Water pressure can make a significant difference in a home's daily operations. Powerful water pressure means quicker washing machines, more forceful showers, faster pot filling, and a host of other advantages. Low water pressure, on the other hand, can turn everyday tasks into an annoying chore or a time-consuming endeavor.
Understanding the causes behind low water pressure can help you address or even prevent the issue altogether. At WM Buffington, our plumbers want to share some of the most common culprits of low water pressure and then remind you that, before you decide to tackle this problem on your own, it’s best to hire a licensed plumber to save you time and prevent additional problems.
One of the most common reasons for low water pressure is simply not having enough water flowing through. This could be due to a blockage in the pipes or a leaking pipe somewhere that’s reducing the water flow to the fixtures in your home.
Plumbing pipes are engineered to last for decades, but over time, your pipes will begin to corrode. This can create a blockage within the pipes, reducing the water pressure. This type of problem mostly affects older homes that have galvanized iron pipes.
Over time, minerals and sediment from your water can build up inside your pipes. This buildup can restrict the flow of water, causing low water pressure. A common culprit of this is hard water, which has a high level of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
A pressure regulator is a valve that automatically cuts off the flow of your water at a certain pressure. This is necessary because the pressure in the public water main is often too high for residential plumbing systems to handle. By regulating the pressure, this device helps to protect the home's plumbing system from damage due to excessive pressure. However, if it wears out or becomes faulty, it could lower the water pressure dramatically to all of the fixtures in your home.
If you live in an apartment complex or large neighborhood where you share your water supply with your neighbors, heavy water usage by others all at once can lower your water pressure.
Low water pressure isn't always your own fault. Sometimes, it's an issue with the city's water supply. Whether the city is conducting routine maintenance, repairing a broken water main, or experiencing a heavy demand due to the time of the day; these issues can lead to an overall drop in your home's water pressure.
Sometimes the cause behind low water pressure could be as simple as a partially closed main shutoff valve or water meter valve. It's worth checking these if you're experiencing low water pressure.
Addressing low water pressure issues is best handled by a professional plumber, especially when it comes to outdated plumbing systems. However, understanding these common causes may help you troubleshoot the issue easier, thus saving you time and effort.
If the problem stems from high usage in your neighborhood or city-wide issues that are beyond your control, try planning out your heaviest water usage times more efficiently to avoid the inconvenience. For all other issues, or to diagnose the problem in the first place, it’s wise to contact a local plumbing company.
Although a quick Google search or YouTube video can make any homeowner feel empowered to tackle just about any home maintenance project, when it comes to your plumbing, there are several reasons why you should leave these jobs to the experts.
First and foremost, they have the necessary skills, experience, and tools to diagnose and fix the problem quickly and efficiently. They understand plumbing systems in detail and will not only fix the immediate issue, but also identify the root cause so that it doesn’t happen again.
Secondly, by trying to fix these issues on your own without the proper knowledge and tools, there's a high risk of causing additional damage or creating new problems. For instance, you could damage pipes, joints, or fixtures, leading to leaks or other issues that could result in greater water damage or costly repairs.
Thirdly, a licensed and certified plumber is knowledgeable about building codes and regulations. They can ensure that their work is compliant, which can give you peace of mind and protect you from potential legal issues or fines. For example, if you're ignoring low water pressure, it might be violating health and safety regulations or could affect your homeowner's insurance.
Lastly, a professional plumber can provide preventative advice and tips to boost your water pressure, such as installing a water pressure booster pump or regularly cleaning aerators and showerheads to remove sediment buildup. This can save you money in the long term by avoiding frequent repairs due to recurring low water pressure issues or low flow rates from fixtures.
Contact WM Buffington for Low Water Pressure and Other Plumbing Issues
Hiring one of the professional plumbers at WM Buffington to handle your low water pressure problems means you’ll get expert service, ensures the job is done right, and reduces the risk of additional damage or complications. If you live in Harrisburg or a nearby Central Pennsylvania suburb, give us a call and let us know how we can help!
