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Low Water Pressure: When Should I Call a Professional?

Nov 13, 2019

There are a seemingly endless amount of annoyances when it comes to owning your own home, but one that frequently nears the top of the list is low water pressure. In some cases, it’s possible to adjust by yourself, but it’s often a better idea to call a professional plumber. How do you know which situation you’re in? There are a few common causes of low water pressure. Let’s take a look at them and determine which are possible to fix on your own and which you should call in the experts to handle.

DIY Fixes

Water Valve Problems

Locate your shut-off valves near your water meter – there is usually one on the street side of the water meter and one on your home’s side. Find them and make sure they are fully open. If either is even somewhat closed, that could be the root of your low pressure problems. Valves that aren’t open all the way block the flow of water, causing low pressure out of your pipes. Open them up and you’ve found an easy solution!

Check on Your Fixtures

Another quick and easy fix is to service your water fixtures. If you’re getting low pressure from just one or two locations in your house, e.g. your shower head or kitchen sink, but the rest of the house seems fine, those particular fixtures might need some attention. Check them for built-up limestone, dirt, grime, or rust and ensure that the faucet’s screen is clear. You can clean them up by following  this method , but if they’re too gunked up, you may need to replace them. Don’t sweat it, though – replacing faucets can be an easy DIY day job. Just be sure to turn off your water supply beforehand, or you’ll be dealing with quite a mess.

Call In The Pros

Problematic Pipes

If your fixtures look good and your water valves are both fully open, it’s probably time for you to call in a professional plumber. They can take a more in-depth look at your pipes and figure out where the problem is. If your home is older, there’s a good chance you have a clog somewhere; they can take a while to build up and become noticeable. A plumber can bring in a scope to find the clog and get rid of it for you.

Another unfortunate cause could be that your pipes have corroded. Corroded pipes can cause a number of serious problems like leaks and contamination, so keep your fingers crossed that this isn’t the cause of your low water pressure. The solution to corrosion is simply to replace your plumbing, which is an expensive and time-consuming solution. Pipe corrosion can cause a number of  health problems , so if you suspect that it’s the cause of your low water pressure, call in a professional right away.

Faulty Pressure Regulator

If your home’s plumbing has a  pressure regulator , low water pressure may indicate that it is failing. Pressure regulators do exactly as their name implies – they regulate the water pressure. Too high or too low water pressure means that the regulator isn’t working properly and needs to be replaced.

Inadequate Water Supply Line

Your main water supply line has been in place since your home was built, so if you have done remodeling and added any water fixtures to your home, your main line may be insufficient for the demand you now have. Call up a local plumber or contractor to pull up records verifying the size of your main supply line and they’ll be able to determine if it’s still acceptable or if it’s causing your low water pressure.

 
If you have low water pressure in your home, you don’t have to “just deal with it” and wait for the problem to get worse. Try out our DIY solutions and if they don’t seem to be the cause,  contact us  today at Lutz Plumbing for a trusted professional opinion.

 

 

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