Have you ever tried taking a shower or washing your dishes with low water pressure? It takes way longer than it needs to, and you just don't get the same results as you would with normal water pressure.
Sure, the lower water bill that comes along with low water pressure is kinda nice, but at some point you have to say enough is enough. For those who have reached that point, we're explaining the causes of this common plumbing problem and what you can do to get the water pressure you need:
What's causing your low water pressure problem?
Potential Problem 1: There's buildup in your pipes
There are two main ways you can get buildup in your pipes: a.) a water main can break, or b.) debris can settle out of your water as it flows through your pipes.
The Solution: This one is pretty easy! You just need to have your pipes flushed out.
Potential Problem 2: Your pipes are corroded
Your pipes can only last so long, and with the near constant presence of water, corrosion is inevitable.
The Solution: You may not want to hear it, but when corrosion is the culprit of your low water pressure, replacing your pipes may be your only true, long-term solution. While replacing pipes is an extensive and expensive project, it's the kind of fix that will eliminate the low water pressure problem for years to come.
Potential Problem 3: You've got a leak
You can't have normal water pressure when not all of your water is making it through your pipes!
The Solution: You can actually identify a leak pretty easily on your own. All you have to do is:
- Turn off all of the water on the inside and outside of your home (all faucets, showers, garden hoses, etc.)
- Note the reading on your meter
- Wait a few hours
- Check your meter again
If no one is at home using water during the day, a good time to do the initial meter check is right before you go to work. Then check it again when you get home at the end of the day. If the two meter readings don't match up, you can conclude that you have a leak that needs to be fixed.
Potential Problem 4: It's not just your home
Sometimes the problem isn't with the pipes at your home, but with your water supply company. You see, they're using pipes, too, which means they're susceptible to the same problems you are.
The Solution: Just give your local water supply company a call and let them know you're experiencing low water pressure and that you were unable to tie the problem back to your own pipes. At that point, they should offer to check within their own system.
While these aren't the only causes of low water pressure, they are some of the most common. If you need help identifying your problem and returning your water pressure to a livable level, or have other serious plumbing problems, just give us a call at (864) 242-5511, or click the banner below to schedule service online! You can also sign up for our Diamond Club to be sure your plumbing is getting regular checkups, and that little problems (like dwindling water pressure) are caught before they turn into big ones.
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