If you’ve ever battled to rinse the shampoo out of your hair, washed your hands under a trickle of water, or waited what seemed like an eternity for your washing machine to finish a cycle, you’ve dealt with the annoyance of low water pressure. Low water pressure can make routine activities difficult, but if you discover the source, either a plumbing adjustment or a water booster pump will significantly enhance your water pressure. As your trusted plumber Fairfield CA experts, we’ll share some ways to fix low water pressure problems in your taps.
Remove the Blockages
Mineral deposits can accumulate in your pipes over time, and the condition can be exacerbated if you have hard water. In severe cases, the diameter of the pipes shrinks until they clog, stopping water from easily passing through and suffocating the house water pressure. This results in a dismal drip in the shower or a trickle from the faucet.
While difficult situations necessitate the replacement of sections of pipe, you can treat certain clogs on your own. In reality, you may clear out the clogs at your system’s departure points by dissolving any minerals that are clogging the pipes inside your faucet fittings and showerheads.
Install a Water Pressure Booster
If you’re still asking, “why is my water pressure so low at times?” it’s possible that the issue isn’t with you but with your community. That comes as no surprise: water pressure is influenced negatively by gravity and distance. If your domestic water supply is forced to travel uphill or a long distance from the municipal water source, the pressure may be compromised. Consider adding a water pressure booster pump to improve the flow rate of the water when it reaches your home.
Replace the Regulator
Many homes using public water have a regulator installed at the meter or where the service line enters the property to prevent flooding and water hammer. When the regulator breaks, the pressure steadily drops, affecting some or all of your home’s fixtures.
Open the Main Water Valve
Occasionally, the main valve is mistakenly turned off during routine repairs and maintenance without the homeowner’s knowledge. If, for example, your decline in water pressure corresponds with recent home improvements, the contractor may have cut off the main water supply and just partially reopened the valve at the end of the job. As a result, water flow and pressure are constrained. Fortunately, the valve is easily adjusted without a plumber’s help.
Test the Pressure
Before contacting your local water agency, you can check the municipal water pressure yourself by connecting to the city water main using a water pressure measurement gauge and a hose connector. Simply connect the device to a hose faucet and turn it on. Turn off all of your home’s faucets and any water-using appliances before you begin (such as the dishwasher and washing machine).
Don’t trust anyone with your whole-house water pressure issue. – call Gray Plumbing – we’re your go-to residential and commercial plumbing contractor, ready to serve you.
