7 Ways to Deal With Low Water Pressure
There is nothing more frustrating than having low water pressure when you have a sink full of dirty dishes. The same problem could be witnessed in the shower when you have an early morning meeting but have to wait for 10 minutes before you can fully rinse the body. Low water pressure will interfere with the necessary processes in the home. The problem could just be a section of your home or the entire house. There are some quick fixes that can be enough to solve the problem. If it is a major issue, you’re better off looking for a contractor like Brisbane North Plumbing ARLake to fix the problem.
Inspect the Shutoff Valves
This could be the ideal solution if low water pressure is affecting the whole house. The problem may be emanating from a fixture or a single facet. If it is a faucet, it will be an easy fix because most of them have their own shut off valve. You can also check the main water shut off valve near the main meter in case that is the problem.
The problem could be that the valves are not open all the way after a plumping work. The children may have shut off the valve by accident when playing in the yard. Make sure you’re also checking the pressure regulating valve to ensure that is in good working condition even though adjusting it can be a challenge. You might be required to loosen a nut or two before you can make the necessary changes.
Replacing Water Filters
Sometimes the solution could be as simple as replacing water filters. Water filters help in keeping the maintenance to a bare minimum. The main maintenance will involve changing the filters regularly to avoid low water pressure in the house. The filters will need to be changed often in order for them to function properly. This is because the filters trap debris and sediments which accumulate after a couple of months thus blocking the free flow of water.
It is recommended that you change the filters after every 3-6 months. You don’t have to wait until you notice there is low water pressure. It could be as a result of something else but you need to make sure that it is not the filters that are causing the low water pressure.
Clean the Aerator
This is a recommended solution if the low water pressure is affecting one or two fixtures in the house. Dishwasher hoses, shower heads, and sinks usually have aerators which aid in maintaining an even pressure. The aerator’s screens can accumulate sediments especially if you’re using hard water. The ends of the faucets can easily be unscrewed. Remove the screen and clean it with vinegar and hot water. You will be surprised by the improvement you get with this simple fix.
Inspect for Leaks
This is another reason for reduced water pressure going through the pipes in the homes. The leak could be along the main line and locating may be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. The places you can start checking for leaks include under the sink, dishwashers, visible toilet line supplies, and other home appliances. It gets trickier if the leaks are hidden behind the walls. In such a case, you will have no option but to call for a plumber. There is a simple method that involves reading the meter. In order to do the inspection, it is recommended that you shut the main meter for 30 minutes. Mark the reading and if it has moved, there is definitely a leak.
Check the toilets
The toilets could be the main reason why you’re experiencing low water pressure in the house. Chances are high that there could also be a water leak in the toilet which results in high water bills. There are several ways to determine if the toilets are the cause. Start by removing the lid. Apply a few drops of dye tablet or food color into the tank.
The toilet should not be flushed for at least an hour. If there is leaked color in the bowl, you definitely have a leak and it is time to call the plumber to provide a permanent solution. Alternatively, the fix would be to use a filling mechanism or replacing the toilet flapper.
Inspect the Water Heater
If you have a problem with hot water flow in the house, the problem could be hot water shut off valve. In case there is low pressure with the hot water flow, make sure that the valve is completely open. The pressure can be interfered with even if there is a slight shut off. The problem can also be a leak. You should call a plumber if you can’t find a solution for it. Blockages can also occur on the hot water lines. The issue could be the appliance itself and a licensed plumber should be able to diagnose the problem and come up with a solution. You should not do the diagnosis and repairs on your own because working with hot water can be dangerous.
Cleaning or Replacing the Pipes
Sometimes the low water pressure could because of clogged or old pipes which are not efficient when it comes to water transportation to the various parts of the home. Just like leaks, pipe clogs can be easy to fix if they are close to the surface. It is easier to fix the clog if you can identify the exact location. A quick plunge can be used as a solution. If you’ve tried all the remedies, the problem could be the pipes. This especially applies to an old home that hasn’t had a change in plumbing. Old pipes are at more when it comes to corrosion.
Hard water accelerates sediment build up and corrosion. If the blockage is severe, there could be no other option but to replace the pipes. That is why you need to install a water softener if you’re using hard water.
