Low water pressure can be a major annoyance for homeowners as well as a symptom of deeper plumbing issues. It can have a range of causes; the following are some of the most common:
- Debris in the water
- Mineral deposit buildup
- Corrosion buildup inside the piping
- Plumbing leaks
- Municipal water supply malfunctions
- Bad pressure regulator
- Water valves
Fortunately, there are solutions to all of these low water pressure causes as well as ways to diagnose what’s really going on.
Testing. For starters, you can buy a water pressure test and hose connection to see if the culprit is low water pressure from your city or municipality. If the pressure tests 45 to 50 psi, it is low. A pressure reading of 60 is desirable, and above 80 is definitely too much water pressure.
Replace pressure regulators. If you suspect your pressure regulators are the culprit, they will need to be replaced. This job will call for a plumber’s expertise.
Shutoff valve issue. Check to see if the main shutoff valves were moved or turned off.
Leaks. Pipes should be checked for water leaks and addressed immediately. One way to check for leaks is to shut off the water valve in the home and mark down the reading, then check the meter again in a couple of hours to see if the reading has increased. If it does, there is a leak. Seek a plumber’s expertise and assistance to fix it immediately.
Dirty components. In some cases, low water pressure can be as simple as cleaning out any debris or buildup in the faucet heads and shower heads. You can use plumbing chemicals to break down and flush away the debris, or hire a pro to take care of it for you.
Major issues. Other possible causes of low water pressure include corrosion of pipes, large blockages and severe leaks. Major problems like this are better left to professionals.
Low water pressure makes household activities like doing dishes and showering more difficult, but it could also indicate deeper issues with your plumbing. Use these guidelines to help diagnose the issue, and contact a professional plumber to have them addressed. At DRC Plumbing and Sewer, we can tell you whether a minor issue is going to stay minor, or lead to a larger problem. We can also give you a free estimate and guidance as to the best solution for your home.