Low water pressure can be frustrating, whether it’s a weak trickle from the showerhead, a washing machine that takes forever to fill, or a dribbling faucet while you attempt to do the dishes.
Let’s look at four of the most common reasons you may be experiencing low water pressure at home.
1) You Have a Water Leak
A drop in water pressure is one of the telltale signs of a plumbing or concrete slab leak. Hopefully, this will not be the case, but you should look for other indications of a water leak around the house. Or, to be sure, call a free leak detection specialist to check it out for you!
2) One of Your Shutoff Valves Is Not Fully Open
Your plumbing system has two shutoff valves. The first is the water meter valve, which belongs to your water company and is usually located underground. The second is the main shutoff valve, located where the main city supply pipe enters your home through the wall. When one of these valves is partially closed off, less water is being delivered through your pipes. If you’ve recently had repairs or other plumbing work done, you should check the main valve and call your water company to have someone check the water meter valve.
3) Your Pipes Are Clogged or Corroded
A partial clog in your pipes will block water from flowing into your home and result in low water pressure. Corroded pipes can also cause a drop in water pressure when buildup from corrosion forms a clog, or they fracture and start leaking. Your plumber can easily fix a clog, but if your pipes are old and corroded, you may need to replace them.
4) The Pressure Regulator Is Not Working
Some homes have a control valve—called a pressure regulator—in their plumbing system that keeps water pressure at a safe level so as not to damage your pipes. If your drop in water pressure is sudden and throughout the whole house, your pressure regulator may have failed. You can check for yourself by attaching a water pressure gauge to the hose spigot closest to your main line. A normal reading is usually between 40 and 80 pounds per square inch.
If you suspect a leak may be the source of your low water pressure, contact Superior Integrated Services. We’ll send an expert to your home to determine whether you’re dealing with a leak at no cost to you. If a problem is detected, we can provide the effective, affordable plumbing solutions necessary to get everything back to normal.
Fill out our contact form online or call (951)442-5399 to schedule your free leak inspection!
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