Low water pressure can create a lot of inconvenience, affecting our daily activities in various ways. For instance, filling the bathtub can take forever, or the showerhead may not work efficiently, slowing us down. At times, the issue may arise from the municipal water supply. In such cases, the water pressure to our homes is limited to the maximum pressure determined by the municipality.
If we observe a sudden change in water pressure after the water meter reader’s visit, we can call the municipal authority and inquire if they have made any adjustments. In such scenarios, the most practical solution is to install showerheads and faucet heads that inject air into the water flow, thereby increasing the pressure without the need to increase the water flow. This approach is also an economical way to lower our water bills, as it provides the desired pressure without consuming as many gallons per hour.
Issue in main water supply
If we experience low water pressure, our first step should be to inquire with our neighbours if they are experiencing similar issues. If they are, it’s likely that the problem is not limited to our home.
In such cases, we should contact our water supplier to determine if they are aware of the issue and working on a solution. If the supplier confirms that they are addressing the problem, we may have to wait for it to be resolved.
However, if the water supplier denies the existence of the issue or refuses to address it, we may have to take action. It may be necessary to organize and mobilize to draw attention to the problem and seek a resolution. It’s frustrating to have to deal with a petition just to rinse shampoo out of our hair properly, but it may be necessary to ensure a reliable water supply.
Defective Pressure Regulator
The water pressure regulator is a crucial device that controls the water pressure that enters our homes. It’s essential to maintain safe levels of water pressure to prevent flooding and other damages. Typically, the regulator reduces the high city water line or water distributor’s pressure of 100+ pounds per square inch (PSI). If we observe low water pressure, it’s likely that the regulator isn’t working correctly and needs to be replaced by a professional plumber. Generally, pressure regulators have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, so if it’s an older model, it may be time to replace it.
To measure the water pressure accurately, we can use a water pressure gauge. After installing it to the pressure regulator, we can check if the pressure reading falls within the ideal range of 45 to 55 PSI. If the reading is lower than this range, we need to have a professional plumber inspect the system. Once the problem is fixed, our kitchen faucets, toilets, or showerheads with low water pressure will return to normal operation.
The water meter valve is not loose enough
Two main shutoff valves that you may need to consider inspecting are the home shutoff valve and the water meter valve. First, the home shutoff valve is normally located on the ground floor, utility area, or outside of the house’s foundation wall. When this valve is only partially opened, water cannot flow as freely through the pipe. A shutoff valve resembles a wheel; turn it counter clockwise to open it. Loosen the valve so the passageway of water is not restricted.
The second valve is the water meter valve. Residents never have to deal with this valve themselves because it’s only exclusively accessed by the water company. Issues with this valve are uncommon but if you observe that there is a change in water pressure in your home then it’s best to contact the water distributors for any issues on your end.
Clogged Pipes
Clogs can form not only beneath drains but also deep within the piping, which can cause a reduction in water pressure even with a small obstruction. If this type of clog is present, it could be located anywhere beneath our house, making it difficult to locate and remove without the help of a professional plumber.
Attempting to remove the clog ourselves by disassembling pipes is not recommended, as we may not be able to put them back together correctly, causing additional issues. Furthermore, we could accidentally dislodge other debris and contaminate our pipes with dangerous chemicals.
While using chemicals to remove clogs is also not advisable, it’s even more concerning when dealing with the pipes that provide drinking water to our home. Therefore, we should contact a plumber to locate and remove the clog to ensure that our pipes are functioning correctly and that our drinking water is not contaminated.