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8 Common Reasons Your Home Has Low Water Pressure
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Imagine this, you are rushing through the morning because you’re almost late for work but right as you’re about to take a shower, you notice that there is barely any water flowing. While it may sound trivial, low water pressure can disrupt your entire day.

Low water pressure is an issue where water doesn’t come out from plumbing fixtures at its regular speed. This can be caused by clogged drains, pipe blockages, or even the valves used by the water company. These are the probable reasons why you are also dealing with low water pressure in your home.

  • Using old-steel water pipes

Using old galvanized steel or copper pipes affects water quality as well

If your house is having problems with low water pressure, it may be because of old galvanized steel or copper water pipes. If you just moved into an older property, check if the place is still using steel pipes, it’s likely that the water flow is severely impeded due to the pipes developing rust or corrosion build-up. This problem never gets better, and the condition of the pipes will slowly deteriorate over time.

The only way to solve rusted pipes is to repair the entire system with new copper or plastic water supply piping. It’s the only way to get to the bottom of the issue. Replacing your steel pipes should be performed by a professional. Corrosion, if left unchecked, can cause extensive and costly damage. Corroded pipes have the potential to burst and flood your property.

  • The pressure regulator is defective

A water pressure regulator is the only mechanical device that slows down the water pressure that flows into your home. It’s necessary for this valve to attain safe levels of water pressure. The strong pressure of 100+ pounds per square inch (PSI) from the city water line or water distributor can be detrimental and could even lead to flooding if the pressure regulator is absent. If you notice that you have low water pressure, then the regulator probably isn’t working properly and needs to be replaced by a plumber. In fact, pressure regulators have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. If it is an older model, it may be time to replace it.

A water pressure gauge is a tool to get accurate results for your home’s water pressure. Once you install it to the pressure regulator, see if the pressure is in the ideal 45 to 55 PSI. Any reading lower than this needs to be inspected by a professional plumber. If this problem is solved, your kitchen faucets, toilets, or shower with low water pressure will be operating normally again.

  • The water meter valve is not loose enough

Loosening the valve yourself is one of the easiest ways to fix your water problem

Two main shutoff valves that you may need to consider inspecting are the home shutoff valve and the water meter valve. First, the home shutoff valve is normally located on the ground floor, utility area, or outside of the house’s foundation wall. When this valve is only partially opened, water cannot flow as freely through the pipe. A shutoff valve resembles a wheel; turn it counterclockwise to open it. Loosen the valve so the passageway of water is not restricted.

The second valve is the water meter valve. Residents never have to deal with this valve themselves because it’s only exclusively accessed by the water company. Issues with this valve are uncommon but if you observe that there is a change in water pressure in your home then it’s best to contact the water distributors for any issues on your end.

  • Build-up in Fixtures

You might be sharing a pipeline with your neighbours

A quick way to fix low water pressure in the house is to repair the water fixtures. For example, low water pressure in the shower could be caused by a buildup of calcium, debris, rust, or grime.

If you are doing the check-up in the bathroom, changing the shower fixtures could be beneficial in increasing water pressure in the shower. When it comes to mineral or dirt accumulation in pipes, plumbing chemicals come in handy.

The faucet aerator, for example, a grid-like fixture commonly used at the end of kitchen sinks and faucets can be the reason for low water pressure in the kitchen. It takes a good 10 minutes to remove the aerator and clean out the sediments, gunk, or calcium deposits.

  • Leaking Pipes

You might not know it’s happening but leaking pipes is common to happen.

Leaking pipes happen due to several factors: tearing due to uncontrolled high water pressure, corrosion due to using old steel pipes, and extremely cold weather that affects the pipe and causes it to crack. If you leave these pipes unattended for too long, they can cause havoc throughout your home. Besides experiencing low water pressure, horrible effects include warped and discoloured walls, black mould, and overall poor water quality.

If your plumbing system is broken, then take a look at your tap water or your walls if it begins to warp and stain. When a leak starts, your water quality is vulnerable. A temporary fix for this is to seal the pipe with epoxy putty or a waterproof tape seal. Address leaks as early as possible.

  • Sharing a Pipeline

You might not know it’s happening but leaking pipes is common to happen.  

A shared main pipe that serves multiple houses at once can lead to a large pressure drop for the houses at the end of the neighbourhood.

Building your own dedicated pipeline for your home than connected to the main pipe is likely prohibited and also expensive. What you can do is use water while your neighbours aren’t using it. You should also keep in contact with a plumber to find out whether or not your neighbour’s plumbing issues also extend to your place.

  • Too many People Using Water at Once

Coordinating with people in water usage can prevent low water pressure.   

If you are living with a big family or you’re living in an apartment building, then this issue may occur. With some cooperation, this problem can be easily solved. You may be experiencing low water pressure in the kitchen due to someone else using the shower in the other room or low water pressure in the shower is happening because your washing machine is running.

  • Problems with the Water Softener System

A water softener works as a filter system that uses an ion-transfer mechanism to extract calcium and magnesium minerals from the city line’s water to your home. These calcium and magnesium minerals are usually the most common and dangerous result of hard water. Water softeners do have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. A water softener is needed if you live in certain areas where hard water is prevalent.

If you have an older model, it could be what causes low water pressure. If it isn’t old, then the issue may be a clogged sediment filter or too much dirt accumulated in the pipes. If so, clean your tank to avoid these problems or ask a plumber if you need to purchase a new one.

If you are running out of options, seek a professional plumber.

Low water pressure is not something to take lightly. Not only does it result in hassles and inconveniences but it can also put your water quality at stake. Dealing with low water pressure can be time-consuming. You may be tempted to try to fix the problem on your own, however, DIY-ing your plumbing can cause various issues, and we advise against it.

Instead, get in touch with a plumber at Plumbing Authority. Consulting a well-trained plumber is the ideal way to fix any problem especially if there are a variety of factors involved.

Whether or not you’ve done your own investigations and have isolated the problems, you need the help of professional plumbers to deal with the issue effectively. Give us at Plumbing Authority a call. We will conduct an inspection and resolve any issues quickly. With years of experience in the industry and a stellar track record of fixing various plumbing issues, we also have the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to provide lasting solutions. If you need a reliable plumber in King City, Tecumseth, Bolton, or Caledon, give us a call at 647-992-7473.