We’ve all had clogged drains and pipes severe enough to necessitate the services of a plumber. To know more visit https://ppssa.com.au/underground-service-locating. But what if the problem isn’t with the water draining, but with no water pressure?
The first thing to consider when researching a low water pressure problem in your house is the magnitude of the problem.
To put it another way, you need to know how many plumbing fittings have low water pressure. You might discover that the problem affects one fixture, all fixtures in a specific room, or all fixtures throughout your home.
So let’s run through a quick guide to the causes and solutions when you have low water pressure.
Which Fixtures Need Checking?
If only one fixture has low water pressure, you may only need a simple remedy. In other circumstances, low water pressure throughout the house could signify a more serious plumbing problem.
You should check your:
- Dishwasher
- Sink taps
- Toilets
- Shower and bath
- Washing machine
- Outdoor taps
- Hose connections
Turn each fixture on and test the hot and cold temps as you go. Is the water pressure on the hot setting? Is it set to cold, or is it set to low for both? If your water pressure is low when a fixture is set to hot water, for example, the problem could be with your water heater.
Common Causes of No Water Pressure
When your water pressure drops, it’s usually because two distinct plumbing fixtures are on simultaneously.
For example, if you switch on your shower while your dishwasher is running, you may notice that the water coming out of the showerhead is not as pressured as it usually is. Alternatively, you may see that your washer takes longer than usual to fill up while someone is outside running the hose.
This happens because your water source can only provide so much at any given time. When you require water to flow in two or more places at the same time, the water must divide rather than all go to one spot, lowering the pressure.
If you are experiencing low water pressure due to dividing your water flow, your water pressure should return to normal after you are no longer putting such a great demand on your water flow.
Wait until the dishwasher completes its cycle before turning on the showerhead again if the shower is weak. Turn off the hose outside in the washer case and check whether it starts to fill up faster.
When you use one plumbing fixture at a time, everything should return to normal, and you should have good water pressure again. However, you should continue to monitor your water pressure to see if it drops too low since this could indicate a problem that needs sorting.
Other Reasons for Low Water Pressure
It is not always as straightforward as limiting the number of plumbing fittings that are on at the same time. If you only use one plumbing fixture at a time and have weak water pressure, you can presume there is a problem that has to be corrected to restore proper water pressure.
You might have come to this article because you searched “pump runs but no water pressure” or “no water pressure in bathroom sink,” for example. One of the most common search terms has to be “no water pressure in shower.”
Well, here are some more reasons for such low water pressure issues to think about.
Your Fixtures Are Outdated
Defective fixtures can cause low water pressure in some circumstances over time. Mineral deposits, such as rust, limestone, or sediment can clog the fixture and make it impossible for water to flow freely.
This not only reduces water pressure but can also affect the quality of the water that is discharged. This could be the situation if you experience low water pressure in one or two fixtures.
You Have a Faulty Pressure Regulator
A defective pressure regulator can also cause low water pressure. It might also result in excessive water pressure. When you turn on a faucet in your home, you’ll notice that there’s little to no middle ground between low and high water pressure. This is a sign that your water pressure regulator is failing.
A pressure regulator is not installed in every home, but if yours is, you’ll likely discover it beneath your front hose connection. You should not adjust the pressure regulator once the manufacturer has set it. Your pressure regulator, on the other hand, maybe modified by rotating the screw at the tip.
To tighten or loosen the screw, turn it clockwise or counterclockwise. When you tighten the screw, your water pressure should rise, and when you relax the screw, your water pressure should fall.
Water Valve Issues
The water flow in your home is controlled by two primary shut-off valves: one on or in your home and one at the meter. If one of these valves is off for whatever reason, your water pressure will drop a lot.
When the water is turned off and then turned back on, a valve may be partially closed rather than all the way open. If you suspect a closed or partially closed valve is causing your low water pressure, ensure sure both main valves are fully open.
Your Water Pipes Are Clogged Up
Clogged pipes are another source of low water pressure. If water sprays out at a typical pressure when you initially turn on a tap but subsequently begins to flow with substantially decreased pressure, this could indicate clogged pipes.
While you can see what your pipes are composed of, this should be the end of your investigation. You can’t examine this one yourself, unlike some other faults that can cause low water pressure. If you think your pipes are clogged, hire a certified plumber, such as Maintracts Services Ltd, to inspect them. They will determine whether they need to be cleaned or replaced.
It is not a good idea to work on pipes on your own. Attempting to unclog blocked pipes without the proper skills is not only tricky, but it may also be harmful – for example, you could contaminate your drinking water supply accidentally.
No Water Pressure, No Problem
Many of the difficulties mentioned above, as well as others, should be addressed by a professional. When it comes to plumbing, you don’t want to ignore a problem or worsen it by attempting to fix it yourself.
