The effectiveness of our home’s plumbing system as a whole is significantly influenced by the water pressure in the system. Appropriate water pressure is essential for maintaining a smooth, consistent flow of water through all the fixtures in your home. Low water pressure can be annoying and inconvenient, especially when you are in a hurry and need to take a quick shower. Luckily, there are a few things you can check and do yourself to boost the water pressure in your home before having to call a professional. This blog post will discuss some troubleshooting tips to identify the cause of your low water pressure. We will also cover some easy ways to increase water pressure and enhance the functionality of your entire plumbing system.
Troubleshooting
To get started you will want to check your home’s water pressure. A pressure gauge can be purchased at your local hardware store or online. Start by selecting an outdoor hose spigot that is located closest to where the main water supply line enters the house. All the faucets in the house should be turned off, with no water running inside. Then, attach the pressure gauge to the hose bib without using a hose, making sure it is securely attached with no leaks. Turn the faucet on all the way and check the pressure reading on the gauge’s dial. The optimal water pressure range is between 30-80 psi, with a recommended target of 60-70 psi. Maximum PSI values vary from city to city so check with your water district to keep from getting a code violation.
You might not be the only one on your block with a water flow problem. Check with your neighbors to see if they’re experiencing the same issue. Ask them if they’ve noticed any changes in their water pressure lately or if they’ve had any similar problems. If multiple neighbors are experiencing low water pressure, it may indicate a larger issue with the local water supply or distribution system.
Water leaks caused by cracked or damaged pipes can siphon off water as it flows through your pipes, leaving you with only a trickle at the faucet. To see if your main pipe is damaged, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets, then turn off the water valve in your home and write down the number that displays on your water meter. Return in 2 hours and take another meter reading. A higher reading indicates a leak and that means it’s time to call a professional.
If you are noticing the low pressure in the shower and nowhere else, the problem could be with your shower head. Hard water can cause mineral build-up blocking the holes. To remove mineral deposits from your shower head, you can use a simple and effective method. First, fill a plastic bag with enough distilled white vinegar to fully submerge the shower head. Secure the bag over the shower head with a rubber band so that the vinegar can break down the mineral deposits. Allow the shower head to soak in the vinegar overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use a brush to scrub away any remaining deposits. If some of the holes are still clogged, you can use a toothpick to break up the hard scale.
Another cause for low water pressure can be as simple as a partially closed valve. If you’ve recently had work done on your home, it’s possible that the valve was turned off and didn’t get opened all the way. It is typically located near the water meter and controls the flow of water into your home. It may be located behind a panel in your home or even outside under a manhole cover. When you find the valve check to see if it is completely open.
Solutions
A plugged drain is frequently the cause of low water pressure. Older homes may have iron pipes, and these pipes may become clogged with material like rust. The pipeline’s aerators, valves, and other components clog up, slowing the flow of water. Algae, however, can also be a culprit. It resembles fine sawdust and quickly accumulates causing clogs in your pipes. Other bits such as broken off pieces of plastic from an old water heater or tiny fragments of plastic plug fittings can clog pipes.
You can use any number of safe, non-chemical drain cleaning products such as Bio-Clean to try and remove any clogs. If the clog is deep in the pipes it may require snaking the pipe or the help of a plumber.
Pressure regulators, also known as pressure-reducing valves, control the input pressure of your plumbing system to maintain it at a safe level and prevent damage to your piping. All of the fixtures in your house or building will be impacted by a faulty regulator, which can cause both an increase and a decrease in water pressure. You will need to call a professional to determine if this is the case and have them install a new one.
If you have tried everything else and nothing is bringing your pressure up to snuff, you may want to talk to your plumber about installing a water pressure booster. A water pressure booster increases the pressure of the water as it moves through your pipes, providing you with a steady and strong flow of water throughout your home. Boosters are especially helpful for homes with multiple stories or for homes that are located in areas with low water pressure. Installing a booster is definitely a job for a professional plumber.
Leak Geeks is the Answer to Your Plumbing Issues
Leak Geeks Plumbing is dedicated to providing complete plumbing solutions to handle all of your concerns, including issues with water pressure. Our skilled plumbers can diagnose and fix any problem with your plumbing system, from leaks and clogs to low water pressure and other difficulties. We have the knowledge and resources required to do any job properly, whether it be a straightforward repair or a challenging installation. In addition, we provide Bio-Clean drain cleaner, an all-natural and eco-friendly way to keep your drains healthy and clog-free.
Stop letting plumbing problems ruin your everyday schedule. To make an appointment or to find out more about our services and Bio-Clean drain cleaner, get in touch with Leak Geeks Plumbing right away.
