5 Top Reasons Why Buildings Lose Water Pressure

We all commonly deal with clogged pipes and drains that are not in good condition to reach out to a plumber. Between washing clothes, showering, flushing the toilet, and running the dishwasher, an average family uses around 1,135 liters of water on a daily basis. We are least careful about where the water is coming from and how it tends to come out of the faucets. Therefore, most of us are not aware of where to look for in case water pressure drops.  

Problems related to home water pressures might present themselves in multiple ways -all such problems can be indeed frustrating. In case of a reduced water pressure, it might take a longer time to fill in bathtubs or a sink, or the showerhead might not give you the desired water pressure. The washing machine or dishwasher units might take longer to implement a cycle than expected.  

When a single fixture has reduced water pressure, the chances are that the problem can be resolved only if you focus on fixing the single fixture or plumbing pipes that serve the same. However, widespread issues related to reduced water pressure can affect the entire house while indicating different problems. If water pressures in your home appear low, the first thing you should do is to narrow down the primary cause of the problem. 

What Causes Low Water Pressure in Homes?

Have you struggled rinsing shampoo from your hair or washing your face properly? Then, you are experiencing the nuisance of low water pressure. Reduced water pressure can convert even simpler tasks into major hassles. However, once you identify the cause of the problem, you can easily come across the right solution for low water pressure in house. 

Some of the potential causes of this major plumbing problem are:

#Corroded Pipes

Corrosion is regarded as the natural process that takes place when oxygen present in water tends to react with the metal. For instance, rust is regarded as the common form of corrosion. As corrosion develops within pipes, it restricts the overall water flow. Eventually, it leads to reduced water pressure. It is a gradual process. Therefore, the older the pipes will get, the higher is the risk of corrosion.  

While it is highly common in older plumbing pipes, corrosion can also be aggravated due to the involvement of acidic water. If you notice that water in your area features a metallic taste or possesses a red tincture, your plumbing pipes might be corroded. However, it is always recommended to consult an experienced plumber in the first place.  

If you feel that your plumbing lines are corroded or might corrode in future, it is recommended to install anti-corrosion plumbing pipes -including UPVC and CPVC pipes from Topline Industries. These plumbing materials are top-grade and anti-corrosion to last in your property for several years. You can easily opt for plumbing repairs or replacements with top-quality CPVC pipes available at Topline Industries.  

#Buildup of Scale Due to Hard Water

If your area witnesses the inflow of hard water, scale can build up in the plumbing lines or pipes. Ultimately, it would restrict the water flow and minimize water pressure. Hard water features a higher mineral content -especially magnesium and calcium, and leads to the development of scale as magnesium and calcium salts dissolve.  

When the buildup of scale is intense to minimize water pressure and restrict water flow, the best solution is replacing the water pipes. You can think of installing top-grade CPVC or UPVC anti-corrosion pipes by Topline Industries that are immensely smooth and minimize buildup of scale.  

#Failing Water Pressure Regulator

All plumbing systems out there are not equipped with water pressure regulators. However, if your house features a dedicated water pressure regulator, you can try out the test yourself to understand whether or not the pressure regulator is failing to obtain an accurate reading. You can go ahead with attaching a water pressure gauge to the outdoor house spigot. It should ideally be the one that is situated the closest to the pressure regulator.  

As you will turn water on, the pressure gauge will offer the accurate current reading of the respective water pressure. If you observe a reduced rating compared to the reports of the pressure regulator, the issue might reside in the pressure regulator. The regulators are designed to adjust the respective water pressure coming from the main water supply line to a specific level that turns out to be safe for the plumbing lines.  

You can think of replacing the water pressure regulator on your own. However, it can be a better choice to reach out to a professional plumber if you are not used to dealing with the pipes.  

#Clogged Pipes

Whether you believe it or not, blockage or clogs within pipes do not build up simply beneath the drains. They actually develop within the depths of the plumbing lines or piping systems. Even a small-sized clog can create ample blockage to reduce the overall water pressure. 

As this type of clog can develop in any part of the plumbing system of the house, it is recommended to reach out to an emergency plumber to resolve the problem of reduced water pressure. The last thing you would like to do is pulling the plumbing lines apart yourself and not pulling them back together.  

