Low water pressure in residential plumbing (lower than 40 psi) turns ordinary days into a series of nuisances. It starts with a morning shower that takes so long because the water from the showerhead may as well come from a sprinkling can. Then trying to wash anything in the sink turns into a slog. Filling up a glass with water takes twice as long … all around, you don’t want low water pressure!
The good news: you can fix water pressure troubles in your house, often with a call to a professional plumber in Lawrenceville, GA. Low water pressure can happen for a range of reasons, from small to large, and we’re going to look at the most common of them. Knowing these facts will help you take the next steps to get your plumbing back in shape and your days easier once again.
Municipal water supply troubles
The first cause of low water pressure to consider is that it isn’t coming from your home’s plumbing but from the municipal water supply. At times, water pressure can decline over several blocks of homes and other buildings due to troubles at the nearest pumping station. You can check on this with a quick call to a neighbor to ask if they’re experiencing low water pressure. If they are, reach out to the local utility company to see when they’ll have the problem resolved. Until then, hang tight.
Stuck water main valve
The valve on the water main to your house allows shutting off the water entirely in case of flooding or to allow for service to the pipes. This valve can become partially stuck and restrict the flow of water into the house. Check the valve: it’s usually located on the municipal side of your water meter. Turn it all the way open to see if this fixes the water pressure trouble.
Hard water deposits
Hard water creates many problems for a home’s plumbing. The minerals from hard water create deposits along the inside of pipes, and over time this lowers the available volume in the pipes and cuts off water flow. If this is the source of low water pressure in your home, you’ll probably need to have repiping done. We also recommend installing a water softener to prevent future hard water troubles.
Decaying water main
The biggest and most concerning source for a drop in water pressure is damage to the water main, the buried water pipe that brings fresh water to your house. This line can corrode as well as pick up hard water deposits, creating a blockage in the pipe. It can also begin to leak, leading to less water entering the house and water pressure dropping. If your house is more than 50 years old, the water main may be in a state of advanced decay. Plumbers can patch up water mains, but for older ones, it’s best to replace the line. (Yes, the water main is a homeowner’s responsibility, not the city’s.)
We’re here to help you with water pressure problems and all your other plumbing needs.
At Snellville Heating, Air and Plumbing, “Your comfort Is OUR Business!” Call us when you have plumbing concerns that need great solutions.
