Is your water pressure low? You know who to call when you have plumbing issues like broken pipes or clogged drains. But you may be wondering what to do when the water coming through your faucets seems to be reduced to a trickle. We’ve had countless customers ask, “What does it mean when our water pressure is low?” So, we decided to write a blog to help you out.
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). Generally, water pressure in your home should be between 40 to 45 PSI. Anything below this range will result in low water pressure. If you’re wondering how to get to the bottom of a low water pressure issue, here are some of the most common causes.
Pressure Regulator Issues
Some plumbing systems do not have a pressure regulator. If yours doesn’t, now is the time to get one. If you already have one, we recommend testing it to make sure it’s operating properly and registering an accurate reading.
The first thing you need to do is use a water pressure gauge and attach it to your hose spigot. Turn the water on and see what the reading is.
If the reading is lower than the one your pressure regulator is reading, the problem is likely with your pressure regulator.
Faulty Faucets & Fixtures
If there seems to be low water pressure in all your faucets, the issue is most likely with your water supply or your pipes. However, if there are only one or two fixtures that have a low water flow problem, the issue is probably with those particular fixtures. Faucets have aerators that work to lower the amount of water flowing through faucets without changing the water pressure. As time goes on, dirt and limestone can build up and clog the aerators, resulting in malfunction. Rust can also cause this issue. To fix this, remove the aerators on the faucets that have a low water pressure and check if they need to be cleaned. Remove the buildup and put the aerators back together to see if this improves your water pressure. If the fixture itself is clogged, consider replacing it.
Clogged Pipes
Over time, your pipes may become clogged from dirt and debris buildup. This may result in reduced water pressure. Detecting where the blockage is will require the services of a plumber. This is not something you should try to fix on your own.
Doing so may contaminate your pipes or cause other issues. Pouring harsh chemicals down your drain to dissolve clogs can create larger problems and may not be effective in removing the clog.
Corroded Plumbing
Pipes have an average lifespan. So you need to know whether the pipes in your home were installed when the house was built or if they were recently replaced. Galvanized steel pipes start to corrode after about 20 years.
Copper pipes last for over 50 years and brass pipes have a lifespan of between 40 and 70 years.
If you live in an older house, and your pipes have not been replaced, corrosion may create a significant issue for your plumbing. If this is the case, you will need to have your plumbing system replaced.
Closed Valves
There are two different valves that can turn off the water supply to your home. If the water pressure is low, check these valves to make sure that they are fully open.
If one or both of these is partially closed, the water pressure in your house will be affected.
Leaking Pipes
If you have noticed flooding in your basement or around the foundation of your house, you can conclude that you have a leak somewhere in your pipes. However, you may have a smaller, less obvious leak that is causing low water pressure throughout your home.
The key is figuring out which of your pipes is leaking so you can fix it. To do this, you may need the services of a plumber to effectively solve a leaky pipe.
Water Distribution & Demand
If you have many plumbing fixtures in your home, and water is needed for multiple purposes at the same time, you may experience low water pressure.
The best way to solve this issue is by coordinating your water demand to ensure that you spread out water usage more evenly.
Contact Us
Determining which of these issues is causing low water pressure in your home may need the expertise of an experienced plumber. WaterGuard Plumbing is here to provide a reliable plumbing and drain services to ensure your pipes are performing at their best. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you repair or maintain your plumbing system.
