As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
3 Ways to Improve and Fix Low Water Pressure in Your Home
Jorge Alexander
Low water pressure can cause major inconveniences in a home. You can't run multiple hot showers at the same time without risking scalds and burns. Your washer only runs on the highest water pressure setting due to low pressure. Pressure issues usually result from faults in the plumbing system. Below are some ways to address low water pressure issues in your home.
Fix Your Pressure Regulator
A pressure regulator, also known as a pressure reducing valve, is a valve that adjusts the pressure of the water entering your house at the mains. It steps down the pressure before the water gets distributed to the various fixtures. However, not all homes have this valve. If you have one, the first step is to check it for faults. A faulty regulator can cause low or fluctuating pressure. Check the valve to see if it's giving a psi reading. If not, you need to replace it to restore normal water pressure.
Check for Clogs in the Piping System
Do you have old plumbing pipes in your home? Are your pipes made of metal? Old pipes are prone to clogs due to rust or sediment. Over time, metal pipes corrode, and the debris gets deposited inside the piping. Similarly, if you have salty or unfiltered water, it may leave sediment and debris in your pipes. These deposits build up over time and restrict water flow.
If clogs occur in the main piping systems, you may notice a decrease in water pressure throughout the house. However, clogs in specific pipes may only affect a few fixtures. If you have old pipes and are suddenly seeing a decrease in water pressure, it's worth checking your pipes for blockage. Your plumber can use advanced tech and devices to unearth and fix clogs in the system.
Conduct Leak Inspection
Significant leaks in your plumbing systems can lower your water pressure. Leaks occurring in the mains will lower the water pressure in the entire home. Unfortunately, since the supply line is located underground and outside your home, the leak may go unnoticed for a long period. If you have recently done landscaping or excavation works near the mains, you may have punctured the piping by accident.
Professional leak detection can accurately pinpoint the location of a leak in hidden plumbing pipes. With techniques such as thermal imaging and laser technology, you don't even need to dig around pipes to locate a leak. These minimally-invasive methods allow you to address leaks promptly before they cause damage to your home.
Are you unable to locate or fix the cause of low water pressure? Contact a plumbing service for a proper diagnosis and repair!
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