If you’re like most people, you don’t think about water pressure until yours is low. Simple tasks like cooking, showering, or washing your hands all become frustrating and painstakingly slow when there’s low water pressure in your house. Even worse, they can also be signs of more complex issues with your plumbing system.
This post will walk you through some of the most common causes of low water pressure and how to recognize them. If any of these situations sound familiar, call your plumber so you can get your water system taken care of.
Understanding Your Home’s Water Pressure
First, let’s discuss what water pressure is and why maintaining the right pressure matters.
Water pressure describes how forcefully water moves from the water main, through pipes, and into your home. You experience this with how quickly, how much, and how forcefully the water comes out when you turn on your sink, hose, shower, etc.
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). A normal PSI for homes is between 40 and 80 PSI, and an ideal PSI is around 60.
Low water pressure in your house makes it difficult to do multiple things that require water at once (e.g., filling the bathtub and running the dishwasher at the same time) and slows down routines—things like laundry cycles or showers may take longer to do effectively. Exceedingly high water pressure can damage your appliances and pipes and lead to water waste.
Why Is My Water Pressure Low?
A lot of things could be causing the low water pressure in your house, but here’s a few of the most common causes.
Clogged Pipes
Buildup of minerals and debris in your pipes can restrict water flow and decrease your water pressure. If the low water pressure is localized to one area of your home or a specific outlet, or if gurgling noises accompany the weak drip, you may have a case of clogged pipes.
Corroded Plumbing
Older homes often have galvanized pipes, which corrode as water runs through them over the years. The corrosion narrows the inside of the pipe and makes it harder for water to flow, reducing pressure. It can also deposit lead and other substances into your water, making it unsafe. Rust-colored water is another indicator that you should look into replacing your pipes.
Leaking Pipes
As water runs through your pipes, it may escape through leaks. Less water will make it to the faucet or other outlet, resulting in a pressure drop. Leaks can be tricky to identify because they often occur underground or behind walls, but mildew, foul odors, unexplained wet spots, or dripping noises can all be signs that a leak is causing the low water pressure in your house.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator has a spring that controls how much water can enter through a valve to keep your water pressure even. If your water pressure is inconsistent or you hear strange noises when you turn on the water, there could be an issue with the regulator. Consult a reliable plumber for a sure diagnosis.
High Demand on Water System
Ideally, multiple home water sources could be used at once without any issues. Sometimes, however, high demand makes it difficult for your system to get enough water into all the right places at the right time.
Pay attention to when you’re experiencing low water pressure in your house: Are multiple showers being used at once? Are the washing machine, dishwasher, and sprinklers being run at the same time? If the low pressure aligns with high usage, try creating a schedule for different tasks that require water or installing a water pressure booster to help you stay efficient.
How Can I Maintain Optimal Water Pressure?
A few basic home care practices can help your water pressure stay at an optimal level, protecting your appliances and keeping your routine intact.
- Schedule Regular Maintenance: Plumbing pros know the ins and outs of plumbing systems, and consulting with one regularly will prevent leaks, corrosion, and buildup and help you catch and resolve issues before they get out of hand.
- Install a Water Softener: This will help prevent mineral buildup that can impede water flow and wear on appliances. In addition, you’ll enjoy softer skin and hair.
- Upgrade Your Hardware: Sometimes replacements are the best option. Get a hold of a professional service company to consult about options for more efficient, modern pipes and fixtures that won’t result in low water pressure in your house.
Let Bell Cow Handle the Pressure
Your comfort, efficiency, and safety are important to us here at Bell Cow Service Company. So when you ask us for plumbing help, you’ll enjoy prompt solutions from skilled experts, honest and effective communication, and the best customer service in the area.Don’t get slowed down one more second by low water pressure in your house—schedule an appointment and get your water pressure back up to speed in no time.