Low water pressure is a problem that is faced by every house now and then. While it may not seem as big a problem as others, it too needs to be addressed quickly and effectively in order to eliminate the problem early on and avoid any problems in the future.
Determine the Cause
There could be many reasons for the water pressure being low. There may be debris and mineral buildup accumulating in the pipe or corrosion as a result of overuse and leakage. Other issues may include problems with the municipal water system.
No matter what the issue, you need to identify it as soon as possible. Start off with a water pressure test that will allow you to determine the cause of the issue. This can easily be done using a pressure gauge which can be found at home centers. Simply attach the gauge to a spigot, turn on the water and you will get a reading on the meter.
Cleaning or replacing pipes
Once you have identified the underlying problem behind the low water pressure, it is time to address it. If the problem is corroded or old pipes, then there is little you can do other than cleaning out or replacing the pipes. Corrosion is a problem that cannot simply be repaired, which means you may have to shell out some money and get the pipes replaced.
Reset Regulator
A pressure regulator is usually placed at the point where the service line enters the home. When this regulator stops functioning optimally, the water pressure goes down. This issue however, is only relevant in cases where individuals rely on public water supply.
This is an easy fix. Most pressure regulators are adjustable which means you may just have to reset or readjust it to increase the pressure. If the device is in bad shape, you may have to replace it.
Install a pressure Booster
If your house is located above a water source, it has an up-hill job of reaching its destination. This means that the pressure may become much lower on the higher floors. In order to rectify this, what you can do is install a pressure booster pump which will help draw water up to the hill. This usually runs on the home’s electricity and may cost up to $350.
Clogged Screens and Faucets
There are typically clogged screens within pipelines which may collect debris and minerals as water flows through the pipes these needs to be cleaned regularly.
When faced with low pressure problems, the best thing you can do is get in touch with a local plumbing service and gain their expertise. This is because they will have a better understanding of installed systems in the area and will be able to rectify the problems.