We quickly forget how things like water pressure, hot water, and our plumbing, in general, has such an impact on the quality of our life. Low pressure usually creeps up on us over many years; then, suddenly, it becomes a significant problem, i.e., replacing the pipes in your home. Has your water pressure suddenly slowed over a short period of time? Then it’s time to check with a neighbor to see if they have the same problem. If they do, you can almost guarantee your local water authorities have a project in the area, causing the pressure to slow.
Are water mains or construction taking place in your neighborhood? Then chances are the pressure has decreased. If your neighborhood is experiencing low pressure, request that your water company check your pressure.
I Have Low Water Pressure In My Bathroom
Is your low pressure coming from one specific area, such as a faucet or showerhead? If so, the cause is built-up mineral deposits in your faucet aerator or showerhead:
- Remove the old showerhead and soak it in a plastic bag with white vinegar for a couple of hours or until the deposits are easily removed. You can also use a calcium and lime remover like Jelmar CL-Calcium Remover.
- Use an old toothbrush to remove the excess mineral deposits.
- If your showerhead is old, replace it with a new low-flow showerhead.
Low-flow showerheads perform as well as standard heads, use less water, and purchase one starting at $30. If the problem is a slow-flowing faucet, then unscrew the aerator from the faucet and replace it with a new one; the cost is less than $5.
Check Your Shut-off Valve
If your home’s shut-off valve is partially closed, it could be another cause for low pressure in your home. You can usually locate the shut-off valve near the main city water supply pipe that enters your home. Make sure the valve is completely open by turning the wheel-like valve counterclockwise. In the case of a lever handle, make sure the handle is parallel to the pipe to be fully open.
You May Have A Broken Pressure Reducing Valve
Another reason for the low pressure is a broken pressure regulator, also known as a pressure-reducing valve. This bell-shaped valve is what regulates the water in your home. In most cases, it’s for reducing pressure, but a broken valve can cause low pressure. Good pressure is between 45 and 65 pounds per inch (PSI). Below 40 is considered low, and above 80 is considered high and could stress pipes and appliances. You can test your pressure by purchasing a water pressure gauge; they’re less than ten dollars at any hardware store or online.
Can Restricted Pipes Cause Low Water Pressure?
Yes, restricted pipes can cause low water pressure. When there is a blockage or restriction in the pipes, the water flow is reduced, which can lead to low pressure. In addition, a buildup of sediment, hard water mineral deposits, or other debris in the pipes can cause this. Restricted pipes are usually caused by years of hard water flowing through them.
It’s important to identify what is causing the restricted pipes to restore them back to normal flow. Although, this may involve replacing them entirely, depending on the severity of the restriction. Most pipes have a 40 to 60-year life span. However, that number could increase if you have a whole-house water treatment system, such as reverse osmosis.
Can A Slab Leak Cause Low Pressure?
Yes, a slab leak can cause low water pressure. A slab leak occurs when a leak in the water supply line runs beneath the foundation of a building. This leak can cause water to seep into the ground, which can cause the soil to shift and the foundation to become unstable. It can also cause the pressure to drop, as the water cannot flow freely through the damaged pipe.
If you suspect that you have a slab leak, you should contact a licensed plumbing contractor to assess the situation. They can use specialized equipment to locate the leak and determine the best course of action for repairing it. If left untreated, a slab leak can cause significant damage to your home or building, as well as increase your water bills due to the water loss.
High Water Pressure Is Not A Luxury
While low pressure can be quite irritating, high pressure is also a major issue. Unfortunately, most homeowners think high water pressure is a luxury. Don’t be deceived. High pressure can result in high water usage. When the pressure is too high, it can cause water to flow more quickly and forcefully through the plumbing system, resulting in increased water usage. In addition, high water pressure can also cause leaks in the plumbing system, which can further increase water usage. Leaks can occur when the pressure inside the pipes becomes too high and causes them to crack or burst, allowing water to escape.
To prevent high water usage and the associated costs, it’s important to ensure that your home’s water pressure is within the recommended range of 40-60 psi. If you suspect that your pressure is too high, make sure your pressure regulator gets set to a safe level. This can save you money on your water bill and help extend the life of your plumbing system by reducing wear and tear.
Your Appliances Could Get Affected By High Water Pressure
High pressure can be bad for your appliances. When the water pressure in your plumbing system is too high, it can cause damage to appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.
One of the main issues that high water pressure can cause is leaks. When the pressure inside the pipes is too high, it can cause them to crack or burst, leading to water leaks that can damage floors, walls, and other parts of your home.
Protect Your Appliances From High Water Pressure
These leaks can also cause your appliances to malfunction or fail altogether, leading to costly repairs or replacements. In addition, high pressure can cause excessive wear and tear on your appliances, as the high pressure can put extra stress on their components. Over time, this can lead to premature failure and the need for repairs or replacements. To protect your appliances from the negative effects of high pressure, it’s important to ensure that your home’s water pressure is within the recommended range of 40-60 psi.
We Have You Covered With A Top Notch Plumbing Expert
Are you experiencing high or low water pressure? No worries, Big B’s Plumbing has you covered! We’re a team of highly skilled plumbing experts in Murrieta, Temecula, and the greater Inland Empire in CA. In addition, our owner, plumbers, and anyone who handles credit cards have received a criminal and sex offender background check. Your safety is our top priority. Licensed, bonded, and insured C-36 plumbing contractor #986152
