Plumbing 101 - Fixing Low Water Pressure Issues

Low water pressure can disrupt many different home tasks such as bathing

, showering, flushing toilets, and make washing dishes very difficult and time-consuming. It can be a very annoying experience trying to perform water related home duties when there is low water pressure. However, there are many things a homeowner can do to identify and fix low water pressure issues.

The following is a guide on fixing low water pressure issues:

1. Check to see if the problem is an inside or outside issue. Check the main water valve which is the valve where the main water line enters the home. This valve should be completely open. If the pressure coming out seems up to par and the water pressure is still low, check the inside of the home.

2. Inside the home, check the pressure gauge on the water pump. It should register at about 35 psi. If the pump is registering a low PSI, try recalibrating the pump to increase the pressure. You can also install a water pressure booster unit that will help increase the water pressure.

3. Check to make sure the shut-off valve is completely open. Then, examine the pipes for any cracks that may be causing a leak. Also, replace old copper piping with larger diameter PVC piping as it can improve the amount of water flowing through your pipes.

4. Check all of the faucets in the home to see if there is a leak. Replace or clean the aerator if it is full of sediment in the sink faucets. The aerator is a small screen located inside the faucet, and it can become clogged with mineral deposits. Also, check the showerhead. You do this by removing the showerhead and checking the build up of deposit. If there is build up of sediment, scrub the showerhead, including the filter to get rid of the sediment. If it is really covered in mineral deposit, soak it in vinegar overnight and then rinse it off in the morning. Reinstall the showerhead and check to see if the pressure has been restored.

5. Check to see if the toilet has normal pressure. The toilet valve should be completely open. You may also have a blockage which will require plunging or the use of a toilet snake. If you think you may have a silent leak, perform a 'silent leak' test using dye.

6. Check the fixtures for any clogs. You can plunge to get rid of the clogs, use a sink auger for the sinks drain pipes, and toilet snake for the toilet. For sinks, you can use a chemical drain cleaner to break up and remove the clog. As well, for toilets, you can add a bacterial enzyme additive to keep lines clear. If the washing machine has low water pressure, look for kinks in the rubber pipe in the back of the machine.

If you are unable to resolve a low water pressure, you should contact the water company to check the meter to make sure it is operating correctly. If that is fine, you should contact a professional plumbing company who will have the expertise and tools to identify the source of the low water pressure and repair the problem.

by: Adriana Noton.

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