Causes and 5 Ways to Fix Low Water Pressure
Few things can be more irritating than looking forward to a refreshing shower only to be greeted with a slow trickle. Low water pressure is a major inconvenience and can take a lot of time to fix. Problems like slow showers, dripping taps, and washing machines that can’t operate because of low water pressure can disrupt your normal day.
We’re going to talk about the five most common factors that can greatly decrease your water pressure in your Emeryville home and simple tips that can help fix them.
5 Top Causes of Low Water Pressure in Emeryville Homes
#1 Mineral Buildup in Pipes (Hard Water Scaling)
Hard water scaling and clogged pipes due to mineral and salt deposits is a common cause of low water pressure in Emeryville homes. If the water in your pipes is cloudy or you’ve noticed hard water stains around your plumbing fixtures, it is likely that there is mineral buildup, most likely caused by settled calcium and magnesium, in your pipes.
Mineral deposits in pipes happen over a period of time and may not reveal themselves until they have blocked enough of your pipes to reduce the water pressure. And it’s not just your pipes, but also your faucets and showerheads that can get clogged with hard water scaling.
The fix:
- A quick and convenient DIY fix is to clean your faucet aerators and showerheads. You can soak the showerheads in a vinegar-and-water solution overnight. The vinegar will help break down the mineral buildup.
- You can install a water softener in your water supply’s main pipeline to limit the amount of hard water or minerals, to begin with. However, for more complex issues, we recommend calling a professional plumber.
#2 Leaks in Your Plumbing
As your plumbing ages, it’s common for pipes to develop tiny cracks that may not be easy to see but can still reduce your water pressure significantly. Don’t forget that even a thin trickle from a cracked pipe can waste a lot of water.
The fix:
- Carefully inspect all the pipes you can reach. Check areas like below wash basins in the kitchen and bathrooms, pipes in the basement, and around appliances that use water. You need to check for damp spots or dripping noises around the property.
- If you suspect a leak, call a professional plumber in Emeryville to fix the leak permanently.
#3 Outdated Plumbing
Old plumbing can slow down the flow of water and add to your frustration. Older homes in Emeryville are likely to have old plumbing, which could be damaged or past its expiration date.
The fix:
- Open the aerator and screens from your shower heads and taps. Soak them in vinegar and then scrub them well.
- If the vinegar does not help, you might need new fixtures. Hire a plumber in Emeryville to help you find and install the right kind of modern fixtures that will improve your lifestyle.
#4 Problems with Pressure Regulators
Every home has a pressure regulator that controls how much water is allowed to flow into the house. When this valve does not work properly, it may cause low-pressure water with very hard surges of high-pressure water as well. Many homes in Emeryville, especially the older ones, may have old or used pressure regulators that affect the flow of water in your home.
The fix:
- Most local hardware stores sell water pressure gauges. Buy one and check your water pressure. A reading of 40-60 psi is well below normal and suggests that your pressure regulator could be malfunctioning.
- Replacing or adjusting a pressure regulator needs an experienced plumber. Don’t do this on your own. Contact an Emeryville plumber to change or adjust the regulator valve for the perfect water pressure.
#5 Water Supply Issues or Seasonal Demand
If everything else seems okay, chances are it’s not you. During peak summer when there is a much higher demand for water especially with people watering their lawn or filling their pools, water pressure dips. The main water supply is impacted with the increased usage leading to a temporary loss of water pressure.
The fix:
- Check with neighbors if they are suffering from low water pressure. If they are, then it’s likely a larger issue of water supply. You could then check with your local utilities provider.
- But if it’s an isolated problem, or it’s winter and there should be no reason for low water pressure due to supply issues, contact a professional Emeryville plumber to check your plumbing system.
How to Resolve Low Water Pressure in Your House
Now that you have identified the common causes of low water pressure, it is time to offer solutions. Some issues are remedial by a quick DIY task, while others will require a licensed professional plumber to restore the water flow in your home.
DIY Repairs:
- Clean aerators and shower heads on a regular basis to remove particle buildup.
- Be sure to check shut-off values to confirm they are in a full-open position.
- Check for visible pipe leaks or damp spots.
When to Call a Plumber:
- You are unable to find the reason for the low pressure.
- Your water pressure regulator needs to be replaced or adjusted.
- You need a deeper inspection of your pipes and plumbing fixtures.
In situations like these, it is a safe bet to reach out to a licensed plumber in Emeryville to have them deal with the fix properly and safely. Albion Plumbing specializes in diagnosing issues with water pressure in the local area, and they can certainly provide the service you can trust.
Local Angle: Water Pressure Problems in Emeryville
Emeryville has many older homes in the area with deteriorated plumbing associated with older home plumbing systems. It also has many new apartment buildings, complete with more water-using appliances than older homes can ever have, all increasing demand on the water serve system. These factors impact water pressure in both types of homes, either due to the natural corrosion of older pipes or the water system choking under the demands of excessive demand for water-using appliances of newer homes in the area.
At Albion Plumbing, we know Emeryville’s older infrastructure can put real stress on older plumbing, and we know seasonal demands can pose real challenges. And we will manage the plumbing challenges you face in your older home to get your water flow back to normal.
If you are suffering from low water pressure, you are likely frustrated, but it is not all bad; this problem usually can be solved with different and practical ways. Most of the time, the cause can be identified, dealt with the mineral buildup in your plumbing fixtures, find the leak(s), discard and replace the faulty taps, and fix the water supply issue from the municipal supply.
If you are not prepared to tolerate low water pressure until your plumbing situation improves, do not hesitate to call your local plumber in Emeryville, Albion Plumbing. An experienced and reliable plumbing service provider will diagnose your low water pressure and provide a permanent solution to fix it, once and for all.
Don’t allow weak water pressure to interfere with your daily life; call your local plumber in Emeryville.