Low Water Pressure

How Do I Respond To Low Water Pressure?

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Did you ever get up one morning and notice that the water seemed like it was barely coming out? Not having hot water is the worst, but low water pressure is a short second. While we know it’s not the end of the world, it does tell us how much our quality of life depends on our hot water and good water pressure. If you isolated the problem to a faucet or showerhead only, then you can easily fix the problem without calling your plumber. In most cases, it’s calcium buildup from our hard water. 

Low Water Pressure From Your Faucets? Replace The Aerator

If the low pressure comes from your faucet, you can simply change the aerator – a minor fix. Aerators are the small round components attached to the end of your faucets. They have small mesh screens which divide the water flow into several little streams, each with its own air supply. Aerators drastically lower the amount of water flowing from the faucet by diluting it with air. Unfortunately, they’ll eventually have mineral deposits build up within the mesh screen, causing low water flow. Removing it and scraping the mineral deposits off is one way of fixing the problem. You can also soak the aerator overnight in vinegar and clean it in the morning. This also does the trick. The cost of an aerator is between $4 and $7 so buying a new one is another good option as well.

New Aerator for Low Water Pressure

Low Water Pressure From Your Showerhead? It’s Time To Clean Or Replace! 

Does your showerhead seem to be clogged, causing low water pressure? There is a simple cure for a clogged showerhead. First, remove the showerhead by unscrewing then soaking it in vinegar. Make sure the whole showerhead is covered. If you cannot unscrew the showerhead, then use a large freezer bag filled with vinegar and wrap it around the head using heavy-duty rubber bands or string, whatever works best. Allow it to soak for two hours, then clean it using an old toothbrush. Run water through it to ensure the holes are clear. It would be best if you also considered replacing your current showerhead with a low flow head. You’ll have a great shower experience using a fraction of the water. You could purchase one for less than thirty dollars.

Save Money Save Water Low flow Showerhead

Check With Neighbors To Confirm They Are Not Having The Same Problem

What if the problem of low water pressure is throughout the house? Then something more significant is happening. Before calling your plumber, check with your neighbors to ensure they don’t have the same problem. It’s not unheard of that your Public Utilities company may be having a temporary problem in your area, causing your water pressure to dip. For example, suppose water mains are being replaced in the neighborhood. In that case, there may be a temporary loss of water pressure until customers get connected to the temporary water supply during construction.

Your Water Pressure Regulator Failed

Another very common problem is your water pressure regulator failed. Depending on the conditions, some water pressure regulators will only last a few years, but their life expectancy is 10-15 years. It’s usually the first place your plumber will look to diagnose for low water pressure. A failed water pressure regulator could cause a rise in water pressure as well as a drop. Whatever the case, it will need replacing. Any homeowner is capable of testing their water pressure. You could purchase a water pressure test gauge at your local home center or online for less than ten dollars. It fastens to your outdoor spigot just like a garden hose. Fasten it to the closet spigot your incoming water supply.

Low water Pressure, Plumbing inspection

Could Be Your Water Meter Valve Or Shut Off Valve

Two valves allow water to flow into our homes freely. One of the valves gets connected to the water meter located near the street. If that valve is partially closed, this will result in low water pressure. It could happen if work in the area was being completed and the valve was not completely closed by a field worker. The other valve is the water shut-off valve to the home. Again, it could be partially closed, causing the water pressure problem. It’s more common than one might think. The shut-off valve opens and closes from a lever handle. In some cases, it gets bumped, or a child might tamper with it. If it is partially closed, open it all the way. Your problem is solved!

Low Water Pressure - Shut-Off Valve

Worst Case Scenario – The Pipes Need To Replacing

In the worst-case scenario and most pressing problem, your home pipes are ready to be replaced. Pipes over 40 years old and have never had any water filtration are subject to leaks and mineral buildup. Brass pipes can last 40-70 plus years, copper for 40+ years, and galvanized steel for 20 – 50 years. Unfortunately, everything wears out and will need replacing, and that includes your home pipes. In the case of your home pipes being the problem, this will gradually take place over time. You’ll begin to notice a decline in water pressure over time. At Big B’s Plumbing, we’ve been completing whole-house repipes for close to a decade. 

Brandon and Family, Licensed plumbing contractor

Family Owned & Operated

My name is Brandon Mageno. I'm the founder, President, and CEO of Big B's Plumbing Company. As the founder, I never thought about being average or good. My passion for being the best plumbing company in Southern California has always been the same. Providing plumbing services to this great county is simply in my DNA. Nothing makes me happier than to see a satisfied customer. Learn More About Us

1 thought on “How Do I Respond To Low Water Pressure?”

  1. Thank you for explaining that it could be a problem with the water pressure regulator which can last about 10-15 years. My sister was telling me that she’s struggling with low water pressure in her home. I’ll be sure to pass this on to her so she can check out which of these might be going wrong in her home.

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