Low water pressure in your home can be a frustrating inconvenience. Whether you are taking a shower, washing your hands, or hosing off your car, you need a substantial amount of water pressure to get the job done right. While low water pressure isn’t an emergency, it is cause for concern. Low water pressure in a faucet means something is going on with your plumbing that needs your attention.
Most low water pressure issues can be fixed easily, but some will require assistance from a professional plumber Oshawa. When you are experiencing low water pressure in your faucets, it could indicate something more serious with your plumbing. Try identifying the problem yourself first, but be sure to call in the help of an expert if the issue is beyond your ability to fix.
A certified plumber can help find the source of your low water pressure and will be able to recommend the best way to fix it. This will alleviate the problem and prevent more significant issues from occurring in the future.
If you are experiencing low water pressure in a faucet, here are the seven most common causes to investigate:
Cause #1: Hard water build-up
Your water contains many different minerals. Some of these minerals include sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals give this water the name “hard water.” Over time, these minerals can build up on the inside of your pipes and the mesh cartridges covering your faucet.
When this build-up becomes too great, it can reduce the amount of water that can flow through your pipes and therefore cause a reduction in your water pressure. Many home remedies can help rectify this problem, such as flushing vinegar and boiling water through your pipes.
Cause #2: Old water pipes
Unfortunately, your pipes won’t last forever. Galvanized steel pipes will only last approximately 20 years before they have to be replaced, while copper pipes can last up to 50 years. After this time, pipes can begin to rust, and the corrosion material can build up in your plumbing system. This reduces the amount of water flowing freely through your pipes and decreases water pressure.
If you suspect that your pipes may be out of date and could be suffering from corrosion, a certified plumber can investigate for you.
Cause #3: A closed main shut-off valve
Your main house shut-off valve is usually located beside an exterior wall in your basement. This valve controls water flow to your home from the municipal water supply facility. If this valve isn’t fully opened, it will affect the flow of water into your home, causing a reduction in water pressure.
Once you have located your main shut-off valve, ensure it is moved to the fully open position. A lever-type valve means moving the lever until it is parallel with the pipe. For a tape-type valve, twist it clockwise until it is open all the way.
Cause #4: A faulty water meter valve
Your water meter valve also controls the flow of water into your home. Unless you have recently had plumbing work performed in your home, it is unlikely that you will have had any need to touch this valve.
If you have had work done and are now experiencing low water pressure, it is possible that the valve wasn’t fully opened after the work was complete. Get in touch with your plumber or water supplier and have them fix this.
Cause #5: A failing pressure regulator
Some houses have a pressure regulating valve that keeps your water pressure at a safe level. Water pressure that is too low can be annoying, but if your water pressure gets too high, it can cause serious problems and damage your plumbing. Over time, these gauges can break, causing your water pressure to plummet. When this happens, the water flow from your faucets will be reduced to a trickle.
You can call in a plumber to fix this problem and replace the regulator, or you can check it yourself if you have a water pressure gauge. You can attach this gauge to an outdoor faucet and turn the tap on. Your water pressure should read at around 50 psi. Anything lower than 30 psi is too low, and a reading above 80 psi is too high.
Cause #6: A leak
A leak somewhere in your plumbing could cause your water pressure to be significantly decreased. Besides this, it will greatly increase your water bill and could damage the structural integrity of your home.
Check your plumbing for the source of the leak, and look for areas of your home that are damp or where water is pooling. It is essential to call in a plumber as soon as possible if you suspect that your pipes could be leaking.
Cause #7: Shared pipelines
Some houses share pipelines with their neighbours. This means that if your neighbour is watering their lawn or doing their laundry, the pressure in your home will be decreased. The easiest way to fix this problem is to have a plumber come in and separate your pipeline from your neighbours.
