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Low water pressure is one common plumbing problem faced by homeowners today. Having water run down so slowly from the shower can be really frustrating. Water pressure is simply the force or pressure needed to push water through pipes.
Typically, water companies are saddled with the responsibility of providing a certain amount of water pressure to each house. However, the precise pressure in the shower is influenced by certain factors.
These factors could range from how far or near your house is to the source of water to how much water is being used by neighbors. However, there are instances when the water pressure becomes strangely low, and this is usually due to a plumbing problem.
This problem can be caused by various plumbing issues, such as leaking pipes or a closed valve. Don't fret, though; in this article, we can help you identify the likely cause of this problem in your home. Read on!
Reasons for Low Water Pressure
There are numerous reasons why water pressure in homes or mainly in showers may become low. Here, we will cite some of these reasons and suggest possible solutions to them. They include:
Regulator devices
Most times, when water pressure from your shower suddenly drops for no apparent reason, this could indicate something is wrong with the water pressure regulator in your home.
Typically, the home water pressure regulator is set at around 45 to 65 psi (pounds per square inch) which helps to maintain a decent flow of water in your home. When it malfunctions, the water pressure in your home becomes altered.
If this happens to be the condition you are in presently, you can obtain the services of a professional plumber to come to fix it. You might be tempted to want to engage in a DIY project, but this is discouraged as it may, in turn, lead to further damage when done incorrectly.
Water valves at home
As simple as it might sound, faulty water valves are one of the reasons why the water pressure might become low. Home water valves are valves responsible for controlling the flow of water into your home.
In most circumstances, it is located in a water meter box somewhere in your home. The solution to this water valve problem is just as simple as the problem itself. Simply find the box where the home water valve is located and ensure it is always turned on.
Should this be the problem, once this is done, the water pressure should normalize. It can easily be switched off, which could be accidental, too, so always ensure it is on before checking for other faults.
Time of use
Sometimes, the cause of the problem might not even be within and could be due to something beyond you. This is where the periods within which the shower is used come into play.
Bathing early in the mornings when your neighbors are preparing for work and at night when you are back from work can also affect the pressure. It could be that the issue is due to high water usage.
If time of use is one of the reasons you suspect, you can easily put it to the test by checking the pressure of the water at other periods of the day, maybe afternoon. If confirmed, you can choose to wake up in the early hours to take your bath before going to work.
Mineral accumulations in pipes
There could also be mineral buildups in pipes over time. This is unfortunately one of the likely downsides to using galvanized pipes in your plumbing systems. The minerals keep on gathering until they begin to narrow the pipes leading to low water pressure. It happens over time with outdated pipes that are galvanized.
Trying to solve this problem can be tricky since you can do little to nothing about mineral accumulations in pipes. Removing them on your own is just a cumbersome process; you can choose to hire the services of an expert to look into it. Replacement of pipes is always the best alternative to solve this problem conclusively.
Leakages of pipes
If you have checked thoroughly and still cannot identify the cause of low water pressure in your home, there is a decent chance it is due to pipe leaks. When pipes fracture, crack or break, it becomes evident in your water pressure. This, of course, depends on where the leaky pipe is located.
The escape of water from the fractured pipes will leave your pipes with less water and hence, low water pressure. As such, you can do nothing to salvage this situation but hire a plumbing technician. The plumber will evaluate your pipes, check their integrity and come up with a solution for the damaged pipe. This might include repair or replacement.
Water heater issues
Sometimes you will notice that the issue of low water pressure only arises when you turn on the hot water. This signifies that the problem might just result from the malfunctioning water heater.
If you have every reason to suspect that this is the issue you are facing right now, it is advised that you contact your local plumber to come to check it out.
Low-flow showerhead
There is nothing bad or wrong with trying to conserve water; as a matter of fact, it is a good thing. The problem only occurs when you have been using a low-flow showerhead for so long, and it's beginning to look like you are being too prudent.
This reduces the pressure of water from your shower. It is very simple and cost-effective to solve this problem; you just have to swap the old showerhead with a new one. Are you aware of the best thing about showerhead replacement? It is easily a do-it-yourself job.
Ways to Fix Low Water Pressure in Showers
The problems associated with low water pressure can sometimes be easily fixed. Something you can handle yourself, for example, is issues related to showerheads. Other times, it can be a problem slightly beyond you that needs an expert's help. Some of the ways you can fix water pressure issues yourself include:
Check all plumbing units at home
Sometimes you may notice that the water pressure from your shower is low, but it does not apply to other plumbing fixtures at home. So, whenever you observe low water pressure from your shower head, check other plumbing systems at home before deciding what to do.
Consistent check for water leaks
Oftentimes, the reasons for low water pressure might not be severe, but it is always recommended that you check for leaks. Some of the possible signs that indicate you might be suffering from water leaks involve the following:
- Growth of mold
- Increase in water bills
- Sewage smells
- Ceilings showing water stains
- Of course, low water pressure
Taking care of showerheads
This can be done with vinegar, especially when you suspect that the likely cause of the issue is mineral buildup. Mix vinegar with hot water in a bucket and insert your shower head for some time. Remove after several hours, rinse with cold water, and reinstall it. This will significantly benefit you if you deal with hard water.
Removal of flow restrictors
Modern homes usually include shower heads with flow restrictors. They are installed to aid in the reduction of water usage. If you begin to experience low water pressure from your shower, consider removing the restrictor, as it will serve as a temporary fix until you can hire a plumber.
Checking water heaters
Your home's water heater can sometimes cause low water pressure. However, this is rare but not inadmissible. It should be checked often and also flushed when needed because of sediment buildup over time.
Dealing With Low Water Pressure
Provided the aforementioned are checked thoroughly, problems associated with low water pressure will, for the most part, not be a problem. Contacting professionals should always be your first point of call if you cannot identify a problem after checking. These professionals can assist with more than just low water pressure. They can help with blocked drains as well as drain cleaning.
