What Causes Uneven Water Pressure
If your water pressure is inconsistent or low, that can be frustrating. There are a few different things that cause inconsistent or low water pressure. They can range from your neighbors using way too much water at once or your pressure regulator malfunctioning.
Regulating Water Pressure
There are a few different elements that affect water pressure, not just the pressure regulator valve in your home. Unless you have a natural water supply, your pressure can be affected by the municipal water utility. If there is work being done in your area, or they are having issues at their plants. The next is your main shut-off valve. If this is not fully opened, then less water will be getting through. Less water means less water pressure. The stop valve that is at your toilets, sinks, and some appliances can also not be fully opened. Next is the pressure regulator. This device helps make sure that the water pressure stays consistent and doesn’t go above a certain pound per square inch. Like anything, this can also have malfunctions or fluctuations.
Fluctuations
Water loses pressure as it travels through the pipes. By the time it reaches higher levels in your home, it is likely to be weaker than on the lower levels. This can be caused by a myriad of things.
Pressure Regulator & Valves
As mentioned above, your pressure regulator can have malfunctions. Some signs of malfunctions are a slow steady drop in pressure, hearing hammering noises while using water, or if you suddenly have no water. In this case, it is best to call your local 1-Tom-Plumber to come out and assess the situation.
Your toilet, sinks, and some appliances have stop valves. These are for turning off water to that specific fixture or appliance. If they are partially closed, it can make water dribble out instead of coming out full force.
Pipes
Another common reason is issues with your pipes. This can range from a collapsed or broken pipe somewhere in your home, the buildup of hard water deposits, or a clog. All of these cause less water to be able to flow through the pipes.
Water Lines
A lot of cities have homes on the same water line. If you are experiencing random bouts of low water pressure you might want to ask your neighbors. If they are using a lot of water, they could be “stealing” most of it. However, it is not always your neighbors’ fault. Sometimes there is a clog further down the main water line. If your neighbors are all experiencing the same drop in water pressure, it is time to call your local water utility company.
Faulty Fixtures
A faulty fixture can also cause intermittent low water pressure. This can be due to the rubber ring that helps with pressure being too constricting. It could also be hard water build-up deposits all over the aerator. There are easy fixes for both. The rubber ring can be pulled out if you take apart your faucet. The aerator is at the end of our faucet and can be replaced with a cheap part. That is extremely easy to take apart. It’s just as simple as taking a wrench (or your hand) and then screwing the new one on!
If Your Water Pressure is Low and Stays Low
If your water pressure is low and stays low can be caused by some of the reasons above with some key differences. A clogged, broken pipe or build-up in a pipe it could cause issues in your whole home if it is in your main line. Your pressure regulator valve can also cause the whole home to lose pressure if it is fully broken.
If your water main shut-off valve is not fully open, then less water is going through. The less water going through the pipes means less pressure overall. Unlike fixture or appliance shut-off valves, this deals with all the water coming into your home.
How to Fix Water Pressure
Most, if not all of these, issues need to be addressed by a plumber. The shut-off valves are an easy fix you can do yourself by testing them. However, with a clog in your main line a plumber has the tools on hand to be able to reach it. If your pressure regulator is malfunctioning, our plumbers are trained to easily test and adjust it.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us 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.
