Why is the water pressure low? The most prominent 6 reasons
When you try to rinse your hair under a shower head that barely produces a drop of water, you may wonder why the water pressure is weak ? Which can make your morning stressful. Or when you try to wash the dishes and fill the bathtub, you become frustrated due to the weak water pressure , and wonder?!
Why is the water pressure low? The most prominent 6 reasons
Low water pressure may be in one room or place, or it may affect the entire house. Here are some common causes Low water pressure and how to fix it.
1-Leaks
One of the main causes of low water pressure is leaky pipes . Plumbing leaks divert water flow elsewhere, making you feel weak water pressure .
Some leaks are easy to identify by sound or moisture in the area. It would be best to close all the water taps in the house, register the water meter and check the meter after a few hours, and if it shows increased water usage, then you probably have a leak in your home.
If you have access to your pipes, turn off the water supply and dry the outside of the leaking pipe as much as possible. Then wrap a rubber patch around the cracked or corroded spot and use electrical tape and a pipe repair clamp to attach the rubber patch to the pipe.
This will not solve your problem forever, but it may prevent further damage for a few days, then call a plumber as soon as possible to solve this problem because leaky pipes can cause damage to the house and may also contaminate drinking water. 6 reasons for water tank leakage in homes
2-Closed valves
Most homes usually have a shut-off valve, a water meter valve, and a main shut-off valve.
If you notice low water pressure throughout the house, one of these valves may be closed or partially closed. Some of them are sometimes difficult to reach, especially those located underground, especially if you have recently completed work in your home, and you started to notice a decrease in your water pressure after that. It is best to contact your water company to solve the problem.
3- Pipe blockage
Clogged pipes are detrimental to good water flow, especially older steel pipes because they are more susceptible to clogs, sediment buildup in the pipes, and corrosion over time.
Metal pipes often have a lifespan of up to 100 years, after which they are more likely to rust or break, leaving buildup inside the pipes. If you live in an older home, you may have to deal with corroded pipes at some point.
Debris, minerals, and contaminants can also build up inside pipes naturally over a short period of time in a new home. These build-ups in pipes can be caused by water that may leave behind minerals or other debris as it moves through the pipes in the home.
Therefore, plumbing chemicals are often the solution to mineral or debris buildup that causes blockages in pipes. But if the pipes are corroded, they must be replaced with new pipes, and solving the blockage problem is a big and difficult task that is best done by a plumbing professional.
4- Water pressure regulator problems
Some homes contain a valve that reduces the water pressure entering the house to a safe and comfortable level and is installed in the entrances of residential buildings or in the entrance of each residential unit (apartment) separately, to balance the pressure in the system.
Because too high water pressure can cause problems in the home and cause unnecessary stress on appliances such as dishwashers, clothes washers, etc. Therefore, the regulator protects pipes and appliances, and can extend the life of plumbing fixtures.
When a pressure regulator fails and causes a sudden increase or decrease in water pressure or when a valve is broken it can also wreak havoc on sprinkler systems and break pipes.
If you think there is a problem with your water pressure regulator and it may be the cause of the low water pressure , it is best to contact a plumbing professional as this could be because your regulator is set too low, so that it is not meeting your household's requirements. For example, does the water pressure drop in the shower at the same time as the dishwasher? Or vice versa? It could be that your water pressure regulator has failed and simply needs to be replaced.
5- Low water pressure caused by problems with municipal water valves
For homeowners whose water supply comes from the local municipality, low water pressure may be caused by valve problems. City residences connected to the municipal water supply have two important valves: one is at street level located outside your home at the water meter, and the other is the home's main water shut-off valve. If any of these valves are partially closed, you may notice a difference in water pressure.
Valve-related issues are uncommon, but if there is a sudden change in pressure, it is worth calling your local public works department to have it checked.
The water meter valve must be operated by the municipality. Especially if there have been any repairs or work done on your home recently, and your entire home has seen a sudden drop in water pressure, this is likely the culprit.
The main shut-off valve, where water enters your home, should also be checked to make sure it is fully open. You can also place the main shut-off valve inside or outside your home.
6-Prevent water pressure problems with high-quality water purifiers
Purchasing high-quality water filters is a necessity at home for many, as it opens you access to pure water whenever you want. An inexpensive but hugely impactful investment, and allows you to reduce your use of plastic and bottles at the same time.
The best way to protect your investment is to get a high-quality water softener installed by a local expert who understands the water quality in your area.
A water softener helps you avoid buildup that causes low water pressure and contributes to changing the taste and smell of your water. The good news is that it's easy to correct water problems and solve low water pressure problems with the filters that are right for you.
Be careful when repairing pipes yourself and seek help from experts to solve any pipe problems you have. Trust the experts to identify your problem, water pipe treatment, and choose the best fit for your home and family.