Why Does My House Have Low Water Pressure?

Why Does My House Have Low Water Pressure?

We’ve all had to deal with low water pressure every now and then – especially if multiple appliances and people are using water at the same time in your home. If low water pressure has become a constant issue, however, it’s time to start troubleshooting the cause and find a solution. Southern Air is here to share some reasons why your home may have low water pressure.

Water Supplier Issues

Before you start messing with pipes or call a plumber, ask around to your neighbors to see if they’re experiencing similar issues. If so, it’s likely that your water supplier is experiencing a problem. Don’t assume they already know about it — call your water supplier to make sure they’re aware of the low water pressure you’re experiencing and see if they’re in the process of fixing it. If they’re already working to fix your water pressure, you’ll just have to wait it out.

In addition, changes to city water regulations can cause a change in water pressure. In this case, the water supplier can’t do anything to increase water pressure in your home. You’ll need to invest in a water pressure booster in your home to fix it.

Check the Main Water Shutoff Valve

If you’ve had plumbing work done recently, locate your home’s main water shutoff valve to ensure that it’s open all the way. The technician may not have properly reopened it. The valve will most likely be located where the main water line enters your home. Follow these steps for the two possible valve types to open it all the way:

• If the valve has a lever, turn it so the handle is in line with the pipe or parallel to it.
• If the valve has a wheel, like the one for your outdoor spigot, turn it counterclockwise as far as it will go. Then turn it a quarter turn clockwise to keep it from getting stuck.

If your water company has recently done work on your home, the water meter valve may be the cause. This valve belongs to the water company and is often hard to get to or even underground. You’ll need to call the company and have them send someone out to fix it for you.

Does Your Home Have a Pressure Regulator?

Your home’s pressure regulator, if you have one, is likely installed right after the main water shutoff valve. Check that the regulator is set to 50 psi, the default setting, or whatever reading is normal for your home. If the regulator is set correctly but the water pressure isn’t as it should be, it’s likely time for a new one. For increased water pressure, call on a trusted plumber to install a new water pressure regulator for you.

It’s All in the Pipes

If none of the above solutions resulted in better water pressure for your home, the problem lies within your pipes. Several plumbing issues could be the source of your low water pressure:

• Clogged Pipes: Over time, buildup in your plumbing system can cause lower water pressure because not as much water can flow through the blocked pipes at once.
• Corroded Pipes: How old is your home’s plumbing? Do you know what they’re made of? Galvanized pipes can begin corroding after only 20 years, and copper pipes may do so after 50 years. If your plumbing system is older than its expiration date, corrosion in the pipes may be causing leaks that lower the water pressure.
• Leaking Pipes: Damage to your home’s plumbing, even one pipe, can cause leaks that lower the water pressure in a part or all of your home. Check all of the pipes you have access to for signs of leaks.

If you suspect any of these problems, call a professional plumber right away. Low water pressure may be annoying, but losing money from leaks that wastewater is even more annoying.

Shared Pipelines

While it’s not very common, an inspection from your plumber may find that you share a water supply line with your neighbor. Just like too much water usage within your home can lower its water pressure, too much water pressure between two homes with a shared pipeline will lower the water pressure in both. To solve this problem, try experimenting with slight changes to your schedule to share the water pressure better.

However, you may decide that it’s best to invest in replacing the pipeline with two separate ones. If this is your choice, find a plumbing company that won’t overcharge you with hidden fees.

Whether you need help with a clogged pipe or full pipe replacement, Southern Air Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is the Central Louisiana plumbing company you can trust to help you find the best solution. Contact us today to begin a service request.