Low water pressure is one of the most frustrating things a homeowner can experience. It slows you down and prevents you from carrying out your chores with the efficiency you are used to. Additionally, low water pressure can affect other aspects of your home, such as water heaters that require the water pressure to work.
Low water pressure can be caused by a number of things. Identifying the problem and fixing it will allow you to enjoy your water and avoid any frustration. Here are some of the reasons contributing to your low water pressure in your home.
Faulty Fixtures
Fixtures such as your shower head and faucets could be faulty due to old age. Old fixtures are likely to clog due to rust or dirt. This will affect how much water flows through them. Determine which of your fixtures if faulty by testing them one by one.
Also, make sure that you check the screen and aerator for each faucet to determine whether they are clean and clear. A clogged screen or aerator could be what is causing the fixture to act up. You can easily solve this by replacing or cleaning the fixtures to attain normal flow.
Corrosion and Debris
Your pipes will get old with time. For example, pipes made of galvanized steel are likely to rust. The rust accumulates and starts to collect debris over time. This lowers the water pressure.
Corrosion and the accumulation of debris take place gradually, so you might not notice it immediately. Your plumber in Appleton will be in a better position to determine the level of rust and debris in your pipes and fix it.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
A pressure regulator is a bell-shaped control valve used to reduce pressure in plumbing. This reduces the amount of damage caused by high water pressure on your pipes. The pressure regulator can fail and allow the increase or decrease in water pressure. In this case, your pressure regulator will start to inhibit the pressure of the water.
You can tell whether your pressure regulator is working properly by trying to adjust it. Any defects will affect all fixtures. Your plumber will test your regulator by connecting a water pressure gauge to the spigot that is closest to the regulator or water main and check the psi readings. A reading of below 52-75 psi means that your regulator could be failing and has to be replaced.
Faulty Water Valve
Your plumbing system contains two valves that control the flow of water inside your home. Both valves are found close to the meter, one on each side of the meter. Your city’s water employees can close and open the valve on the street side of the meter.
You might experience low water pressure if either of the valves is not properly opened. It helps to check both valves, especially if your plumbing system had some work done on it. Remember not to apply too much pressure on the valve when opening it.
One of the best ways to handle low water pressure is to involve a plumber in Appleton, Wisconsin. If you are looking for trained and qualified plumbers for your plumbing issues, look no further than Tureks Plumbing. We are dedicated to giving you value for your money. Tureks Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services. So, just contact us and we’ll be on our way!