It’s never fun washing dirty dishes or bathing the dog in the tub with a trickle of water from the faucet. Low water pressure in your home is a giant headache and can make even the most minor tasks feel like they take up all your time.
There are a few possible reasons your home is experiencing water pressure problems. These could be as simple as a valve not being correctly opened or something as complex as a corroded pipe. Let’s look further at the common causes of low water pressure.
The Main Shutoff Valve Is Not Fully Open
You’ve likely never touched the main water shutoff valve unless you’ve had to deal with a leak or broken pipe. If you’re unsure where it is, it’s most likely indoors where the municipal water supply pipe comes into your house.
It may have a handle like a hose spigot or a lever. If it has a handle like the one you will use to turn on the hose, make sure it’s turned counterclockwise as far as it will go. If it has a lever, ensure it is parallel to the pipe. Both of these tactics will guarantee the main shutoff valve is fully open.
The Water Meter Valve Is Partially Closed
Another valve controlling the flow of water throughout your home is the water meter valve. This valve is typically located underground and may need help to reach.
You may have issues with this valve if you’ve recently had work done on your home and someone forgot to open it once it was completed. You’ll need to call your water company to check the water meter valve.
The Pipes Have a Clog
If adjusting the two main valves doesn’t solve your low water pressure problem, there may be a more serious issue. Sometimes, blockages and buildups go beyond a simple drain clog, and when this happens, the flow of water in your home can be affected.
Water heaters can also have clogged pipes that reduce hot water and water pressure. If you experience low water pressure and cold water when trying to get hot water, then your water heater may have a plumbing issue.
If clogged pipes affect your home’s water pressure, you’ll want to call a licensed plumber to clear the blockage. Liquid cleaners full of chemicals can do more harm to the plumbing system and even your family’s health. So, trust a professional plumbing company instead of managing the issue yourself and causing further problems.
The Pipes Have Corroded
Unfortunately, pipes do not last forever. If you live in an older home, your piping could be outdated and rusted with corrosion. Check with the previous homeowners and city records to determine how old your water pipes are.
Pipes, mainly galvanized steel pipes begin to corrode after 20 years of installation. If you have steel pipes and believe they have started to rust, there may be a more severe issue with rust mixing in with your water flow. To be vigilant, it may be time to update your home’s plumbing and replace the steel pipes.
The Pipes Are Leaking
Water pressure issues can arise when there’s a leak in the plumbing or water supply line. You’ll want to look in the basement or crawl space for wet spots or pools of water. If you notice any signs of a burst pipe, you’ll want to call a plumber for residential plumbing repairs immediately. Leaky pipes can damage the house’s foundation and allow contaminants to make their way into your drinking water.
The Pressure Regulator Is Acting Up
Not every home is equipped with a water pressure regulator, also known as a water pressure gauge, which acts as a pressure-reducing valve. However, if you do have one, it could be the cause of your low water pressure. The pressure regulator is designed to stabilize the flow of water throughout your house.
If the pressure regulator is faulty, you may experience water pressure that is too high or too low. You can replace this part yourself, but if you’re not used to working with plumbing, it may be a good idea to reach out to a plumber.
The Fixtures Are Dirty Or Outdated
If your low water pressure issue is isolated to only a few plumbing fixtures, such as a single showerhead or sink faucet, the problem may simply result from an old or faulty fixture. Fixtures can also develop mineral deposits or sediment build-up from hard water. Sometimes, cleaning the screen or aerator on the fixture can remove any clogs causing the low water pressure. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, it may be time to replace the fixture.
There’s Too Much Water Demand
A common cause of low water pressure is high water demand. Some households simply cannot handle all the requests for water. A home's main water supply runs throughout the entire home, but it can’t handle running water through everything at once.
For example, if two people are showering at the same time the washing machine is running, the pressure drops significantly when you use a faucet. This is a frustrating scenario, but you can prevent these situations with some coordination.
Still Having Water Pressure Issues? We Can Help!
There isn’t a lot for homeowners to troubleshoot if there are low water pressure issues. Unless you’re a homeowner who is confident in your DIY fix-it skills and has the know-how, it's best to call a professional for your plumbing issues.
Whether you found the cause of your low water pressure plumbing problem or are still mystified, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional plumber, such as our team at Xcalibur Services. The sooner you address water pressure issues, the sooner you can return to high water pressure. Get in touch with us today for all plumbing services, such as plumbing repairs and diagnoses to plumbing installation services in Homewood, AL.
