What Causes Low Water Pressure?

May 22, 2023

Do you often find yourself frustrated while showering because of low water pressure? Has your morning routine been thrown off track due to the lack of adequate water pressure in your home? Low water pressure can be a bothersome issue, but its cause is easily hidden. Finding the root cause of why you are experiencing lower-than-normal ranges can bring relief once it's identified and fixed, so it's best to tackle this task as soon as possible.

Let’s go over some common causes of low water pressure and what steps you can take when troubleshooting this issue!

Identify whether the low water pressure is happening throughout the house or just in one area

Sometimes low water pressure can be caused by issues with the water supply from the local water authority. This could be due to issues like pipe damage, water main breaks, or maintenance work being done on the system.

Investigate if any changes have been made to the plumbing system recently

If your main shutoff valve is not fully opened, this could lead to substantial degradation in pressure that could take some time to resolve. Another factor to consider is yellow sediment buildup in your water meter and supply lines that may result from normal use over time but can easily be remedied with annual flushing if caught early enough. Lastly, one should make sure all connections are tight, secure, and not leaking, as even minor seepage in any part of the system can lead to drops in water pressure gradually over time.

See if there is a build-up of sediment at the bottom of your water tank

If there’s enough sediment buildup, it can interfere with all of the flow coming in and out of the tank and slow down the pressure or make it go away altogether. Although this problem can be very irritating and inconvenient, the solution is surprisingly straightforward; you simply must flush out all this mineral residue regularly in order to keep your water pressure strong and steady. Fortunately, with just a bit of effort, you can return your tank to normal functioning and get back to your daily routine.

Check to see whether your pipes are clogged

Without proper maintenance and care to ensure that your pipes stay clean and clear of blockages, this could lead to costly repairs and long bouts of disruption within your home. Regularly checking up on your pipes can help catch these issues early and prevent a complete system clog from developing which could leave you with no water until the problem is resolved. If facing low pressure already, it’s important to reach out for help as soon as possible to determine the source so any necessary steps can be taken to restore your system back to proper working conditions.

Inspect taps and valves for signs of corrosion or leaks

Corrosion or leaks in the plumbing system are often to blame for the low water pressure, and although it is important to address these issues sooner rather than later for safety reasons, their frequent occurrences can feel like a never-ending task. In order to more successfully prevent corrosion or leaks that may cause reduced water pressure, homeowners should check their pipes often for rust patches, puddles, and other potential signs of degradation. Periodic maintenance and pipe replacement as recommended by local professionals are good practices for quickly solving difficulties with low water pressure.

Replace a faulty pressure regulator

Pressure regulators are important components in most water systems and are responsible for controlling the water flow into a property. When they become damaged or aged, they may struggle to provide the pressure needed to adequately supply water at an acceptable level. The main causes of a faulty pressure regulator are excessive sediment buildup and corrosion, which will restrict its efficient operation over time; this can be easily identified if the pipes often become blocked or clogged up. Replacing the regulator is necessary in order to solve any issues with low water pressure.

Consider the height of your home

If you live on a hill, upper stories may struggle with water pressure, as gravity affects it. The same is true for homes on mountain sides since the plumbing system travels upward from the main line regardless of how low altitude it starts from. In both cases, special pumps can help redistribute the water and provide enough pressure for every level of the house.

Consider the age of your plumbing system

Having an out-of-date plumbing system can result in too few pipes being present or the pipes not being able to handle the necessary water flow. Fixtures can wear down quicker than normal due to the force needed to generate the right amount of water pressure. Clogged fixtures, burst pipes, and freezing elements are also common culprits of low water pressure. If addressing the problem yourself is out of the question, consulting with a professional plumber is often the best course of action to solve any problems with outdated plumbing systems causing low water pressure.

Check to see whether any construction work near your home may be affecting water pressure levels

Living near construction work can be a frustrating experience, especially when dust and noise become a daily occurrence. Unfortunately, many people in the area are also having to deal with an unwelcome consequence—low water pressure. It can be disheartening to turn on the tap, only to discover that there is either no water coming out or that the pressure is so low it feels like little more than a drizzle. Surely no one should have to cope with something like this in their home or workplace. The good news is, though, that steps can be taken to try and fix this issue and restore helpful water pressure levels. One option is to check if the homeowners' association can do anything about it, as they might have certain rights that they can use to help with solving it. If not, then another solution might be investing in a specialized water pump system designed to boost the overall flow rate and pressurize low-level water supply problems such as these.

Are you having a problem with low water pressure in your home? Give our team at Donovan Waterworks a call today at 410-240-5299.

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