While it’s true that a well-installed plumbing system can function for many decades without a hitch, it’s still a good idea to check the water pressure in your house on a regular basis. Twice a year is usually the baseline, and ideal water pressure in a house should sit at a minimum of 30 pounds per square inch (PSI). A lower number is often indicative of bigger plumbing problems that require immediate attention.
You can assess water pressure by either using a pressure gauge or simply witnessing a tangible dwindling in the water flow in general.
What Causes Low Water Pressure?
Before you can fix low water pressure at home, it is important to get to the bottom of the issue and fully understand what’s causing it.
The most common scenario in which low water pressure occurs is in houses that are over 20 years old. The way in which a house’s age affects its water flow is that the older the house, the more limestone, dirt, and mineral buildup there is in its pipes. In addition, this type of low water pressure is usually found in specific fixtures rather than in the entire house.
Another case of low water pressure happens while using hot water only. If the low water pressure in your house is strictly limited to hot water, your water heater is most likely the culprit.
However, it is possible that a brand new plumbing system suffers from water pressure inconsistencies that affect every faucet in your house instead of a single fixture. This is usually attributed to the following reasons:
- The water meter valve is not fully open
- The pressure regulator is not functioning properly
- A leaking pipe
- The main water supply is inadequate
How to Fix Low Water Pressure in Your House
How to Fix Low Water Pressure in Your House- Make sure your pipes are clean and free of any limestone deposit, dirt buildup, and mineral residue to get rid of any blockage.
- Check your water heater if water pressure is low only when using hot water
- Make sure your water meter valve is turned all the way on
- Check for leaks by turning all your faucets off and checking your meter; if the indicator is still active after you’ve shut the water off, there is probably a leak in one of your pipes
- Invest in a water pressure booster to increase water flow and prolong your pipes’ lifespan
- Contact your water supplier if water pressure issues persist over a long period of time
Contact an Expert
Although the average lifespan of pipes is usually quite impressive —reportedly up to 100 years—, you might need to replace a faulty pipe altogether and install a new one when a simple fix doesn’t do. So if you are still unsure about the extent of the damage or unable to determine the root of the problem, it is recommended that you ask for a certified plumber’s opinion on the matter. Contact us at Water Guard Plumbing to solve your low water pressure problems.
