What Causes Low Water Pressure?
We use water for just about everything in our homes, from cooking and cleaning to bathing and drinking. So, when the water pressure starts to drop, it can be quite a nuisance. The good news is that there are a number of different things that can cause low water pressure, and many of them are relatively easy to fix.
1. Leaking Pipes
If there’s a leak in your home’s plumbing, it can reduce the amount of water that’s available to your fixtures, leading to lower water pressure. To check for leaks, take a look at your water meter. If it’s running even when all the water in your home is turned off, that’s a sure sign that you have a leak somewhere. Usually, the culprit is a faulty pipe or fixture. Once you identify the source of the leak, you can have it repaired or replaced as needed. To prevent this issue in the future, make sure to have your plumbing regularly inspected and repaired as needed.
2. Clogged Pipes
Another common cause of low water pressure is clogged pipes. Over time, your pipes can become filled with all sorts of gunk, including rust, mineral deposits, and even dirt and debris. This buildup can restrict water flow and cause your water pressure to drop. The best way to clear clogged pipes is to have a professional plumber come out and take care of it for you. To reduce the chances of this happening, make sure to avoid putting anything down your drains that doesn’t belong there, such as coffee grounds, grease, or food waste.
3. Corroded Pipes
If your home has older plumbing, it’s more likely to consist of metal pipes. These pipes are susceptible to corrosion, which can cause them to deteriorate and become clogged. As a result, you may start to experience low water pressure. To know for sure, take a look at your pipes. If they’re discolored or flakey, they may be corroded and in need of replacement. Unless you’re a professional plumber, it’s best to leave this job to the experts. Also, replacing your pipes with newer, more durable materials, and other corrosion control methods can help to prevent this issue from happening in the future.
4. Municipal Water Issues
In some cases, low water pressure may not be an issue with your home’s plumbing at all. If you’ve been experiencing low water pressure for a while, it could be that your municipality is having water issues of its own. This is most common in areas that are experiencing drought conditions. In these cases, water usage is restricted, which can lead to low water pressure for everyone in the area.
5. Pressure Regulators
If your home has a pressure regulator, also known as a pressure-reducing valve, it’s possible that the problem lies there. These devices are designed to keep water pressure at a safe level. They do so by slowly closing off as water pressure increases. As they begin to fail over time, it can cause water pressure to drop suddenly, leading to the problems that you’re experiencing. To fix this, you’ll need to have a professional plumber come out and service your pressure regulator.
6. Water Main Break
If none of the other causes seem to be the problem, it’s possible that you have a water main break. This simply means that there’s a break in the main water line that supplies your home. Water main breaks are usually caused by corrosion, construction work, or even earthquakes. If you suspect that you have a water main break, the best thing to do is call your municipality and have them come out to take a look.
At Price’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with low water pressure. We also know that it’s not always an easy problem to fix on your own. That’s why we’re here to help residents of Mount Laurel Township and the surrounding area. Our team of skilled and experienced plumbers can quickly diagnose the problem and get it fixed so you can get back to your normal routine. Contact us today at (856) 325-9719 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you!