Common Reasons for Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure can be a very annoying problem for homeowners to deal with. Not having enough water pressure from the showerhead or sink faucet can make it difficult to complete daily tasks such as cleaning or bathing. In this blog post, expert plumbers share three common reasons for poor water pressure from plumbing fixtures at home.
Homeowners should be aware that low water pressure could indicate an issue with the plumbing system that needs to be resolved before it worsens. The entire home plumbing system is connected via a network of pipes and fixtures. An issue in one part of the plumbing could affect the overall performance of the plumbing, including reducing water pressure.
Plumbing Leaks Reduce Water Pressure
One of the common causes of low water pressure is pipe leaks and leaking plumbing fixtures. When the plumbing loses water through a leak before it reaches its end destination, the pressure of the water is reduced. Homeowners should pay attention to leaks around the base of water faucets and other obvious signs that the plumbing fixture is losing water before it reaches the tap.
Underground and other hidden pipe leaks can be hard to notice because they are "out of sight, out of mind." Low water pressure could be one of the first signs of a hidden leak that homeowners notice. Hidden pipe leaks can be detrimental to the structural integrity of the home's foundation and cause water damage or mold growth. Homeowners should contact a plumber for leak detection if they suspect a leak could cause low water pressure.
Pipe Clogs and Buildup
All the plumbing fixtures in a home are connected, and a clogged drain anywhere in the system could result in reduced water pressure. Homeowners can protect their plumbing system from pipe clogs by being mindful of what gets flushed and doing regular drain cleaning maintenance.
Tree roots can grow into the water line in search of moisture through small cracks in the pipe connections. As the tree roots infiltrate underground plumbing, the blockage can reduce water pressure by narrowing the passageway through the pipes. It will require professional drain clearing services such as hydro-jetting to remove the tree roots from the pipe and return to normal water pressure.
The plumbing fixtures' buildup of mineral deposits can also reduce water pressure. All tap water contains natural minerals such as magnesium and calcium, but when these minerals are present in high concentrations, this is called hard water. Hard water results in scale and mineral deposits being left behind by the water. Installing a whole-house water softener can prevent mineral deposits from clogging up the tiny holes in the showerhead and sink faucets where the water exits.
Broken Fixture or Closed Water Meter Valve
The home plumbing system's connection to the main water line is controlled with a water meter valve. The water meter measures the amount of water the home uses to appropriately bill for utilities. The water meter valve is also the main shutoff valve that plumbers use to start and stop the water flow to the home.
During maintenance and repairs, plumbers and utility workers use the main shutoff valve to stop the water flow and safely service the plumbing. Valves can wear out over time, and a faulty shutoff valve could cause low water pressure. When the valve is partially closed, it reduces the amount of water the home's plumbing is getting and reduces water pressure.
When there is only one fixture in the home that has decreased water pressure, the problem is likely with that fixture and not the water meter valve. However, if the lack of water pressure is a consistent problem throughout the home's plumbing fixtures, the water meter valve is a likely culprit.
About C & D Plumbing Inc.
C & D Plumbing Inc. is a locally-owned Fort Lauderdale, FL plumbing company. Homeowners can depend on this team of local plumbers for their integrity, honesty, and professional expertise. They are fully equipped with the latest plumbing tools and expertly trained to handle almost any plumbing issue. Call them today to schedule an appointment for plumbing maintenance and repairs in Fort Lauderdale, FL!