Your water pressure can suffer for many reasons. Whether it’s the result of minor clogs or something more serious like a plumbing leak, it can affect your daily routine.
Corrosion narrows your pipes over time, and that can significantly reduce your water pressure. Sometimes, changing your habits or simply cleaning a fixture can help.
Old Water Pipes
Old galvanized steel pipes can only last about 20 years before rust and corrosion start building up and restricting water flow. If you live in an older home, it’s not uncommon to notice a sudden decline in residential water pressure when the pipes finally reach the end of their lifespan. This type of low water pressure will only get worse over time unless you have the plumbing pipes replaced by professional plumbers.
If you’re not sure how old your home’s plumbing system is, a quick test can help you figure out the issue. Turn on the hot and cold faucets in your home for a few minutes. Then, compare the water pressure in each room of your house to see if the problem is isolated to just one fixture or spread out throughout the entire house. Then, you can figure out the scope of the problem and what might be causing it.
Another common cause of low water pressure is narrow branch lines that supply water to different fixtures and appliances. As you add more fixtures to your home, the water line may not have enough capacity to deliver the high quality water you need for your household. This is easily fixed by a professional plumber who can increase the size of your home’s branch lines.
Corrosion or clogging can also reduce your residential water pressure. If your home’s plumbing is experiencing corrosion, you should have a plumber assess the situation and determine whether the pipes need to be cleaned or replaced entirely.
You can also experience low water pressure due to trapped air in your pipes. This is a common issue that can happen when there is a build-up of mineral deposits such as rust, limestone or sediment. If you have hard water, the problem may also be caused by a clogged aerator that needs to be removed and replaced.
If your water meter reading has changed and you didn’t use any water, this indicates there is a leak or problem with the water main. The water company should be able to tell you exactly what is causing the problem and when it will be fixed.
Leaking Pipes
If you notice that water pressure drops when the whole family turns on multiple faucets at once, it’s time to check your pipes. It could be that there are leaks in your plumbing, especially older ones made from galvanized steel. This type of pipe rusts or develops cracks over time, and this limits the flow of water. If the problem is widespread, it’s best to have a plumber inspect and replace your pipes.
Leaking pipes are more than an inconvenience, as they can cause flooding and water damage to your home. They also restrict water flow, which leads to low water pressure. A professional plumber will know how to repair or replace the leaking pipes, restoring water pressure to your entire home.
Another reason for low water pressure could be that the piping is clogged. This can occur over time as mineral deposits or rust build up in the piping. This can be difficult to detect if the problem affects only one or two of your faucets. A professional plumber will be able to use a snake or drain auger to clear out the clog and restore your normal water pressure.
If you are experiencing low water pressure throughout your entire home, it’s best to ask around and find out if your neighbors are also having problems. This is because the water line that runs into your house may be shared by several households. If the demand for water is high at a given time, it’s natural for the supply to drop.
Finally, a problem with the pressure regulator could be causing low water pressure in your home. This is because it is designed to regulate the water pressure coming from the water supply line, but if it is broken, it will let through too little water. You can try to fix this by replacing the regulator yourself, but it’s often a good idea to call in a professional plumber.
If you’ve checked the simple things and still have low water pressure, it’s time to talk to your neighbors and your water supplier. If the problem is affecting everyone’s homes, it’s likely that it is a problem with the water main or your local water supplier.
Water Heater
You’re probably familiar with the feeling of a water pressure drop while taking a shower, running a dishwasher, or doing laundry. Low water pressure can make these activities feel painfully slow and frustrating. However, understanding what typically causes this issue can help you find and fix the problem quickly.
Your home’s plumbing system has several components that affect water pressure. The most common is the water heater. If the water heater is old and corroded, it can narrow your pipes and significantly reduce your water pressure. To prevent this, your water heater should be inspected and replaced when necessary.
Another common cause of low water pressure is leaky pipes. These leaks may not be visible, but they can still rob your fixtures of the pressure they need to function properly. Leaks can also lead to flooding and water damage, making them a major inconvenience in your home. If you’re experiencing plumbing issues at home or in your business, a reliable plumber Newport News service can provide fast and professional repairs to get everything back in working order.
The first step is to determine how widespread the problem is. If the low water pressure is only affecting one fixture in your home, it’s likely a fixture-specific issue, like a clogged faucet or an aerator that needs replacing. If the issue is widespread, it’s more likely a pipe or a pressure-reducing valve.
Corrosion in the water heater tank or a broken pressure regulator can also reduce your home’s water pressure. If the water in your home has a red or orange tint, it’s a sign of corroded pipes that need to be replaced.
Similarly, a home filtration system or water softener that’s malfunctioning can also reduce your home’s water pressure. It’s possible that the problem is with a piece of equipment or its installation, so be sure to read your manufacturer’s instructions for bypassing the device until you can have it repaired.
Clogged Pipes
Water lines can develop clogs over time with minerals, dirt, and other debris. These clogs will restrict the flow of water and lead to low pressure. If you suspect a clog, try physically inspecting the pipes for blockages and obstructions. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to call a professional plumber to clear out the clog.
Leaking pipes can also cause low water pressure in your home. If you notice pools of water around your home’s water lines or a sudden drop in water pressure, it is likely due to a leak in the line. It’s important to note that leaking water lines will quickly damage your home and can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. It’s recommended to contact a plumber as soon as possible.
Corrosion is another common cause of low water pressure in your home. Over time, water pipes will slowly corrode due to chemical reactions with the water they carry. This process narrows the pipe diameter, which can reduce water flow and lead to low water pressure.
A faulty faucet or fixture can also cause low water pressure in your home. Many modern fixtures have aerators that can get blocked with mineral buildup or other debris over time, which can restrict the flow of water. Make sure to regularly clean your aerators and ensure the shut-off valves for your house and water meter are fully open.
When you notice low water pressure, it’s essential to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. It’s best to identify if the problem is limited to one or more fixtures in your home, and then check the water pressure at different times of day to see if it fluctuates. If the problem is isolated to one fixture, you might be dealing with a simple clog.
Trying to fix plumbing problems yourself can be risky, especially if you’re not an experienced or trained plumber. If you can’t fix your low water pressure with a quick fix such as clearing minor clogs or closing water valves, it’s best to contact a professional plumber who can tackle the job quickly and correctly. They will have the tools and training necessary to locate the source of your low water pressure, repair or replace it, and restore the proper water flow in your home.