The only thing worse than a cold shower may just be a non-existent one. Low water pressure is one of the most common household plumbing problems in America. And while it’s certainly frustrating, poor pressure can also be indicative of more serious problems. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, these may be a few of the reasons why.
Mineral buildup.
Over time, dirt, sand, and sediment can build up in your home’s pipes and cause a blockage. If a plumber determines this to be the problem, flush your system with a chemical drain cleaner.
Corroded pipes.
Water and metal don’t mix well. Though most pipes nowadays are rust resistant, the lining of older pipes can chip and travel through your system. With enough time, those pieces can form a blockage. Unfortunately, the only solution is to dig up the old pipes and lay new ones. Though this is one of the pricier fixes, the good news is that it will probably never have to be done again in your lifetime.
Plumbing leaks.
The most common reason for a lack of water pressure is a cracked or leaking pipe. And just because you don’t see obvious signs of a leak, it doesn’t mean it’s not there. To find out whether or not you have a leak, shut off all the water flowing to your house and record the meter. After a few hours, check to see if the meter has changed. If the water usage has increased since the water was turned off, you probably have a leak.
Municipal water supply problems.
Just because your home is experiencing low water pressure, that doesn’t always mean your home is to blame. It could be because your town’s water supply is experiencing a leak or blockage. To find out if there’s a problem, simply call your municipal water supplier and ask if they have experienced any plumbing issues recently. If they say yes, they’ll likely take care of any repairs that need to be done, and you’ll have free-flowing water again in no time!
The best way to prevent low water pressure is to have your home’s plumbing inspected every year. Capable of doing drain cleaning, hydro jetting and line repairs, Mitch Wright Plumbing, Heating & Air is here for all of your plumbing and water pressure needs. We pride ourselves on award-winning customer service and competitive pricing and we will leave your home as clean as we found it!