Low pressure is a common woe for homeowners, resulting in weak flow in the shower, tepid dishwasher cycles, and other maladies. If you jump in the shower expecting a hot blast of water only to receive a trickle, it may be time to figure out what’s causing your low water pressure and how to deal with it.
From sluggish dishwasher cycles to cold blasts in the middle of your hot showers, low pressure in your water system is troublesome and costly. Here’s what to do when your hot showers are not quite up to your pressure standards; if none of these fixes work, it’s time to contact At Home Pros. We can provide a comprehensive list of all the best plumbers in your area who may be able to help you with your low pressure issues.
Faucet Aerators
At the top of your list of things to check when your water pressure isn’t as high as it should be are your faucet aerators. These small screens attach to the end of your faucets and can become clogged with minerals, which then reduces water pressure. To clean them, unscrew them and soak them in vinegar for a few hours. You can then scrub them with a small brush with metal bristles. If you don’t have one, steel wool will suffice.
Water Shut-Off Valve
Check your water shut-off valve. Sometimes, when there’s been recent construction or plumbing work, your water shut-off valve or cock-stop may not be fully reopened. If the valve is turned too tightly, it can restrict water flow. Loosen the valve counterclockwise until water flows freely. Some homes also have a pressure-reducing valve on the main water supply line. By loosening or tightening the lock-nut on this line, you can adjust the water pressure.
Water Meter
If your water meter is leaking, it can cause low water pressure. Turn off all water using the shut-off valve and check the meter to see if it is still spinning. If it is, call a plumber to repair the leak.
The water meter valve belongs to the water company, so you will need to call them to get a technician to come and fully reopen the water meter valve, if this is indeed the culprit of your low water pressure.
Pipes
Check your pipes. There can be a lot of issues that may arise due to steel, clogged, or corroding pipes.
Steel pipes – When you have to fix old galvanized steel pipes, the budget can swell very quickly. There are older materials, used for pipes commonly in the past, that corrode more quickly than other materials so you’ll replace them more often and pay more for the materials.
Clogged pipes – Sometimes clogs occur just below drain, but sometimes they occur deep in the depths of your home’s infrastructure. A clog deep in your pipes will undoubtedly affect the water pressure of your home.
Corroded pipes – Clogs can come from external sources, like food debris, or it can come from bits and pieces of the pipes themselves that then lodge themselves within the pipes and reduce the pressure.
If your pipes are old or damaged with one of these issues, they can cause low water pressure. Contact At Home Pros to find a plumber to inspect your pipes and make repairs as needed.
Water Heater
Check your water heater. If your water heater is old or damaged, it can cause low water pressure. Call a plumber to inspect your water heater and make repairs.
City Water Supply
Check your city’s water supply. If your city is experiencing a water shortage, it can cause low water pressure. There also might be changes made to your city’s water pressure regulations, so it’s worthwhile to contact your city’s water department for more information.
If you have checked all of these things and you are still experiencing low water pressure, contact At Home Pros to find a local plumber for further assistance.
Here are some additional tips to help you troubleshoot low water pressure:
- Check your water pressure gauge. If the gauge is reading below 50 psi, you may have low water pressure.
- Check your neighbors’ water pressure. If they are also experiencing low water pressure, it is likely a problem with your city’s water supply.
- Turn off all water in your home and check the water meter. If the meter is still spinning, it is a sign that there is a leak somewhere in your home.
- Call a plumber if you are still having trouble with low water pressure.
At Home Pros is an ingenious digital platform that cuts the time you spend searching for a service provider. With only a few simple facts, our experts can help you find the plumber that will provide you with a solution.