Low water pressure can be one of the most frustrating, and even perhaps alarming, of plumbing problems you might deal with. You may be in the shower when it happens, or washing your dishes, or doing any other daily task that depends on a pressurized stream of water. In some cases, there is a simple fix for your water pressure woes. In others, it may be necessary to call in a professional plumber in Tumwater, WA.
Keep reading to learn more about what causes low water pressure, and what you can do about it.
Is It Only Occurring in One Faucet?
This is the first thing you’ll want to check—determine if it’s only one faucet or fixture that’s experiencing pressure loss. If it is, then it’s likely that all you need to fix it is a little bit of time, and a pair of pliers to remove what’s called the aerator.
The aerator is a small screen that rests at the end of most faucets, in order to help control water pressure and keep it flowing out smoothly. However, this screen can get clogged up, particularly if your home is susceptible to hard water. Hard Water is the name we give to water with a high level of the minerals magnesium and calcium in it.
The minerals that create hard water aren’t bad for your health, per say, but they are bad for your plumbing, causing a number of issues including—you guessed it—low water pressure!
To fix this problem in a single faucet, you’ll want to:
- Use pliers to remove the aerator from the end of the faucet.
- Inspect the aerator for debris, and try rinsing or tapping it out.
- Reinstall the aerator.
- Turn on both the hold and cold water to ensure water pressure has been restored to where it was before.
If this doesn’t work, then it is likely time to call in a professional plumber.
Is Low Water Pressure Impacting the Whole Home?
If the drop in water pressure is widespread, then there is something more serious going on than simply a small mineral buildup. Your main water line might be in jeopardy, which is reason enough alone to call in a pro ASAP.
Sometimes, it ends up that the main water shut-off valve was slightly closed off, or that the pressure-reducing valve needs adjusting. Other times, though, the problem is more severe.
Prolonged mineral buildup may have clogged up the pipes, which could mean you need a thorough cleaning or perhaps even pipe replacement. Or, there might be a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. It could even be a problem with the municipal water supply. Though that’s rare, it may be a good idea to check first before jumping to any conclusions.
“How Can I Check for a Leak?”
Calling a pro is the best way to go, but you can also check by turning off all your sinks, showers, and plumbing appliances for a half hour, then reading your water meter to check to see if any change has occurred in that time. If so, it means water is leaving your system despite having no plumbing fixtures on.
For quality plumbing services, contact Brooks Plumbing Co. today.
