Nobody likes low water pressure. It's a huge hassle when you're showering, trying to do the dishes, or filling your water jug!
But what could be causing it and how can you fix it? Today we are going to help you answer these two questions.
Common causes of low water pressure
In cases where the low pressure is restricted to just one or a few devices, it is likely caused by a clog. We're not talking about constipation that leads to it slow drains – that is a completely different topic. These blockages occur in the faucet itself or in the water supply lines. Over time, water pipes collect large amounts of dirt, sand, and other debris. When you have hard water these clogs develop a lot more often. Failure to remove these clogs from the faucet or incoming pipe can reduce water pressure and flow.
The good news is that a little cleaning does the trick. Our favorite method of cleaning shower heads or faucets is water, dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar. Put about 2 tablespoons or baking soda, 4-5 drops of dish soap (we recommend Blue Dawn) and half a cup of vinegar in a quarter-sized plastic bag. Hold the bag over your shower head (or tie it there) for about 30-60 minutes. Once the time is up, scrub off the residue with an old toothbrush and rinse it off with hot water.
Clogged water filters
When was the last time you inspected your water filters? Keep in mind that these devices catch water to keep your tap water clean. However, over time, they accumulate significant amounts of dirt and sediment that can prevent normal water flow. A simple check will tell you if your filters are clogged and need cleaning.
Corroded or frozen water pipes
Years of corrosion in the pipes can cause residues to accumulate, which lower the water pressure. This is a common problem with steel and galvanized piping. These types of pipes are popular in some households, but they corrode over time. If you live in a place with extreme winters, Your tubes may be frozen! Check them as soon as you notice a difference in water pressure and call a plumber right away if it does.
This corrosion can lead to clogs, deposits, leaks, and worse. If your pipes are leaking, it means less water is getting to the final destination. Aside from increasing your water bill, water leaks reduce water pressure and, if ignored, can cause significant damage to your property. So if you suspect a plumbing problem is causing your low water pressure, give a a call professional plumber right away. They will track down the problem and fix it quickly.
Damaged shut-off valves
A shut-off valve is a device that is installed in water fittings such as faucets, toilets, and dishwashers. When working properly, they regulate the amount of water that flows out of the faucets, which keeps the pressure at the desired level. As with steel pipe, these valves are prone to rust and corrosion, which reduces the flow of water and can completely clog your faucet. When this happens, brown water is usually coming out of your faucet. To remedy this, have a plumber check them for corrosion annually and replace them if necessary. If you had one Kitchen or bathroom renovation Recently, it is possible that your new devices were not turned on or plugged in properly. If it doesn't, you can always just replace the faucet when it is old.
Leaking water heater
To find out if your water heater is damaged, turn your faucets on and let them run. If the water pressure only decreases when you open the hot water outlet, there is a possibility that your heater is leaking. This should be checked immediately to avoid high electricity costs and damage. You should also pay attention to noises coming from the tank that may indicate sediment build-up. You may also see a puddle under your water heater! Let it rinse to remove dirt and debris. Hopefully this will fix the problem.
Stop cock not fully open
Check that your internal shut-off valve is fully open as this can have a direct impact on the water pressure. You may have closed it e.g. B. when replacing water fittings or during repairs. If the valve is not fully opened after that, it will affect your entire water supply.
Other common causes of low water pressure
In some cases, the local municipal water supply system may be the cause. If so, you may need to do a quick test to check the water pressure. If your home is getting less than 20 liters per minute, contact the water supply for inspection. People using an underground well system can also encounter low pressure problems; This can be caused by a cracked tank bladder, broken seal, or some related problem that is affecting the water pumped into your house plumbing.
As you may have guessed, there are many causes of low water pressure. To diagnose the problem, you may need to run a series of tests to determine the real cause of the problem. In many cases, these fixes will solve the water flow and save you a bill from the plumber. If the problem persists after inspecting your water system, it may be time to seek help.
