When you have low water pressure in your home, it can affect your daily activities, such as washing dishes, showering, and doing laundry. Low water pressure is a common problem in many homes. Fortunately, a few fixes can help you combat these annoying issues. Here are a couple of ways to restore your home’s water pressure to the right levels.
Open the Main Shutoff Valve
Sometimes, the main shutoff valve might be slightly closed. This valve controls the flow of water into your home. If it’s not fully open, it can restrict water pressure. You can usually find the valve near the main water line. These spots are often found in the utility room, basement, or crawl space. You will want to turn it counterclockwise to open it fully. Many times, it might be stuck. A little lubrication can help to open it. After this, you will want to test the water pressure in your home by turning on a faucet.
Clean Faucet Aerators and Showerheads
Clogged aerators and showerheads are another cause of low water pressure. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate in these places. In turn, that will restrict your water flow. Cleaning the aerator or showerhead might help with the problem. Once the component is off, you can soak it in white vinegar for a couple of hours. After that, scrub the part with a brush to remove any deposits. After attaching it, your faucet or shower should flow normally.
Look for Leaks
Water leaks can cause major problems in your home, including dropping the water pressure. You will need to identify the source of the issues. Consider inspecting exposed pipes in areas like the basement, under sinks, or in crawl spaces for any signs of leaks. If you see any damp spots, water stains, or puddles, that could signal that something is wrong. While you may be able to fix those small leaks, major or massive ones should be left to the professionals. Ask us about our leak detection!
Adjust or Replace the Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator could be the cause of low water pressure problems in your home. This part is also found near the main water line. If you have trouble finding it, the pressure regulator is a bell-shaped device with a screw on top. You might need a wrench to adjust it. Remember that turning it clockwise increases pressure, while counterclockwise decreases it. Make sure to change in small increments. You will want to test the pressure after each adjustment. If this doesn’t work, it may be faulty and need replacement. Replacing this part does require the help of a professional technician.
Fix Clogged Pipes
Mineral deposits or debris can clog pipes and reduce water pressure. Flushing the pipes might help with the issue. To flush your home’s plumbing system, open all faucets and let the water run for several minutes. Many times, this can help dislodge minor clogs and improve water flow. If you are still experiencing low water pressure, you may need to professionally clean the pipes.
Flush the Water Heater
You may also need to check the water heater. Sediment can build up in the hot water lines, which can reduce water pressure. You might need to flush out the tank and lines to restore pressure. You will need to shut off the power and drain the tank. Once all the water is out, you must close the drain valve, turn on the cold water supply, and let the water run into the tank for a few minutes to flush out any remaining sediment. After that, you can refill the water heater and check the pressure.
Install a Water Pressure Booster
In some cases, the location or elevation of your home could be to blame. A water pressure booster might be a solution to these issues. These boosters come in various sizes and capacities. You will need to connect it to your main water line. Since this involves water and high pressure, leaving this task to a professional plumber is best.
Low water pressure can be frustrating, and you might be tempted to fix it yourself. However, these problems should be addressed by a trained plumber. When you have plumbing problems in Brighton, CO, let the team at TYCO Plumbing address them for your home. Along with plumbing repairs, we offer water heater, garbage disposal, and gas appliance services. Our main goal is to make your home safe. Contact TYCO Plumbing today to set up an in-home consultation.
