Are you experiencing low water pressure in your home? Low water pressure can be frustrating, especially when you have tasks that require adequate water pressure like washing dishes, doing laundry, or taking a shower. Low water pressure can be caused by several factors in your plumbing system. Some are simple fixes that you can do on your own, while others might require the services of a plumbing expert. In this blog post, we’ll explore the common causes of low water pressure and how to fix them.
1. Clogged Pipes
One of the most frequent causes of low water pressure is clogged pipes. As time passes, minerals and other types of sediment can create a buildup of debris in your plumbing system, resulting in clogs that result in decreased water flow. Clogged pipes can not only cause low water pressure, but they can also cause leaks, corrosion, and other types of plumbing problems.
How to Fix It: If you have clogged pipes, the easiest way to resolve the issue is to clear them. This can be done using a plunger or a drain snake. If the clog persists, you may need to have your pipes professionally cleaned.
2. Faulty Pressure Regulator
A pressure regulator helps regulate the water pressure that comes into your home. If your pressure regulator is defective or stopped working entirely, this can cause low water pressure throughout your house.
How to Fix It: A faulty pressure regulator will need to be replaced. If you’re inexperienced with DIY plumbing work, it’s best to have a professional plumber do the work for you.
3. Broken Pipe
A broken pipe can contribute to low water pressure. When there’s a break in a pipe, water will leak out instead of flowing smoothly through the pipes. The result is decreased water pressure throughout your home.
How to Fix It: A broken pipe should be addressed as fast as possible to avoid water damage in your home. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to fix the pipe yourself. If you don’t feel confident, if the water damage is widespread, or if your home’s plumbing is outdated, it’s best to call in a professional.
4. Water Pressure Issue in the Main Line
Water pressure issues in your local water supply can cause low water pressure in your home. Malfunctioning valves and broken pipes in the mainline can cause decreased water pressure, affecting plumbing throughout an entire neighborhood or district.
How to Fix It: You should call your water utility company and make them aware of the low water pressure issue. They may have to adjust the pressure in the water supply line to achieve the right water pressure for all accounts. While waiting for their response, check around your property for any visible leaks or damage to pipes in your home.
5. Mineral Buildup in Pipes
Mineral buildup in your pipes is another leading cause of low water pressure. Mineral buildup usually occurs over time during periods of hard water, and over time, it can reduce the diameter of your pipes. The result is decreased water pressure.
How to Fix It: A professional plumber can address mineral buildup in your pipes using a descaling formula to clean them out. If this isn’t effective, the plumber may have to replace the pipes entirely.
6. Water Meter Valve Not Fully Open
In some instances, a capped or partially closed water meter valve can limit water pressure in your home. A water meter valve can be accidentally turned off or result from maintenance work done to your home.
How to Fix It: Before calling a professional plumber, check to ensure that the water meter valve is open fully. If the valve is closed, lift the cover and turn the valve clockwise to open fully. If the valve is damaged or cannot open, call in a professional plumber to resolve the valve issue.
Conclusion
These are some of the common causes of low water pressure in your home. Some of these issues can be fixed by a homeowner, while others may require the expertise of a professional plumber. If you’re not sure what’s causing your low water pressure issue, or if don’t’ feel comfortable dealing with advanced plumbing issues, call in a professional plumbing expert. Remember, regular maintenance of your plumbing system could prevent many of these issues. Don’t forget to call on Ace Plumbing Repair with any concerns about your home’s water pressure and for a free quote on our plumbing services.
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