Understanding Water Pressure Issues – High water pressure doesn’t sound like a problem, right? It turns out that this can actually lead to some serious problems that can affect all of the plumbing appliances in your home.
You want high water pressure while showering or washing the car, but it’s the last thing you want for your home or your water bill. Unfortunately, it can go undetected without any signs until a pressure problem causes significant damage to your home’s plumbing system.
Understanding Water Pressure Issues
High water pressure in your home can put increased pressure on the pipes, and may also lead to leaks. The solution to this serious problem is with a pressure regulator.
Why Is My Water Pressure Low?
Did you know that the average home plumbing system is not equipped to handle water pressure greater than 80 psi? Here are some reasons why you should think twice about the problem of high water pressure in your home:
This can damage your pipes. Water can be a powerful force in a home. It causes its damage over long periods of time, often without us even knowing that something is wrong. As high pressure water flows and stops in the pipes, it can cause long-term damage such as small leaks. It may not seem so bad, but these leaks can lead to structural damage and even burst pipes.
It can damage your hot water heater. When it expands when heated. Most water heaters have a thermal expansion tank to help accommodate this additional volume. But if your water pressure is consistently above 80 psi, your water heater may run out of the space needed for expanding water flow, causing major water heater failure.
Wear and tear on fixtures and appliances. Water pressure in the home is as basic as your dishwasher, washing machine, and other appliances that use water. High water pressure can shorten the life of your appliances, forcing you to replace them more often. Additionally, you’ll encounter more leaky faucets around the house, such as in the kitchen sink, a running toilet, or a shower that spits water even if you haven’t used one recently.
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You turn on a faucet with high water pressure. If you live somewhere where you have to pay for water as part of your utilities, high pressure could cost you more each month.
Are you wondering how to diagnose if your home has fallen victim to high water pressure? There are some common signs you can watch out for. Here are some of the symptoms you could experience as a result of high water pressure.
Unfortunately, high water pressure is usually caused by something beyond your control. The only precaution you can take is to regulate the pressure as water passes from the main water line into your home.
Even if your water pressure sometimes exceeds the 80 psi mark, installing a water pressure regulator on your main water line is not a bad investment. Pressure regulators will slow the flow entering your home and keep the psi at reasonable levels. This will also save you money from paying for excess water you don’t need, as well as protecting your plumbing and faucets from unwanted corrosion.
Garden Hose Depicting High And Low Pressure Flow
A water pressure gauge is a measuring device used to measure water pressure within a piping system. You can purchase one of these for about $10 at your local hardware store and check your home’s water pressure yourself. Simply connect the water pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet, and be sure to remove the hose before twisting the gauge. Then simply turn the faucet fully, then read the PSI on the gauge dial.
Water pressure plumbing repair is not something that most people feel comfortable handling on their own. The best thing you can do is call a professional plumber. A professional plumbing company, like Rescue Rooter, will help diagnose your water pressure problem and provide the right solution for your home.
If you think your home is suffering from water hammer or high water pressure, find your nearest Rescue Rooter/Location and schedule an appointment with our trained plumbers. We’re available for emergency plumbing service near you 7 days a week, too! Water pressure issues can be very frustrating to deal with, and ignoring this issue could lead to further difficulties in the future. To overcome this problem and reduce its impact, it is important to understand its possible causes.
This post will examine low water pressure in homes, as well as some of the warning signs and causes so you know when it’s time to call a plumbing professional.
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Not only can low water pressure be a source of frustration, but these restrictions on water flow make everyday tasks like washing dishes, showering, washing clothes, and watering plants more difficult.
Sinks and sinks take longer to fill with enough water, and overflowing water slows down your time to complete your daily chores, hindering your ability to complete these activities in a timely manner and get on with your life.
Low water pressure in homes can also be a major indicator that something is wrong with your plumbing system. If these issues are ignored, they can eventually wreak havoc over time and become beyond repair, causing you to need to replace your system’s components (which can be very expensive).
How do you know if the water pressure in your home suddenly drops? Here are some warning signs.
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The most obvious sign of low water pressure is a decrease in the amount of water coming out of the shower head or faucets over time. If it used to take 30 seconds to fill a cup, but now it takes longer, you’re probably having water pressure issues.
If the water pressure fluctuates and changes frequently, this may indicate problems with low water pressure.
This is often caused by obstructions in your plumbing system, preventing water from moving freely through the pipes and causing varying levels of stress.
Another symptom of low or no water pressure in homes is hearing banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds when using the shower head or faucet. This can be caused by trapped air being released when the water moves through the pipes and becomes active again.
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When the water pressure is too low, the shower head may splash or spray inconsistently instead of providing a consistent flow. However, this may indicate problems with the aerator in the shower head, which should regulate and maintain water flow.
Over time, debris can build up in pipes and cause clogs that reduce the space available for water flow in homes and cause variable pressure levels.
Corrosion in the pipes is also another possible cause. Corrosion is rust that forms around the metal walls of pipes, which slowly wears away and creates the potential for cracks (which then lead to leaks).
Call a plumber immediately if you suspect your pipes have become clogged or corroded. The plumber will remove any built-up deposits, replace any worn parts, and make sure you have clean drain pipes to restore normal pressure levels.
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A faucet or showerhead aerator works to maintain and regulate water flow, but deposits such as calcium and lime can build up over time and lead to clogs.
Another cause of low water pressure is freezing temperatures. When temperatures drop below zero, pipes can freeze, creating a blockage that causes pressure to drop. If this problem remains unresolved, it may lead to burst pipes.
It’s essential to take quick action if your pipes are frozen. Turn off any faucets or sources of running water and call a plumber as soon as possible.
Water pressure can be affected by leaky pipes as well. Leaks that allow water to escape will reduce pressure by preventing more of it from reaching the fixtures, ultimately reducing the amount of water you receive when you turn on the faucet.
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Leaks should be evaluated by a skilled plumber, who will be able to determine the best way to fix them to restore normal water pressure in your home.
Understanding the causes of low water pressure in homes will allow you to notice the problem better so you can take action accordingly.
American Home Water & Air is here to help if you need professional assistance with your plumbing system. Our technicians will evaluate your system to identify any underlying problems before providing the best possible solutions to restore and maintain it.
AHWA has been helping Phoenix homeowners for over 35 years and provides fair, honest and transparent pricing so you always know what to expect. Have you ever turned on your shower, expecting a refreshing blast, only to be met with a mere trickle? Or maybe you’ve noticed that filling a bowl in the kitchen sink has become a test of patience. If you’re nodding your head, you’re facing a common household dilemma: low water pressure. This inconvenience is not only annoying, it can be a symptom of underlying problems with your home’s plumbing system.
Water Pressure Low In Just One Shower.
It is important to understand that the causes of low water pressure in homes can often be fixed. Let’s dive into some common problems that may cause low water pressure in your home.
Sometimes, the fix can be straightforward: the main shut-off valve