Low water pressure can be a huge issue for a home owner, impacting everything from adequately watering the yard to enjoying a hot shower to the fullest. There can be many reasons behind low water pressure, so the first step is diagnosing why you are not getting sufficient flow in the first place. Once you know the reason for the low pressure, you can determine whether there is an easy fix for the problem that will improve your water flow throughout your home.
Jim Klossner writes for John J Cahill, Inc., a company that provides plumbing services in Winnetka, IL and all over Chicago’s North Shore. When he’s not working or writing, he likes playing with his recently-acquired DSLR camera and cooking great food.
Some of the most common reasons for low water pressure include:
Defective Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator is bell-shaped device that regulates the water pressure into your home. In most cases, this regulator is set by the manufacturer at the time the device is installed, according to water regulations for that particular area. If an adjustment is warranted, it is nearly always advantageous to pay a professional <a href=” http://www.cahillinc.com/pages/plumbing.html”>plumber</a> for the job. The fee will probably be minimal, but if a homeowner tries to make the adjustment on his own, subsequent adjustments and possible repairs could cost much more.
Pipe Problems
Sediment buildup frequently clogs pipes in the aerator that controls the flow of water through the pipes. The problem is often seen in homes with older plumbing that uses galvanized iron pipes. Buildup can also occur right around the faucets and shower head – a relatively easy fix for a homeowner. If the clog runs deeper, such as in the pipes under your floorboards, a professional is the best person to diagnose and remedy the problem.
Malfunctioning Hot Water Heater
If only the hot water pressure appears to be low, the problem could lie in a malfunctioning hot water heater. A fix could be as simple as opening up a shut-off valve that became partially closed. However, if the problem lies within the hot water heater, a professional is probably the best source to find and repair the issue. In some cases, the hot water heater may need to be replaced entirely.
Gravity
Sometimes a water pressure problem can be a matter of gravity. If the source of your water storage tank is lower than your home, the effort to pump water upward might be resulting in lower water pressure than the homeowner would like. The repair in this case might entail moving the water source to a higher elevation; a project for the professionals.
Shut-Off Valves
A change in water pressure can be as simple as an inadvertent change to a shut-off valve. If the valve becomes partially closed, the water pressure can quickly be reduced. One of the first variables to check when water pressure suddenly goes down is whether the main water valve into the home was turned without the homeowner’s knowledge.
Issues with Water Softener
Problems with a water softener can also result in reduced water pressure. If you notice a sudden reduction in pressure, the water softener should be considered. Homeowners can perform a test by bypassing the softener to see if water pressure resumes. If so, the water softener may need to be serviced or replaced.
Low water pressure is a problem that may involve an easy DIY fix or the assistance of a professional, depending on the cause. By determining why the reduced pressure is occurring, the homeowner can make a more accurate assessment of how and how much the repair will be.
Jim Klossner writes for John J Cahill, Inc., a company that provides plumbing services in Winnetka, IL and all over Chicago’s North Shore. When he’s not working or writing, he likes playing with his recently-acquired DSLR camera and cooking great food.