Home water pressure problems are quite frustrating and they present themselves in different ways. A showerhead may fail to give that strong spay you need for your shower, your washing machine or dishwasher may take like forever to run a cycle, and the faucets may take too long to fill a bathtub or sink.
As a new homeowner, you might find it difficult to navigate through these low water pressure problems, but with time, you’ll be able to handle some of them on your own.
Low water pressure can be a frustrating result of a few common issues in your home’s plumbing. Look and see if one of these might be the root of the problem!
1. Do You Have Old Steel Water Pipes?
Old steel pipes are the most expensive reason for low water pressure in homes. Over time, galvanized steel water pipes get corroded on the inside to a point where water flow gets restricted. This is because the corrosion builds up until it closes off the pipe.
The corrosion is a gradual process and it may take decades for its effect on water pressure to be noticed. If you’ve moved to an old house and you notice the water pressure is low, the first suspect could be the old steel pipes.
The only solution to corroded steel pipes is replacing them using the new plastic or copper pipes.
2. Is Your Water Meter Valve Open?
Many homes have two major shutoff valves that control water. The first belongs to the water company and it is the water meter valve located on the main city supply pipe right next to the water meter. This valve is used by the water company personnel, so you’ll not be using it.
However, if there’s low water pressure throughout your home, it could be because this valve is not fully open and it is advisable to check it out. This problem usually arises after some plumbing work has been done on your water supply system and the technicians forgot to open the valve.
If you are living in cold climate regions, the meter valve may be located on an outside wall of your house, in an interior service area, such as an attached garage or basement, or an underground box between your house and the street.
When the valve is open, its handle will be parallel with the water pipe. If the handle is at an angle to the water pipe, then it’s not fully open. There’s a special wrench that you can use to turn the handle.
Check all other valves you have in the house and ensure they are all opened.
3. Check Your Main House Shutoff Valve
The second main home’s shutoff valve is usually located inside the house close to where the main city water pipe enters the home. However, if you are living in a warm climate region, this valve may be located outdoors.
There are two types of home shutoff valves: gate valves and ball valves. A gate valve has a wheel-like handle that you can turn in the counterclockwise direction to open. A ball valve has a lever handle that should be parallel with the water pipe when it is fully open.
As in the case of the water meter valve, this shutoff valve may sometimes be partially opened after some repair work has been done to your water supply system. If your water pressure has gone down after a recent repair, there are high chances that the problem is from this valve.
Check it out and ensure it is open.
4. Low Water Pressure Due to a Faulty Pressure Regulator
A faulty pressure regulator, also known as the pressure-reducing valve, is another common cause for home water pressure issues. The pressure-reducing valve is a control valve that maintains water pressure in your plumbing system at safe levels that cannot damage the water pipes.
You may or may not have one in your home. In case you have it, check whether it is working properly if you have low water pressure problems. A faulty regulator causes a sudden reduction in your water pressure throughout the home.
If you can replace it on your own do so, if not, you can call a plumber to take care of it. Replacing the pressure regulator requires that you shut off the water to your home at the water meter shut off valve.
5. Low Water Pressure Due to Main Supply Line Issues
If you have checked and fixed all the above issues but the problem persists, you may have a main supply line problem. Solving this problem will require the services of a licensed water main contractor who can check whether you are using the right sizes of water pipes and connections.
The contractor will obtain local records to verify your pipe sizes and connection sizes. If this also fails, you can contact the city hall because the problem might be arising from the public water supply system in your area.
If that’s the case and the problem can’t be fixed soon, you may consider changing your supply line.
Low Water Pressure Issues Solved
The issues discussed above are not the only causes of low water pressure problems. Low water pressure can be caused by several other factors. The problems can arise due to faulty fixtures that cause some leakages, or it may be because of clogged water pipes for reasons other than corrosion.
If you are having trouble diagnosing your issue, then be sure to contact us if you need to get in touch with our professionals to take advantage of our unparalleled products and services.
