We all know the feeling – you go to take a shower, put shampoo in your hair, but it seems to take hours to get it out. Or you feel like a soak in a hot, deep bath, but it takes so long to fill that you give up and opt for a quick, shallow dip.
The reason for these inconveniences is low water pressure, and while it is annoying, it can be fixed. To be able to fix the problem, it is first important that you understand what is causing it. With low water pressure, there can be several causes:
- Leaks
- Blockages and the buildup of minerals
- Problems with pressure regulators
- Elevations
- Water valves
- Low pressure of water coming into the house – i.e. peak and low periods
Once that you have identified the problem, you can then go on to resolving it.
Leaks & Low Water Pressure
Sometimes it is obvious that you have a leak – you will often find evidence of water somewhere. In this case, the solution is easy – determine whether it is something that you can deal with, and fix it, or call a professional.
However, if you’re not sure whether you have a leak or not, a good way to check is to turn off your water and take a reading of your water meter. Leave it for a couple of hours, then come back and read the meter again. If the number has changed, it is likely that you have a leak, but if you can’t find out where it is best that you call a plumber.
Blockages and Buildups
In old buildings, especially those with old iron pipes, there is a risk of mineral or rust build up inside the pipes. This can cause blockages, which will affect water pressure. It is worth, at this point calling a plumber to give you the best advice to deal with the problem based on your specific circumstances.
Pressure Regulators
The pressure regulator is usually found by the main water input at the front of your home and is usually preset to 45 – 60 psi. Occasionally the pressure regulator breaks or malfunctions and will need to be replaced. This is a job which is recommended for a qualified plumber since if it does not get replaced and fitted properly, it can cause a lot of problems for the homeowner.
Elevations & Low Water Pressure
Just like everything else in a liquid form, water is affected by gravity. If insufficient pressure is applied to water in a pipe, gravity can affect water that is being sent upwards. This is why it is recommended that water tanks are placed in the highest areas of the building.
Water Valves
It is easy to accidentally switch or knock a water valve, meaning that the water doesn’t flow as easily as it should be. It is worth checking that all of the water valves are in a fully ‘on’ position.
Peak Periods
You might not have thought about it, but there are times when everyone is using their water. In the morning, when everyone is taking a shower, and when people normally get home from work are typically peak times of water usage. The additional stress on the water system, in general, can create lower water pressure. Try adjusting your schedule a little to see if this makes a difference.
Low water pressure can be annoying, but it could also be an indicator of another problem, and this is why it is important to resolve the problem, especially if it’s a sudden occurrence. Contact our team of experts at Wentworth Plumbing today in Hamilton, ON, and we’ll examine the problem and find the best resolution for you. By fixing a low-pressure problem, you can make your shower more enjoyable and help to prevent potential damage to your property.