It can be very frustrating to step into the shower and find a slow stream of water. It may reduce your water bill but it won’t help you to enjoy your shower. It’s particularly annoying if the flow is normally very good. It is advisable to make your neighborhood aware and raise the concern so pump skids can be an option.
But what causes this low pressure and how can you deal with it?
Mains Supply
If you experience a sudden drop in pressure it is possible that there is an issue with the mains water supply. A leak in your area can reduce the amount of water available for all homes. You may even find that the local water board is doing some maintenance work.
It’s a good idea to check if other homes have been affected. If they have you’ll probably need to wait for a few hours for the pressure to return to normal.
Faulty Pump
Some houses use pumps to increase the pressure. If your home does then it is possible that the pump has failed or is in the process of failing. If this is the case then you’ll need to click here and check out some quality replacement pumps.
It doesn’t matter how well you look after your water pump it will eventually fail.
Clogged Pipes
One of the most common causes of low water pressure is blocked or partially blocked pipes. If the water can’t get through then your flow will be low or non-existent.
Unfortunately it is not always easy to identify clogged pipes. It is possible you’ll notice a slight discoloration or small pieces of debris in your water but the chances are you’re going to need to start taking pipes apart to find the source of the issue.
Clogged pipes can be the result of minerals in the water sticking to your pipes and slowly building up a blockage. It can also be due to corrosion. Water, minerals and metal can cause a corrosive reaction which builds up and cause a blockage.
If you have a mineral buildup you may be able to get rid of it by adding plumbing chemicals but this won’t work on corrosion.
Leak
Another reason that your pressure has dropped is if you have a leaking pipe. This will divert your water; preventing as much from getting to your shower or faucet.
This is usually traceable because the reduced water pressure will be different in different parts of your home. You’ll be looking at the pipes coming to the reduced flow area.
Pressure Regulation Valve
Many homes actually have a pressure reducing valve. This prevents high water pressure from damaging your appliances. However, if this device fails it is possible it will give you extremely high or very low water pressure.
It can also be adjusted manually although this is an unlikely solution. You should check your pressure regulation valve to ensure it is working properly.
They are easy to replace if necessary but you will need to shut the water off; you may prefer to use a professional.