There’s nothing worse than expecting a hot, refreshing shower and ending up freezing cold because the water is barely trickling out. Low water pressure can create a lot of aggravation when it comes to daily life. Not only can it affect the quality of your bathing, but it can cause other issues in the home. If you’re dealing with this issue, you’re not alone. We’ll break down some of the most common causes of this inconvenience.
Debris Buildup in Pipes
Dirty pipes are often the culprit when it comes to low water pressure. Over time, hard water deposits and sediment can disrupt the flow of water into the home by limiting the amount of water able to flow through a pipe when the faucet it is turned on. Blockage may occur just before the faucet or fixture or could be occurring further back up the lines into the city’s main water line. A professional plumber can investigate to identify the location of an obstruction in the pipes.
Corrosion
Older homes may experience the inconvenience of corroding pipes more often than new homes as corrosion does not occur with PVC pipes which are used in newer builds. Older homes that have metal piping, such as steel, iron, or copper, are more likely to experience corrosion. When the minerals in the water react with the material of the pipe, corrosion can happen over time. Additionally, this reaction will cause the metal pipes to weaken and become more susceptible to breaking. Action Drain is ready and able to help with all of your re-piping needs.
Leaks
If you are suddenly experiencing subpar showers, a leaky or pipe restricted by corrosion or sediment may be the reason. When this happens, you’re losing a good amount of water to the leak so it can’t make it up to the faucet. If you’re noticing that the low water pressure is only happening in one or two places in your home, it’s a good bet that a leak is behind it. Check around the house and listen for any strange sounds, such as hisses or bubbles. Look around for any wet spots, slow drips, or random water spews. Whether you find anything or not, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional.
Fixtures
Believe it or not, sometimes low pressure has nothing to do with the pipes. If you’re noticing just one area is giving you trouble, there’s a good chance that it could have something to do with the hardware. Most faucets include an aerator that will regulate the water flow for the faucet. However, if you live in an area with hard water, that sediment can clog the aerator as time goes on. A simple solution is to replace the fixture. If you’re feeling pretty handy, you can disassemble the apparatus and clean out the aerator. As always, if you’re unsure Action Drain is happy to take a look.
Pressure Regulator Failing
Not every home has a pressure regulator, but if you do, you’ll want to check it if your water pressure is suddenly low. If it is reading the pressure of the water incorrectly, it’s highly possible that it’s reducing the flow of water that travels to your house. The professionals at Action Drain can quickly and easily test this for you. The good news is that this piece of equipment is both easy and affordable to replace.
Nobody wants to deal with low water pressure and luckily, you don’t have to for long. If you’ve tested all of these methods and still can’t find the culprit, get in touch with us today. We can assist you with all of your plumbing needs.
Request a quote or contact us for more information. Our Washington service area includes Spokane, Airway Heights, Deer Park, Cheney, Spangle, and Liberty Lake.