A common complaint of homeowners heard by plumbing contractors is that of low water pressure, whether from the shower, a sink, or even the hose in the backyard.
While clogged pipes might seem the obvious culprit, there are actually many different reasons why a specific water line or even the whole house might have low water pressure.
Sometimes, evidence of leaking pipes might also be obvious; however, in many cases alleviating the cause of low water pressure involves a call to a local plumber who can diagnose the issue and make the right correction!
What Are the Top Causes of Low Water Pressure?
Diagnosing the cause of low water pressure in a home takes two different factors into consideration: what area of the home is being affected and what is causing the problem.
- Concerning cause, a primary issue is clogged pipes slowing the passage of water. as mineral buildup or corrosion inside the pipes can partially block the pipe or a water line filter.
- Another cause is a leaking pipe preventing the water from making it to the fixture.
- There could also be some kind of mechanical problem with a pipe, valve, or other water service fixture in or to the home slowing down water delivery.
How Are Low Water Pressure Issues Located and Repaired?
Knowing that there are only three basic causes of low water pressure, the way that plumbing contractors diagnose the problem is by first learning what parts of the house are affected, as this will pinpoint where they need to look first.
- Low Water Pressure At One Fixture Only - A low pressure problem that is isolated to only one fixture is the easiest to diagnose and fix, as the problem lies only within the separate feed to that direct fixture. Many times the issue is little more than a clogged pipe or aerator to that faucet. It might also be an issue of a leaky pipe or water valve, a damaged fixture, or even a valve that is partially closed. Given that the problem is isolated to only one fixture, finding the problem is usually fairly easy.
- Low Water Pressure From Hot Water Only - When low water pressure affects only the hot water throughout the home, this suggests there is some kind of problem with the water heater itself. Whether that means a leak, a clogged pipe exiting the water heater, or a damaged valve at the water heater, widespread low hot water pressure all stems from an issue at the source of the hot water.
- Low Water Pressure In All or Part of The House - When only one part of the house is experiencing low water pressure issues, plumbing contractors must look beyond the individually affected fixtures and pipes back to the main supply lines to that area of the house. Similarly, when the entire home is affected by low water pressure, the solution must be sought even further back than that, where the water supply enters the home plumbing from the public water feed or from a private water well.
Plumbing Contractors Can Diagnose Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure is an annoying problem that homeowners deal with from time to time.
Whether caused by a clogged pipe, a leak, or something more serious, fixing the issue is not always as easy as it might seem.
The severity of the problem and finding clogged or leaking pipes depends on many factors including how many fixtures are affected, what parts of the house they are in, and whether the problem affects hot or cold water.
Homeowners can easily check for a valve that has become partially closed; however, beyond that, calling a plumbing contractor to identify and repair low water pressure problems is recommended.