Low water pressure is extremely annoying. Here are five of the most common problems that restrict water flow. Who would like to go to Niagara Falls if the water was just dripping from the rocks? No one is going to spend money to go see water dripping over rocks. There is no excitement in that. Similarly, if a faucet or shower in your home does not give you water at high pressure; you are not going to like that. Low water pressure is extremely annoying. It forces you to spend more time doing the dishes or getting showered up. However, low water pressure is usually the sign of some bigger problem in the plumbing. In such cases, it is better to call a professional plumbing service for water tanks to check the problems with the plumbing system that is restricting the water flow. Here are five of the most common problems that restrict water flow.
Problems with Valves
You need to keep in mind that every single water outlet around the house connected to plumbing comes with a separate shut-off valve. This valve is installed to turn off the water flow during emergencies and repairs. Sometimes, these valves are shut-off partially or fully and lead to low water pressure from water tanks. There are cases where the adjustment valve that lies underneath the sink has turned close due to the items being stored underneath the sink for years, and this leads the water pressure to drop in the sink. Similarly, low water pressure in the toilet may be the result of a shut-off valve that is not fully open. The water heater in your house controls the water flow through the whole house. So, if you are facing low water pressure all around the house, it may be a problem with the water heater valve. However, if you are facing problem in just a particular area of the house, it may be due to a single valve.
Adjusting the Pressure Regulator
One of the other common issues that lead to low water pressure in water tanks is a problem with the pressure regulator. Most of the water outlets also have a pressure regulator installed that allows the user to adjust the flow of water out of the showerhead, toilet, faucet and other outlets. Low water pressure may be the result of a faulty pressure regulator. However, you can check whether there is a problem with the water pressure by checking the flow of the hot and cold water. If the water pressure in both hot and cold water is unequal, there may be a problem with the water line. To rectify this issue, check the pressure regulator (usually located near the water heater where the outside water line from the city comes into your home). The pressure in this water line needs to be approximately 45 PSI. You can adjust the pressure with the help of an outside faucet. If you find that the water pressure is not adequate, it can be quickly adjusted by turning the lock nut clockwise. However, if you are not comfortable doing this on your own, you can call an experienced plumber to take care of this easy five-minute job.
Water Leakage
Water leakage is one of the most common causes of low water pressure throughout the house. The leak may be nearly inlet and outlet pipes that sit on the top of the water tank or maybe on the drain valve underneath the water tank leading to low water pressure in the entire system. The water leakage inside the water heater can be easily checked by taking a look at the formation of puddles inside the heater. If there is a leak, you can take care of the leaks on your own by replacing the faulty valve or by removing the sediment. If your water tank is older than 8 to 12 years, you may want to replace it since they normally only last 8 to 12 years. However, if you determine that your water heater is not the cause of the leak, call a professional plumber to assess the internal and external water lines and other water fittings.
Debris
There are always going to be small sediments and debris in the water. Heating the water leads to the formation of scales, which attach to the metal fittings that join the water pipe to the heating tank. When this buildup reaches a big size, it affects the water flow leading to a drop in the water pressure throughout the house. In such cases, you should remove the debris after removing the fittings. However, it is recommended to maintain these fittings by regularly flushing the water tank to ensure that this buildup does not become too big in size.
Low Water Pressure from Municipal Supply
There are times when a homeowner cannot do much if there is an issue with the water supply. Sometimes, there are tests to check the water lines or the water lines in the area need repairs. In such times, you will experience a decrease in the water pressure on a temporary basis. Also, flushing of fire hydrants or tapping into the fire hydrants in case of fire lead to a temporary decrease in the water pressure. Usually, these things lead to a temporary drop in the water pressure but if the drop in water pressure lasts for a long time, it is better to call an experienced service company to check the problem. It is true that low water pressure from the water tank seems like a small problem, but it can turn into a big issue if not attended to immediately. It is important to keep in mind that without immediate repair, the problem is only going to get worse. Therefore, it is recommended to call a professional water tanks inspector to ensure that the water problems in your home is not the cause of avoidable higher utility bills. It is true that if you have some DIY expertise, you may be able to fix low water pressure on your own. However, it is better to inspect the water tank on a regular basis to ensure that you do not face any problems in the future. The professionals may also offer you regular maintenance plans to avoid such problems in the future.