What Causes Low Water Pressure?
Low water pressure is an inconvenience that significantly affects our daily lives.
Low water pressure is an inconvenience that significantly affects our daily lives. Inadequate water pressure affects the performance of faucets and plumbing fixtures. It makes performing simple activities like showering, cooking, laundry, or washing dishes a hassle. Low water pressure is not only an annoyance as it may also indicate an issue with the home plumbing system.
The residential water pressure is low when it goes below 40 pounds per square inch (psi). As a result, a household may experience decreased water pressure in one or all fixtures throughout the home. First, identify the root of the problem before trying to fix the low water pressure problem.
Here are some common reasons for low water pressure in a house:
A clogged pipe
Blockages in the pipes allow less water to pass through them, resulting in the water pressure going down. Metal pipes are prone to corrode over time. Corrosion buildup in the pipes can cause low water pressure. If the home still has old pipes, the risk of corrosion increases. Minerals and debris accumulation due to hard water or hairline fractures can also result in clogs. A plumber can clean or replace the pipe to restore the water pressure.
Leaks
Another reason for low water flow and pressure is plumbing leaks. Tiny holes or cracks in the pipe divert the water or drain it before reaching the fixture. Look out for signs of leaks or call a professional to locate and fix the leaks in the pipes.
High water demand
In some households, using multiple plumbing fixtures simultaneously makes it difficult to maintain proper water pressure. In addition, high water supply usage can cause the water pressure to go down in some fixtures. Make a few changes in the routine and avoid running several fixtures at once.
Water valve problems
Partially closed water meter valves or shut-off valves can cause issues with the water pressure throughout the house. These valves might have accidentally been left half open during a recent repair. Locate and check the valves to ensure they are fully open.
Failing or broken water pressure regulator
Some households have a pressure regulator installed to standardize the water pressure in the home and keep it within a specific range. However, both high and low water pressure is not suitable for plumbing. In addition, a pressure regulator can fail, malfunction, or clog over time. Check the water pressure regulator if the water pressure has declined across the fixtures. If adjusting it does not solve the problem, call a plumber to replace the pressure regulator.
Faulty or clogged fixtures
If the low water pressure problem is limited to a particular showerhead or faucet, the issue is most likely with the fixture itself. A faulty or clogged fixture can affect the water pressure. While cleaning the screen or aerator may solve the problem, in some cases, entire fixture replacement is the only solution.
Factors like shared pipelines, issues with the municipal water supply, and distance from the water source can also cause low water pressure.
Manage the water pressure and protect the plumbing system
Seek help from a professional plumbing company for low water pressure issues. Trained, skilled, and experienced plumbers can identify the cause and provide quick and efficient solutions to the problem.
Simba Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services to Phoenix and surrounding areas. We are family-owned, meticulous and provide affordable, transparent pricing. Call us at 602-962-3537.
