Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
Wondering what are the most common causes of low water pressure in the home? Follow our guide as we discuss how to pinpoint the cause of our water pressure issue. A slow shower can be boring and you might be late for work!
Additionally, when the water pressure is low, the tubs can take a long time to fill and the dishwasher can take forever to clean your utensils. All of these can interfere with your everyday life and you need to find the root cause.
We’re here to help you understand the various causes of low water pressure in the home. Once you have a clear idea, you can hire a professional to fix the problem. In addition, some plumbing problems can also be solved by you.
Read on to find out more.
COMMON CAUSES OF LOW WATER PRESSURE
Depending on your plumbing system and your local water company, water pressure drops can occur for many reasons. Let’s take a look at the four main causes of low water pressure in your home:
1. OPEN MAIN HOUSE SHUTOFF VALVE
You should know that every home has two shut-off valves that control the flow of water in and out of the home. One of them is where the water supply line enters the house through the wall. In regions with a warm climate, it can also occur outside the home.
In plumbing work, this valve is often partially closed to stop or regulate the flow of water. If the plumbing team hadn’t been careful while working, they might have left the valve open. If you recently did some plumbing work around the house and the water pressure has dropped, this could be the reason.
Now if you see a wheel shaped handle on the valve, make sure it is turned fully counterclockwise. When using a lever handle, the lever should be aligned parallel to the water line.
2. CORRODED STEEL PIPES
Have you noticed a slow drop in water pressure over the last few years? This could then be due to corroded pipes. Today, steel pipes typically corrode over decades. Corrosion and limescale eventually clog the entire pipe.
If you bought an old house, the plumbing may already be corroded from the inside and the water pressure may be low. In such cases, the only option is to replace the pipes. You may also be able to opt for pipe relining, a less invasive form of pipe replacement.
However, you can replace copper pipes or plastic water pipes. This will solve the problem of low water pressure and ensure that this problem does not occur for decades.
3. FAULTY PRESSURE REGULATOR
Is your pressure regulator broken? In some houses, a pressure regulator is attached to the pipes. This acts as a control valve and regulates the water pressure in the plumbing line to protect it from increased water flow. Not all houses have one, but check if you have one.
Water pressure can increase or decrease dramatically if the pressure regulator fails or your pressure regulator is broken. The effect will be sudden and you will notice a change in water pressure in all water pipes around the house.
If the regulator now fails, you can replace it with a regulator of the same brand and size. However, it is best to hire a local plumber to do this job. For changing the pressure regulator, it is better to close the main shut-off valve first.
Once done, you need to open the valve and check the water pressure.
4. OPEN WATER METER VALVE
There is a valve right next to the water meter, the so-called water meter valve. This operation is generally controlled by the city’s water supply line and managed primarily by company employees.
However, if you have made repairs in the house or changed the plumbing system, the plumbing professionals may have tampered with this valve. If the water pressure was perfect before the installation work and you notice that it has dropped, the water meter valve may not be fully open.
You can find this valve on the outside wall of your house. It can also be in an underground box between your house and the street, in the basement or in the garage. Locate the location and check that the valve handle is parallel to the water line. Otherwise the valve is not fully open and the handle must be activated.
FAQs about Common causes of Low Water Pressure:
Q: How can I tell if I have low water pressure?
A: There are a few ways to tell if you have low water pressure. One way is to check the water pressure at the faucet. If the water pressure is low, it will take longer for the water to come out of the faucet. You can also check the water pressure at the showerhead. If the water pressure is low, the water will not come out as strong.
Q: What can I do to fix low water pressure?
A: The solution to low water pressure will depend on the cause of the problem. If the problem is clogged pipes, you can have the pipes cleaned or replaced. If the problem is low water pressure from the source, you may need to contact your water utility company. If the problem is damaged pipes, you will need to have the pipes repaired or replaced. If the problem is air in the pipes, you can bleed the air out of the pipes. If the problem is low water level in the well, you may need to raise the water level in the well. If the problem is a problem with the water meter, you may need to have the water meter repaired or replaced. If the problem is a problem with the water pump, you may need to have the water pump repaired or replaced.
Q: How much does it cost to fix low water pressure?
A: The cost of fixing low water pressure will depend on the cause of the problem and the severity of the problem. The cost of cleaning or replacing clogged pipes can range from $100 to $1,000. The cost of raising the water level in the well can range from $500 to $1,000. The cost of repairing or replacing damaged pipes can range from $500 to $1,000. The cost of repairing or replacing the water meter can range from $100 to $500. The cost of repairing or replacing the water pump can range from $500 to $1,000.
If you are not comfortable fixing the problem yourself, you can always call a plumber. The cost of hiring a plumber will vary depending on the location and the severity of the problem.
FIXING YOUR LOW WATER PRESSURE ISSUES
If you want to check the water pressure, you can use a pressure gauge. To do this, the water pressure gauge must be attached to the outer end of the hose that is closest to the pressure regulator. If the water pressure is normal, there is no longer a problem.
However, if the value is still low, you need to check all the valves and have the water pipes checked for corrosion by professionals. In addition, the controller may malfunction, which must be checked.
You may also want to check your plumbing fixtures for leaking pipes.
Even if you know the most common causes of water pressure, we recommend that you call a professional in an emergency. They are trained for such tasks and can spot the problem immediately. In addition, you do not have to spend time on it and you can concentrate on your daily work.
To find the best plumbing specialists in Magnolia, be sure to contact the Heartland Plumbing team. We offer professional, high quality and fast solutions to your water pressure problems.
We hope this guide helps you fix low water pressure in your home!
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