Chances are if you’ve owned a house, you’ve dealt with water pressure problems at some point. This can make the simplest tasks like washing clothes, doing dishes, or even taking a shower, incredibly frustrating. The good news is, there are some common reasons for water pressure problems, and most of them are easy to resolve when working with a plumber.
Clogged Aerators
Do you have one specific fixture that has low pressure? If yes, you may have a clogged aerator. These are usually connected to a faucet to ensure that they won’t splash water when they are turned on. Over time, the screen can become blocked by sediments, debris, or calcium deposits.
Corroded Plumbing
Usually, when you’re dealing with corroded plumbing, it’s in an older house. If your home is over 20 years old, you may need to replace the pipes. While this can be expensive, it’s better to handle it when you first notice an issue rather than wait for it to turn into a bigger, more costly, problem.
Leaks
Believe it or not, leaks can also cause a water pressure issue. Underneath your house, there is a maze of pipes. If one of those pipes is leaking, corroding, or bursts, it can limit the water from reaching its destination.
Master Shut Off Valve
Accidentally adjusting the master shut off valve is one reason for water pressure problems. This is something you may be able to fix on your own. Simply find your master valve and make sure that it’s open enough for the water to run freely. As always, if you aren’t sure what you’re looking at, it’s time to call the professionals.
Mineral Deposits
This is one of the most common water pressure problems. Mineral deposits can build up in your pipes and reduce the amount of water flow to your home. A plumber can assess the situation to determine if cleaning the pipes can improve the situation. In more severe cases, you may have to replace the pipes to fully resolve the issue.
Pressure Regulator
A pressure regulator is a mechanism that controls the flow of water and pressure. A fault in the regulator can cause water pressure problems. If you think yours needs to be fixed or replaced, call the professionals to determine if that is the issue in your plumbing system.
Shared Pipelines
Another reason your pressure might be low is due to a shared pipeline. Whether you’re sharing your pipes with one neighbor or many more, this can cause a significant loss of pressure. Unfortunately, ripping up the entire network to make a dedicated pipeline to your house is cost-prohibitive.
One way to work around this issue is by using water when your neighbors are not. For example, if you work second shift and most of your neighbors are at work in the morning, this may be the ideal time to do laundry, wash dishes, wash your car, and so on. You can also ask your neighbors about any plumbing problems they’re experiencing to determine if it’s an issue greater than just your home.
Water Softener Mechanisms
Some homes have a water softener installed. This treats the water before it is supplied to the house. A water softener shouldn’t decrease the water pressure in your home unless the unit is too small or was installed improperly. Call a technician to inspect your water softener if you think it may be the cause of your water pressure problems.
Call the Professionals
Contact Forrest Anderson if you’re experiencing water pressure problems. A trusted plumber can assess the situation and guide you to an efficient solution.
Contact Forrest Anderson Today!