Moreover, you might also not know what you will end up knocking loose or contaminating the plumbing lines with. Therefore, an emergency plumber can help you in the given context of dealing with the clog and improving the water flow or pressure.  

#Leaking Pipelines

If the foundation or basement is flooded with water, you should know that pipes or plumbing lines in your property are leaking. However, it will not take a leak of a significant size to mess up with the overall water pressure. The leak will eventually misdirect the water supply such that even when everything is working well, you will not receive ample water flow or pressure.  

If you are able to access the pipes, have a look around and observe if you come across any pooling water or wet spots. Analyze which pipe or system is leaking and try fixing the same.  

Firstly, it is recommended to turn off the main water supply. Dry the outside part of the leaky pipes as much as possible. Then, around the leaking spot, wrap around a rubber patch that is corroded or cracked. While this might not solve your problem for good, still it might prevent further damage for a few days. Within the duration, you can reach out to a professional plumber in your area to fix the problem. Leaking pipes are also known to damage the overall foundation of the house. 

4 Ways to Improve Your Water Pressure

In some cases, water pressure problems are traced to the main municipal water supply. You cannot fix such problems. Whether you receive water through municipal supply or groundwater levels, most of the core water pressure problems originate with clogged or corroded pipes. Some potential solutions to improving water pressure in your home are: 

#Replace Corroded Plumbing

Galvanized plumbing systems can create water flow problems in houses having them. Galvanized pipes usually get corroded on the inside -eventually creating a smaller passage for water pressure to be normal. Once the problem has progressed to the point wherein home water pressure at the respective faucets becomes relatively lower, it is high time that galvanized pipes should be replaced with PEX, CPVC, UPVC, and other high-end pipes or plumbing systems.  

You can come across top-quality CPVC or PEX pipes at Topline Industries -a leading manufacturer and supplier of top-quality plumbing pipes that guarantee longer life and assured durability. To get the pipes installed, it is recommended to hire a professional plumber to get things done effectively without any errors.  

#Adjust the Water Pressure on the Well Pressure Tank

The well pressure tank remains at the heart of a standard well system. A bladder or diaphragm inside the well tank will separate the water getting pumped in from the well from air on the tank’s top. A second pipe will be responsible for pressurizing the water present in the tank. 

Pressure can get reduced due to several reasons -like a ruptured bladder, a malfunction that prevents the pump from working properly, or a broken seal in the water pump. The pressure might also be low due to the incorrect setting of the pressure pump’s switch. If you feel that there is some problem with the well pressure tank, you can reach out to a well specialist or an experienced plumber. 

#Adjust the Water Pressure Regulator on the Municipal Water Supply

Houses that are connected to the main municipal water supply usually feature the installation of a water pressure regulator -right after the water meter. You can think about adjusting the regulator yourself. However, you should monitor the water pressure effectively to ensure that you are not overdoing it. To inspect the pressure, monitor a water pressure gauge in your water source area. Open the faucet and check the reading of the water gauge. 

If the reading is below 40 psi, you can utilize a wrench to unfold the regulator enough to regulate the water flow to around 50 psi. Water pressure can be slightly higher. However, the reading should not exceed 60 psi. You can think of increasing water pressure by turning the regulator’s top in the clockwise direction. 

#Clean Individual Faucets with Vinegar

Reduced water pressure at a sink or waterflow faucet is due to the buildup of scale on the valve or aerator of the faucet. You can go ahead with unscrewing the aerator and soaking the same overnight in a vinegar solution. You will notice an immediate improvement in the water flow. If water pressure does not improve, you can go ahead with disassembling the faucet and pulling out the water valve while immersing it in the vinegar solution overnight. 

These procedures are not difficult. However, before you implement any of these, make sure that you have shut off all the valves at the water source. You can think of correcting low-pressure problems in the shower and tub in the same fashion.  

Conclusion

Facing low water pressure can be a major problem in your home or property. One of the best ways to resolve the problem is by replacing old, corroded pipes with top-quality CPVC or uPVC pipes from a leading manufacturer and supplier like Topline Industries. When you install top-quality pipes from Topline Industries, you can upgrade the life of your piping systems and increase the durability of plumbing lines effectively.