Common Causes of Low Water Pressure and How to Fix It!
Low water pressure can be an annoyance, it can mean that your shower head isn’t giving enough water. In regards to your washer or dishwasher it may mean it is not getting your items clean enough. The ideal water pressure in your home should be 40-60 pounds per square inch or PSI. You can track this by installing a pressure regulator at your main water line.
If you are noticing less water pressure in your home, there could be a few different reasons it is happening.
Shut Off Valves
A common reason for low water pressure is partially or fully closed valves. This could be the main shut off valve or the shut off valve that is connected to the fixture you are having issues with. Even the slightest bit closed can mean a lowered water pressure.
The fix for this is pretty easy. First, make sure the main shut off valve is open. If the lever is at an angle, that generally means it’s not fully open. If that doesn’t work, try the shut off valves located at each of your home’s main water fixtures like toilets, sinks, dishwashers, etc.
Corroded Water Lines
Corrosion in water lines commonly occurs in galvanized steel pipes. Corrosion can happen in any metal pipe, and eventually creates holes in the pipes. Water then leaks out of the holes, which means less water coming out of your faucets and fixtures. Which can cause lower water pressure.
If you have galvanized steel pipes, and notice this issue happening, the fix is repiping your home. While it is not an easy solution, eventually it will need to be done anyway.
Debris in Pipe
Debris or a clog in the pipe can cause water pressure to lower. Due to not having a smaller amount of space for water to pass through.
Debris can be anything from solidified grease/water to mineral build up or foreign objects. If you think your pipes might be clogged, give a local professional plumber a call. The answer is to snake or hydro jet the drains so everything can run smoothly.
Leaky Pipes
While a huge leak that floods your basement or crawl space would lower your water pressure; it actually does not take a huge leak to cause an issue with low water pressure.
Small leaks waste a lot more water than you may think it is. The leaks take water that would be coming out of your faucet or fixture. The fix here is to have a camera inspection to find the leak, and get the pipe replaced.
Faulty Fixtures
Another common cause of low water pressure can be faulty fixtures. Sometimes the aerator in the faucet can get bogged down with dirt, minerals or sediment. The best thing to start with is cleaning that off. If that doesn’t fix the problem then it is likely that the fixture will need to be replaced.
Small Branch Lines
A branch line is the pipes that come off a vertical stack and supply water to different fixtures. Sometimes these pipes can be too small in diameter, causing less water to come through the pipes.
The fix here is to replace the too small pipe with a bigger option.
Final Thoughts
Some of these fixes can be easy, and you may not even need a plumber to help. To keep track of your water pressure, its best to get a pressure regulator installed. However, if low water pressure is a concern and you don’t know where it is coming from it may be best to give your local 1-Tom-Plumber a call.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any help with low water pressure. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem.
We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
