One of the most common household plumbing issues that homeowners experience is low water pressure. If you have noticed that the water pressure in your sinks and faucets is lower than it used to be, chances are that your plumbing is being affected by one of those common causes of low water pressure:
Debris Buildup in Pipes
Pipe blockages, even partial blockages, can cause low water pressure. Dirt, sand, solidified grease, food, or foreign objects can all build up in your home’s plumbing. Mineral buildup that occurs naturally over time can also create blockages that can interfere with water pressure. When the pipe is blocked, even partially, the water has less space to travel through, which reduces the water pressure.
Corrosion
Pipe corrosion is something almost every homeowner deals with at some point, especially in older homes. Oxidation collects on the pipe walls and narrows the space that the water can flow through. Corrosion and mineral scaling are very often found in galvanized steel pipes, which are common in older homes. Corroded pipes can develop leaks and holes and usually need to be replaced.
Water Meter Valve
If your water meter valve is closed or partially closed, it can affect the water pressure in the house. If you started noticing low water pressure only after some work was done in the house, it could be due to a closed or partially closed water meter valve.
Water Shutoff Valve
It’s a good idea to check the water shutoff valve if you notice low water pressure. It has to be fully open in order for your home to have full water pressure.
Broken Pressure Regulator
A water pressure regulator maintains constant water pressure in plumbing systems. The manufacturer should set it to the correct setting, between 45-60 psi. But if you are experiencing low water pressure, changing the setting could increase the water pressure. The regulator may also be malfunctioning and need to be replaced.
Plumbing Leaks
Low pressure is just one of the problems that can come from plumbing leaks. Plumbing leaks may not be visible to you. Often, leaks and cracks need to be found and fixed by a licensed plumber.
Water Supplier Issues
The low water pressure you’re experiencing could be due to problems with your water supplier. Talk to your neighbors to see if they are also experiencing a problem. If so, you may need to contact the local water supplier.
Get Plumbing Help For Low Water Pressure With Yogi’s Drain Service
Yogi’s Drain Service has a staff of fully licensed and experienced plumbers ready to help you with everything from diagnosing the cause of low water pressure and fixing leaks to handling plumbing emergencies around the clock. Contact Yogi’s Drain Service for all of your plumbing needs.
