Poor Tap Pressure | 4 Reasons Why You Have Low Water Pressure In Your Home
Low water pressure can occur in homes for a number of reasons and can be extremely frustrating when you're taking a shower or brushing your teeth. Your shower may subside to a trickle, your washing machine may take aeons to fill and the dribble from your tap can barely manage to rinse your dishes. If you notice any of these problems resulting in low water pressure, call your local plumber to rectify them.
Mineral And Dirt Buildup In Pipes
If dirt and minerals build up in your pipes, then the flow of water is restricted — resulting in low pressure. Dirt, mineral deposits, lime scale and pollutants can enter into your home's pipes when there is a fractured line or if the water quality is poor. If you have old pipes, mineral deposits are sometimes unavoidable over time. Even a small amount of sediment can cause blockages in your plumbing pipes. Your local plumber may need to decide whether cleaning or replacement is more suited to your problem.
Damaged Pressure Regulators
Pressure regulators are preset by the manufacturer and don't need usually to be adjusted. But sometimes a pressure regulator goes bad and needs to be replaced. In some instances valves within the pressure regulator are partially or completely turned off by accident. You must first confirm that the main shut off valve is completely open. If it is shut, simply turn it on and your pressure should be back to normal. If your pressure regulator is damaged, then a licensed plumber will need to fix and replace it.
Plumbing Leaks
If your bathroom pipes have holes or are leaking in places, then this is likely to affect flow and will result in low water pressure. Checking for leaks can be difficult on your own because the problem is perhaps somewhere internal. If you notice any visible leaks, then this is an obvious sign of low water pressure.
Water Supply Malfunctions
Your problems with low water pressure sometimes have nothing to do with your own piping system. To see whether the problem lies externally, check with your neighbours to find out whether the issue plagues the whole community. You may need to get in touch with your local water authorities if everyone is facing the same problem. In some instances, a pressure boost system will help increase water pressure to your desired levels.
Low water pressure can be frustrating. If you are unable to correct the problem on your own, your local plumber may need to check and fix it.