Common Reasons for Low Water Pressure in Your Home
The most common plumbing problems in homes are clogged pipes and drains, but have you ever experienced an issue with the amount of water coming out of your taps?
Low water pressure at home is very frustrating as the faucets may take a very long time to fill your bathtub, or your showerhead may not give the strong spray for a seamless experience.
Low water pressure will lower the quality of living at home since you rely on water for most tasks. But before you know how to fix the issue, it’s important to understand the likely causes of low water pressure first:
Check With Your Water Supplier
Before you start to check your pipes and valves, it’s usually wiser at times to ask your neighbors or water supply company. Chances are your neighbors are experiencing the same issue, and it may be unrelated to your home’s water supply. Contact your water supplier and find out if they are aware of the low water pressure issue in your locality; if they are fixing it, then wait for some time.
However, if they are not aware of the issue or if it just occurs in your home alone, then you might have to call a licensed plumber to help you fix it.
Meter Valve Not Fully Open
Most home water systems have two main shut-off valves that control the inflow of water to the home. The first is called the water meter valve and is located on the main water supply line that serves your home while the second one is found outside or inside where the water supply enters your home.
In this case, you will have to check the home’s meter valve, and if you recently had an incident involving a burst or leaking pipe then chances are you might have interfered with this valve. You will have to turn it counter-clockwise to the maximum level to allow the highest water pressure. Also, if its handle is similar to a lever, then it should be parallel to the pipe.
Corroded Water Line
Over time, your water line may be corroded by materials, which leads to a buildup of gooey that impedes the water flow posing a risk of pipe leaks. Lead and galvanized steel water lines are at the highest risk of being corroded by water flowing through them and can even collapse when there is unusually high water pressure i.e. if you open and close the valve rapidly.
When low water pressure is caused by mineral buildup, you will experience it only in a few fixtures of your home. Besides, water contains many minerals and debris and this is no surprise when it causes a blockage in your pipes.
Other People Using Water at the Same Time
Low water pressure at times may be caused by simultaneous water usage i.e. when everyone is showering or cleaning at the same time. This will result in
low pressure throughout the home and can be worsened if there is low water pressure in the entire supply line. If that is the case, then try to schedule or contact your water supply to see if there is a solution to the issue.
Conclusion
Turning on your faucet or shower only to find low pressure is sad and frustrating. This is because everyone needs water at a reasonable pressure and, therefore, you should get it fixed.
