Nothing is more problematic than taking a shower in water that trickles out of the showerhead. When sink faucets have low water pressure, washing the soap off your hands and brushing your teeth become tedious tasks that disrupt the flow of your daily routine. It can be very frustrating, especially if you usually have higher water pressure in your home.
Water pressure can be tricky, and low pressure often points to other underlying issues. That said, let’s take a look at eight common issues that create water pressure problems. Knowing what causes the lack of water pressure in your home is the first step to restoring optimal water flow from your faucets.
1. Water Supply Issues
The water that you use in your home does not just appear; it comes from a well or a municipal source. If your home has its own well, then a lack of water pressure could mean that the pump is malfunctioning. It could also be a sign that your well is drying up. Either way, fixing the issue is necessary to have adequate water pressure. Additionally, if you have municipal water, it could shut off because a pipe burst near your home, or a water main break might be the reason. Municipal water pressure could also fluctuate when demand is high.
2. Faulty Plumbing Fixtures
Another reason that the water pressure may be lacking is the actual faucet through which the water is exiting. There could be a clog in the aerator, which could be the result of something as simple as minerals from hard water. It makes the holes in the showerhead narrower, which means that the water pressure will be lower. To increase the amount of water pressure from that specific fixture, you can clean it thoroughly. If cleaning it doesn’t solve the issue, then purchasing a new showerhead or faucet may be an alternative that works.
3. Valves Are Partially Closed
There are multiple valves within your plumbing system that could not be properly opened, starting with the main water valve, which controls the flow of water in your entire living space. If the valve is partially closed, this will reduce the water pressure in your entire home. There are also individual valves that lead to showers and sinks in your home. If the lack of water pressure is only at one location, then this may be the issue that is causing the problem. If these valves are not fully open, then the water will not be able to flow freely through them.
There is also a water meter valve that could be partially closed as well. This will also affect the water pressure in your entire home. This is a valve that your utility company uses to measure how much water your household uses.
4. Pressure Regulator Is Failing
Sometimes, homes with too much water pressure have a pressure regulator installed to prevent high water pressure from damaging the water lines and appliances. If the regulator is breaking down, then it may not regulate the flow of water into your property.
The water regulator could also simply be set to the wrong setting. This will significantly affect the plumbing system. If the regulator is set too high, you will get more water than you need coming through the faucets. If it is set too low, the water flow will be weak. You will experience inconsistent water pressure from all faucets, and some appliances may not function at all because the water pressure is too low. That said, if your home has a pressure regulator, then it should be set between 40 and 60 pounds per square inch.
5. Corroded or Leaky Pipes
Generally speaking, any problem with your pipes is going to create a problem with the flow of the water in your home. If there is corrosion on the outside of your pipes, then there is a chance that the interior of the pipes has damage as well. When the pipes have a rough interior, water flows less smoothly. When this happens, the friction loss you experience leads to a drop in water pressure, especially if the fixture you are using is far from the water source.
If the corrosion and the rust have eaten through the pipes, then even a small leak will cause a noticeable difference in the water pressure. Even a leak as small as a pinhole will cause a minimal pressure loss in your plumbing system. As the pinhole becomes larger, you are likely to notice more pressure loss. If you notice low water pressure that worsens over time and aren’t sure why, call for leak detection by an expert. Timely action could prevent water damage and mold growth.
6. Clogged Pipes
When your pipes experience a clog, the diameter of the pipes narrows. This restricts the amount of water that can flow through them at once, causing your water pressure to minimize until you have get drain cleaning done. That said, the clog can result from soap scum, hair, food debris, or mineral deposits. A blockage like this can put additional strain on your plumbing system because the water requires more force to pass through the obstruction. If the clog is due to mineral buildup, then considering a water softener to help reduce some of the accumulation in the pipes is worthwhile.
7. Water Heater Issue
When you have hard water, sediment builds up in your hot water heater more. As a result, you may notice a drop in water pressure when using hot water compared to cold water. In addition to reducing water pressure, you will find that having sediment at the bottom of the tank means you have less space for storing hot water.
This extra sediment can also cause the heating element to overheat because there is a barrier between it and the water, which prevents the unit from being as efficient as it should be. Ideally, you should flush a water heater once a year to prevent this from occurring.
8. Too Many Appliances in Use
If you’ve ever had the dishwasher and washing machine running while trying to take a shower, you know that running multiple appliances decreases the water pressure. The more appliances you run simultaneously, the less water pressure each will be able to use. That said, a simple way to fix this issue is to stagger your water use throughout the day. If multiple appliances are not used at the same time, the water pressure should be fine.
Contact a Professional Plumber That Is Reliable
When water pressure is a problem in your home, fixing it should be a priority. Our family has proudly served Kalispell since 1986 as a locally owned business. We aim to make you happy by providing premium services that you’ll return to us for whenever you need help with a plumbing issue.
At Wild West Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we are a top-rated plumbing company in the Kalispell area. If you’re looking for high-quality service, then give us a call today! We can schedule a consultation to discuss your plumbing needs and fix your water pressure issues today.
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