subject: Low Water Pressure? Increasing Water Pressure May Not Require Water Line Repairs [print this page] Low Water Pressure? Increasing Water Pressure May Not Require Water Line Repairs
Low water pressure can be caused by various issues. To increase water pressure may not require water line repairs or a water line replacement. Interestingly many people have low water pressure and don't even realize it. Some indications of low water pressure:
When water temperature changes depending on usage in the property. An example would be if when someone flushes a toilet and the water gets hot in the shower.
A pressure drop if two or more plumbing fixtures are used at the same time.
Two people cannot use the showers in two bathrooms or more at the same time.
None of the above issues are 'normal' for a house with adequate water pressure. People may become accustomed to living with such conditions, but they affect everyone's quality of life and to increase water pressure is not a difficult issue.
Increasing water pressure can be as easy as cleaning out the strainers of every sink and outlet. Making sure all water valves are fully open is also a very good idea. Sometimes a water meter can become blocked, or there may be a piece of galvanized pipe in the house plumbing system. Frequently a handy homeowner can check out simple problems. But many times a licensed plumber or water main contractor should be called to professionally check out the situation. Balkan does provide free site visits, free no obligation written estimates, and can recommend an appropriate licensed plumber if they cannot handle the particular issue. This link provides additional information: Low Water Pressure. In some cases water line repairs may be needed. Frequently houses have been upgraded over the years with:
Additional plumbing fixtures.
Additional bathrooms.
Added living units.
Change in the use of the building.
All of these issues could mean water line repairs to increase water pressure. This would mean sizing out the water service for its present use and seeing if the present water line and 'tap' connection are sufficient. As an example a one family house could have been built with one bathroom and one kitchen. It is not uncommon for one or two additional bathrooms to have been added, an additional kitchen, and a lawn sprinkler system. A lawn sprinkler system can be adjusted to run when you are asleep, but the other additional fixtures were never meant to be serviced by the original water main. So, the original water main will not supply proper water pressure. Very important to keep in mind, a larger water main does not mean a larger water bill. A mechanical device such as a pump is always a last resort solution to low water pressure. Mechanical devices require maintenance, electricity, and eventually wear out. A 'one time' and final solution for water pressure may be to perform water line repairs and upgrade the water service and 'tap' connection to meet the current demand for water usage after other options have been explored. In the outer boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx a typical water main service upgrade to increase water pressure will cost less than you might imagine, provide a permanent solution, and make your house a more enjoyable place to live in.
