Why Is Your Water Pressure So Low?
Does your shower release a rather underwhelming stream of water? Maybe it takes forever for you to fill the sink to wash dishes. Low water pressure is a real issue for many homeowners, and many ignore it for years because they don't realize they can do anything about it. Here's a closer look at some common causes of low water pressure and how to address them.
Leaks
You'd notice a leak if it were in one of the pipes inside your home, but the problem is that leaks that are big enough to lead to a loss of water pressure are often found in the pipes leading to your home. The only real "symptoms" they might cause would be an extra-high water bill, a wet yard, and the low water pressure you're experiencing. Compare your water bill to those of your neighbors, and pay attention to your yard to see if you notice any ongoing wet spots. If you suspect a leak, your plumber may have to replace or repair some of the main pipes leading into your home, but once this is done, you can look forward to better water pressure.
Scaling in the Pipes
Over time, minerals can leave the water and form deposits on the inside of your pipes. These are similar to the deposits you may see on your shower head or faucets. When the deposits are found in one of your home's major pipes, they can restrict the flow of water through the pipes, leading to low water pressure. Some signs deposits might be to blame for your issues include:
- The appearance of deposits on your fixtures. (If minerals are depositing here, they're probably depositing inside your pipes, too.)
- Knowledge that your area has hard water. (Hard water has a higher concentration of dissolved minerals)
Your plumber should be able to detect a deposit pretty quickly by sending a camera into your main pipes. If one is found, you'll need to have that section of pipe replaced. Then, you should install a water softener to remove minerals from the water, preventing future deposits from forming. Water softeners are simple appliances; they attach to your main pipe and treat water as it enters your home.
Don't continue living with low water pressure and wishing for a forceful, more enjoyable shower. Get to the bottom of the issue and address its causes. Life is too short for wimpy, drippy showers.