Sometimes, clogged pipes and drains make it very difficult to complete everyday tasks at home. Similarly, the amount of water coming out of a faucet can speed up or delay several house chores. On average, the in-home water pressure lies between 40 to 45 pounds per square inch (PSI). If it falls below 40 PSI, it will likely result in low water pressure in the faucets. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home. However, many of us don’t understand why the water pressure drops down all of a sudden.
Reasons For Low Water Pressure
Here is a list of nine reasons why your home has low water pressure:
1. Your City Has Changed Its Regulations
In some cases, your city may change some of its water regulations, leaving no choice for your water supplier. To resolve this issue, purchasing a water pressure booster system is an excellent idea. These systems are easy to install; however, if you don’t have prior experience related to plumbing, it is best to call a professional plumbing service to ensure a smooth installation.
2. The Water Meter Valve Is Not Open All the Way
The water meter valve controls the water intake in a house. Since it belongs to the water company, residents are less likely to deal with this valve directly. On the other hand, some of these valves are beyond a person’s reach as they are located underground. However, if the water pressure at your home has noticeably dropped after the completion of maintenance work, it is best to seek help from your water company. There is a chance that the valve was not opened all the way; hence, you need someone to open it all the way.
3. The Pipes Are Clogged
Clogs are usually formed in the depths of your piping; hence, a small clog can significantly lower your water pressure. Since it can develop beneath your house, calling a plumber is the only solution. If you are thinking about pulling the pipes apart on your own, you may end up contaminating the pipes or knocking them loose, which may lead to further complications in your plumbing system.
4. You Share Pipelines
Your pipelines are likely to run water into another house resulting in shared pipelines. For example, when your neighbor runs their washing machine, your water pressure may fall. It does not imply that you are paying their water bills; however, it indicates that your water supply runs in more than one household. In such cases, pipe replacement is the way to resolve shared pipelines. It will require help from a well-trained plumber to fix this issue.
5. You’ve Got Faulty Fixtures
Low water pressure in all of your plumbing fixtures may indicate an issue with your pipes or water supply. However, if there are one or more fixtures with low water pressure, you should consider checking the fixtures. The aerator on a faucet can reduce the amount of water releasing from a faucet without changing its pressure. With time, aerators are likely to get clogged with rust, limestone buildups, or dirt. Therefore, removing the aerators on a low-pressure faucet will help determine whether it needs cleaning or not. After cleaning the aerators, put them back on to check the water pressure. Similarly, replacing the fixture is another way to fix the low water pressure.
6. Your Water Supplier is Experiencing an Issue
Before checking your valves or pipes, you should consider asking your neighbors if they face similar issues at home. If they report the same problem, it is best to contact your water supplier to fix the low water pressure.
7. The Pressure Regulator is failing
If your plumbing system has a pressure regulator, there is a chance that it’s not working well. You can determine whether it is functioning or not by checking its reading. If it displays an incorrect reading, it is most likely failing to perform its function. Since these regulators are built to adjust the water pressure in your supply line, it is responsible for the low water pressure. You need to consider replacing the pressure regulator on your own or contact a professional plumber to replace it.
8. Your Pipes Are Leaking
Leakage in pipes will most likely flood your basement. However, the leakage can misdirect your water supply resulting in low water pressure. Accessing your pipes without any knowledge about the plumbing system may lead to further complications for you. Therefore, instead of experimenting with your water supply, consider an experienced plumber to take care of your leaking pipes.
9. Your Pipes Are Corroded
Galvanized steel pipes may begin to corrode within 20 years. Similarly, copper pipes may last for more than 50 years and brass pipes for 40 to 70 years. Living in an older house increases the possibility of corrosion within your pipes. Since it is hard to determine whether your pipes are corroded or not, seek help from a plumber to check them for you.
Low water pressure can ruin routine tasks for several households. If you are looking for a reliable plumbing service to take care of your water pressure, contact Mesa Plumbing Company to resolve your plumbing issues.