American families average, consume 300 gallons of water daily between showering, running the dishwasher, and flushing the toilet. We frequently fail to consider the source of the water or the process involved in getting it to our faucets. Most of us are unsure where to look if the water pressure drops. One of the most frequent home plumbing problems is low water pressure. This problem can impact not only faucets and sinks but also dishwashers, shower heads, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures. Water pressure issues can have several causes. In this article, we at O’Grady Plumbing would like to share the most common causes of low water pressure in a house.
Clogged pipes or fixtures often cause low water pressure in a house
A common reason for low water pressure in a home is clogged pipes or fixtures. Minerals, sediment, and other debris may gather inside pipes and fixtures over time, leading to clogging and decreased water flow. This can happen in lines carrying hot and cold water and fixtures like faucets, shower heads, and toilets. You can experiment with different cleaning techniques if your pipes or fixtures are clogged. For instance, try pouring hot water through the impacted fixture to remove any accumulation. You can use a plunger or a drain snake to unclog any clogs in the line or drain. Finally, you can install a water filtering system or a water softener to avoid further buildup.
Clogged pipes or fixtures can often indicate the bad overall health of the entire plumbing system. That’s why it is essential to check any property for these issues. This is especially important if you plan to relocate to a new place. Experts at State to State Move highly advise considering plumbing systems before any move. If not, you might be met with an additional repair cost, which is not ideal when moving. That’s why low water pressure in a house is an important thing to consider.
A faulty pressure regulator can cause problems
A faulty pressure regulator is another common cause of low water pressure in a house. A pressure regulator is a device installed on the main water supply line that regulates water pressure entering the house. If the pressure regulator is faulty, it may not control the pressure properly, which can cause low water pressure. You can check the pressure regulator by attaching a pressure gauge to a hose bib or other faucet in your home. The pressure gauge will show the water pressure in your home. The pressure regulator may be faulty if the pressure is lower than usual.
The best action if you think you have a broken pressure regulator is to have a licensed plumber replace it. A plumber will have the knowledge and equipment needed to identify the issue and, if necessary, install a new pressure regulator. A broken pressure regulator must be fixed as quickly as possible since, if left unattended, it could harm your plumbing and appliances.
Closed or partially closed valves
Another frequent reason for low water pressure in a house is closed or partially closed valves. Water pressure to the affected region can decrease if a valve is mistakenly or purposefully closed since it manages water flow to various parts of the house. A few locations where valves are might include behind toilets, under sinks, and close to water heaters. Turning a valve counterclockwise to fully open allows you to examine if a valve is closed or partially closed. You can also check the water pressure in other parts of the house.
You might be required to contact a qualified plumber to identify and resolve the problem. Do this if you cannot locate the valve or if it doesn’t get better after fully opening it. They might need to employ specialist gear like a camera examination to find the valve. Also, they might look for other problems that can be the source of the low water pressure.
Plumbing system leaks can be problematic
Another frequent reason for low water pressure in a house is plumbing system leaks. You lose water through leaks in plumbing systems, lowering the water available to other parts of the house and resulting in low water pressure. By looking for moisture or water damage in visible pipes, you can check for leaks. When all the faucets and fixtures are shut off, you can narrow your water meter to see whether it is still spinning. This could be a sign of an unnoticed leak.
It is preferable to have a licensed plumber find and fix any leaks in your plumbing system. If you feel there may be a leak, this would be the best action. They may employ specialist technologies like camera inspections or pressure testing to find the leak or identify the cause of the low water pressure. Repairing the leak will help stop additional harm to your plumbing system. Also, this will reduce water waste while restoring water pressure to the affected region.
Municipal water supply
Problems with the municipal water supply can also cause low water pressure in a house. For example, peak usage periods, repairs, or water main breaks might result in excessive demand for the municipal water supply, which can lower water pressure in the affected area. You can ask your neighbors whether they have the same issue if you think there may be a problem with the municipal water supply. To find out if there are any reported problems or maintenance tasks in your neighborhood, you can also visit the website of your neighborhood water company or contact their customer service hotline.
You will need to wait for the water utility to fix the problem if the low water pressure is due to a problem with the municipal water supply. While you stay, you can save water by minimizing your water usage, for as, by taking shorter showers and watering your grass less frequently.
Low water pressure is one of the most frequent home plumbing problems in the U.S. In this article, we wanted to share the most common reasons for low water pressure in a house.
