Several factors can cause low water pressure. These reasons include clogged aerators, old-style plumbing, leaky pipes, and corrosion. The good news is that there are a few simple ways to fix this problem. If you have experienced a drop in water pressure in your home, you can fix the problem by following the steps mentioned in this article.
Leaky pipes
If you’ve noticed a drop in water pressure in your home, you should investigate the cause. Leaky pipes can affect water pressure in your indoor and outdoor faucets. A plumber can help you find the source of the leak. The first step to a successful fix is turning the water off in the affected area.
If the leak is not severe, you can attempt a temporary fix yourself. You should always shut off the water during the repair to avoid water waste. This will make the job of repairing the leak easier.
Corrosion
Corrosion in water pipes is a common problem that can make your water pressure go down significantly. Older houses usually have galvanized iron pipes that are susceptible to corrosion. These pipes contain a lot of minerals, limiting the water flow and reducing water pressure. If you notice that your water pressure is dropping, you should repair the pipes. To do this, you can use two pipe wrenches to remove and repair the valves.
If the water you receive from your pipes has a metallic taste, they are corrupted. This happens because the dissolved metals leach out of the pipes, leaving the water with an unpleasant taste. You can contact a plumber to replace the damaged pipes if the problem persists. You can also install a water filter to improve the taste of the water.
Old-style plumbing
There are several ways to fix water pressure problems in an old-style plumbing system. The first method involves identifying the source of the problem. For example, removing the clogged pipe and improving the water pressure is possible if it is a clogged water source near a valve or pipe elbow. This method may require a professional plumber. Nevertheless, it is an easier and less expensive solution than replacing the entire system.
You should first find the main water shutoff valve. Once you have located the valve, you can open the highest and lowest faucets in your system to eliminate a vacuum and drain most of the water. However, there will be some residual water inside the old valve. If you cannot drain all the water from the old valve, you should protect your floor by laying a plastic sheeting or a bucket underneath the old valve.
Clogged aerators
If you’ve experienced a slow water flow or poor water pressure in your faucet, the aerator is one of the first things you should check. It’s located at the end of the faucet spout and controls the amount of water that comes out. When it’s clogged, the water will flow much slower and not have as much pressure. Cleaning a clogged aerator is a quick fix for this problem. You can wipe out the clog with an old toothbrush or soak it in vinegar to remove any buildup.
Once the aerator is clean, reassemble it and screw it back on. You should now be able to turn on the faucet and see focused water flowing.
Corroded pipes
A damaged pipe can decrease water pressure. It can result from several problems, including a corroded or rusty pipe. Corrosion occurs when minerals and debris build up in a pipe. Over time, this causes the pipe to narrow, reducing water pressure. If you can’t fix the problem, you can hire a plumber to replace the pipe.
Another cause of low water pressure is a clogged faucet cartridge or aerator. These devices can be easily fixed by unclogging them with a vinegar-water solution.
Corroded fittings
If your water pressure is consistently low, you should check the condition of your fittings. If they’re corroded, you may need to replace them. After installing new pipes, the pressure should return to normal. Corroded pipes can also cause scale buildup, which restricts water flow and reduces pressure. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which dissolve in the water and cause scale to form.
Another common problem with your water pressure is a damaged regulator. This valve is located right after the pipe where your water meter enters the house. Sometimes the regulator is damaged and needs to be adjusted or replaced. A trained plumber can replace or repair it for you. You may also need to adjust the height of your water main to correct the problem.
