We all know how frustrating it can be to have low water pressure! You turn on the faucet to wash dishes or step into the shower, and all you get is a trickle or a weak stream.
It’s certainly true that we tend not to think about where our water comes from. Water is rarely considered until there’s a problem. As such, we’re not sure what to do when we have problems with water pressure. Finding the solution can certainly be perplexing.
What is causing my low water pressure?
Here are a few tips about what might be causing your low water flow, as well as ways to fix the problem.
The pipes are clogged
You’re probably familiar with clogs beneath your drains. Hair, grease, or other substances can cause clogs. But clogs can also form in the depths of your plumbing system, where you can’t see them. Even a small clog can affect your water pressure, so it may be necessary to call a plumber with the equipment necessary to locate the problem.
The pipes are leaking
Some leaks are easy to find, like the ones that flood your basement. But small leaks can also mess with your water flow, redirecting the water supply elsewhere. The full flow won’t come from the faucets inside or outside your house. Often, however, it takes more than one leak to affect your water pressure. If you’ve eliminated simpler causes, you should have a plumber look closely at your entire system.
Your water supplier has an issue
The reason for low water pressure can be much simpler than problems with your pipes. Sometimes it’s as simple as an issue with the company supplying the water. A good way to eliminate this possibility is to ask neighbors if they have similar pressure problems. If they are, it could be the supplier. If not, it’s probably something happening inside or outside your home.
Your municipality has altered water regulations
Yes, your local city or town can govern how your water flows. If you’re unhappy with the water pressure, you may want to hire a plumber to install a water pressure booster system. These can be tricky to install yourself, so hiring a professional is wise.
A fixture may be faulty
If you only have a problem in one place, it could be a faulty fixture. Old showerheads and bad faucets can be reasons your low water flow. To determine if this is the cause, remove the head or the faucet and turn on the water. If pressure seems normal, you’ll know what to replace.
Faulty valves
Shut-off valves control the water that comes into your house. If one or more is not working correctly, your water pressure will decrease. If you know where the valves are located, you can check them to see if they’re tight and in good condition. If you find that one (or more) is hard to turn or looks rusty, this might be the problem. A hard-to-turn valve means the water coming into your house may be reduced, while a valve that’s too tight will also keep the pressure low.
Your pressure regulator may malfunction – If you have a pressure regulator inside your house, it might cause your water pressure issue. Adjusting it isn’t always an easy DIY project, so call your plumber to look at it if you think it might be a problem.
Getting help with your low water pressure
While there are certainly some items on this list that you can address on your own, many problems demand the help of a plumber. Furthermore, if the low water supply has been a constant problem, your plumber may be able to come up with a long-term solution so that it’s never an issue again.
At Urban Water Works, we have the tools necessary to assess your problem, like fiber-optic video lines we can feed through your pipes, and we stand ready to help you decipher and address your low water pressure issues. For a consultation or to chat more about our services, call us at 604-790-8993.