Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure in My Home?

Why Do I Have Low Water Pressure in My Home?

Low water in your house may sound like a minor issue until you experience it. Taking a shower turns into a cumbersome task, filling pots takes forever, and flushing toilets becomes next to impossible. But what causes water pressure in a home to take a sudden or gradual dip? In this article, Neighborhood Plumbing looks into the common causes of low water pressure in a home.

• Water Pressure Regulator Malfunction

If your plumbing is equipped with a water pressure regulator, you’ll want to check if the device is working properly or set to the correct range. A water pressure regulator is commonly installed on the incoming water line, just after the main water shut-off valve. There are also point-of-use regulators that regulate water pressure for specific fixtures or appliances, such as water heaters, faucets, and washing machines.

If the regulator installed on the main water line is affected, the entire home’s water pressure will be impacted. However, if it’s only a specific fixture or appliance experiencing pressure problems, then the issue likely lies with the point-of-use regulator. A defective water pressure regulator should be handled by an experienced plumber in Adams Township, PA.

• Fixture Problems

Low water pressure affecting specific fixtures in your house means the problem is likely localized to those individual fixtures, rather than a system-wide issue. Mineral buildup in the components of a shower or faucets can restrict water flow, resulting in low water pressure. For toilets, low water pressure often indicates fill valve problems or flapper issues. You can be able to fix these issues if you have basic plumbing skills and the right tools. The other fixtures in your house that can be affected by low water pressure include washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters. The common culprits for these issues are clogged supply lines, malfunctioning valves, or mineral deposits within the appliances.

• Closed Valves

Just like pressure regulators, valves can be installed at the point of use or on the main water line. A closed or partially open valve can cause low water pressure. This situation commonly occurs after you’ve had repairs performed in your home or after you’ve had a plumbing emergency. Before you pick up your phone and call a plumber, check if the valves in your house are open all the way. If any valve in your home is defective, call a trusted plumbing repair service to repair or replace it.

• Clogged Water Lines

One of the common reasons you may be having low water pressure in your home is clogged water lines. Minerals in hard water and sediment can build up in water lines and reduce pipe diameter, thereby restricting water flow. A sure sign of clogged water lines is a good flow of water when you turn on a faucet, but it rapidly decreases soon after. Hard water minerals are not the only causes of clogs in water lines—tree root intrusion and pipe damage can also restrict water flow.

If you live in an area with hard water, we recommend you install a water softening system to soften the water. A water filter is also a perfect addition to further improve water quality and protect your water lines from sediment buildup and other contaminants. If you suspect that your water lines are clogged, contact an skilled plumber to perform an inspection and hydro jet your pipes or provide a reliable solution.

Neighborhood Plumbing Can Help with Your Low Water Pressure

Looking for a dependable plumbing repair service to help you restore water pressure to normal levels? Contact Neighborhood Plumbing today. With over 10 years of experience offering plumbing repairs in homes and businesses, we promise quality service every time.