problems with low water pressure.
Another potential cause of low water pressure is a pressure-reducing valve in the house. This is usually found in the home’s main line, and it is designed to match incoming water pressure to household plumbing.
Lastly, low water pressure can also be caused by mineral or dirt build-up in the faucet or shower head itself. These issues can often be fixed by removing and cleaning the fixture, but if the problem is widespread throughout the home, you may need to use more powerful chemical cleaners.
When your water pressure decreases, it can be difficult to figure out the source of the problem. However, this guide can help you pinpoint the root of the problem so that you can call your local plumber for a professional repair or replacement. In addition, this guide will teach you how to troubleshoot the problem so that you can determine whether it’s a simple plumbing fix or a larger issue.
Leaky Pipes
If the water pressure drops in multiple areas of your home, it could be a problem with your pipes. This can happen if you have a clog, mineral deposits, or corrosion that has obstructed the flow of water through your home’s plumbing lines. Corroded or clogged lines are typically best addressed by calling a plumber. Plumbers can determine if a cleaning is needed to remove buildup or whether your pipes need to be replaced entirely.
Leaks can also reduce your water pressure. If you suspect this is a problem, try turning on a few fixtures to see if the water pressure increases or decreases. You may be able to spot a leak by checking for bubbles, hisses, or damp spots on your walls or floors. You can then repair the leak and restore your water pressure, a common task for experts like the Shreveport plumbers.
Your branch lines, which connect to your vertical supply stack lines, are another potential cause of low home water pressure. These are the lines that carry water to your different fixtures and appliances, such as your faucets, showers, and dishwashers. If your branch lines are old or damaged, they may not be able to accommodate the volume of water needed for high-water-using appliances and fixtures. A plumber can assess your branch lines to ensure they are sized appropriately for your needs.
Another reason for low home water pressure could be a malfunctioning water pressure regulator. This device lowers pressure from the municipal water line before it reaches your home’s plumbing, but sometimes it can get stuck and restrict the flow of water. A plumber can check the water pressure regulator to make sure it’s working properly. If it is, replacing the water pressure regulator might be the solution to your low water pressure problem.
Water Heater
It can be incredibly frustrating to experience low water pressure in your home. It can lead to weak showers, ineffective appliances, and even clogged fixtures. If the problem is localized, it could indicate a leaking pipe. This can cause serious issues including water damage, mold growth, and rot. A plumber will be able to find and fix the leaks, increasing your home’s water pressure.
If the problem is widespread, it could be a result of too much demand. If multiple appliances are turned on at once, it can cause a decrease in overall water pressure. Try staggering your showers or coordinating laundry times to reduce demand and prevent this from happening.
Corrosion is another reason for low water pressure. Similar to how cholesterol can clog your arteries, minerals like calcium and limescale can build up in pipes, decreasing their diameters and restricting the flow of water. This is especially common in older pipes made of galvanized steel.
For homeowners on a municipal water supply, it’s possible that the problem is caused by valve issues. There are two important valves that control your water flow from the city, one at street level found outside of your home near the water meter and the other at the point where the main line enters your home. If these are throttled back by the city for any reason, it can affect your home’s water pressure.
A faulty water pressure regulator can also be to blame for low home water pressure. This device adjusts the water pressure from the municipal supply to a safe level for your plumbing system. If it is malfunctioning, it may lower the pressure too much, which can impact your home’s fixtures.
Water Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator reduces water pressure entering your home to a safe level. When it doesn’t work properly, your showers and other faucets experience low water pressure, causing the water to dribble rather than spray out. A faulty water pressure regulator can also cause unexplained damage or problems with your appliances and plumbing fixtures. If you notice that your water pressure changes frequently or is lower than usual, a plumber should check the regulator valve.
Corrosion in your pipes is another common cause of low water pressure. Much like cholesterol can clog your arteries, corrosion — which happens when minerals in your water react with the materials of your pipes and produce a gunky rock-like material — restricts pipe diameters and leads to reduced water flow. Your local plumber will assess the condition of your pipes and determine if they can be cleaned, repaired or replaced.
Your home’s plumbing system consists of the main vertical supply stack lines, which branch off into your homes to supply water to different fixtures and appliances. Over time, your branch lines may become clogged with sediment, limescale and other mineral deposits. Your plumber can assess and clean these lines to improve your water pressure.
Your home’s main water valve is located on the exterior of your house near the hose bib or inside, often in your basement. If there’s been a recent water emergency, or work has been done on your home’s plumbing recently, it’s possible the main shut-off valve to the water meter was closed or partially closed. Your local plumber should check the valve to ensure it’s open all the way. The same goes for your fixture shut-off valves, which are usually located on the outside of your home near each spigot or inside, behind the water fixture.