One of the most important systems in your home is your plumbing system. It supplies you with fresh cold and hot water for activities like cleaning, drinking, and bathing. Unfortunately, from time to time, your plumbing system can experience malfunctions. One of the most common malfunctions homeowners have with their plumbing system is low water pressure. Understanding the root cause of your water pressure issue is the first step in fixing it.
1. Clogged Pipes
Over time, different materials can build up inside your piping. These include rust, debris, and even mineral sediment. If you live in a region with hard water or you have galvanized steel piping, you’re more likely to experience piping issues. This is because the inside of the piping starts to corrode.
Over time, this corrosion builds up and narrows the inside diameter of the pipe. This restricts water flow through your fixture and will continue to reduce its pressure. This is most common when you notice a gradual decline in pressure over months. You may also notice discolored water or uneven pressure in different parts of your home. Sometimes we may be able to flush out the inside of your line to remove debris buildup. In other cases, we may need to replace the entire piping run to restore adequate water pressure to your home.
2. Hard Water
Hard water can wreak havoc on your home’s entire piping system. Hard water is characterized by water that has high levels of calcium and magnesium. These deposits will accumulate over time inside your pipes, on your fixtures, and even at your shower head. You will notice a white lime buildup that just never seems to go away.
Over time, this buildup can restrict the flow out of your fixtures. You’ll notice reduced spray strength from your shower heads and faucet sprayers. Some other key indicators include spots on your dishes and a white crust around your faucets and shower heads. If you live in a region with hard water, your best bet is to install a water softener system. This gets placed near your incoming water supply to effectively remove excess calcium and magnesium from your water before it reaches all of your fixtures.
3. Partially Closed Valves
While some reasons for having low water pressure can be more invasive, a simple one may be that one of your shut-off valves is partially closed. This can happen if someone’s working around your piping and accidentally pushes the valve without realizing it. Without your valve fully open, it won’t allow a free flow of water through your piping. This offers an easy fix: Open the shut-off valve completely to allow for adequate water flow.
4. Municipal Supply Issues
If you currently rely on city water at your home, you’re susceptible to experiencing issues when there’s a problem with the water supply line. For example, if the main water supply line experiences a burst, it could leave everyone on that line with low water pressure. If you notice low water pressure at all of the fixtures throughout your home, it could indicate a problem with your municipal water supply. It’s always a good idea to check with your neighbors to see if they’re experiencing the same issue, or look on your municipal water supplier’s website to see if they note a problem.
5. PRV Failure
Modern-day building codes require homes to have a PRV, a pressure-reducing valve. You may also hear it referred to as a pressure regulator. Its job is to regulate the incoming water pressure. It’s relatively common for city water supply lines to have a higher pressure than what the piping in your home is rated for. This is where having a PRV comes into play. It can reduce the higher water pressure down to a safer level to protect the piping in your home.
Unfortunately, like any other part of your plumbing system, your PRV can malfunction from time to time. If you notice a dramatic drop in water pressure or fluctuating pressure, it could indicate a PRV problem. It’s important to have a plumbing professional thoroughly evaluate your valve and replace it if necessary.
6. Hidden Plumbing Leaks
Another reason that you may notice a reduction in your water pressure is due to a plumbing leak. This happens when water naturally diverts through the leak before it reaches your fixture. Leaks can occur anywhere in your plumbing system, with some of the most common being inside your walls, under your slab foundation, or at your underground service line.
With a hidden plumbing leak, you may notice a dramatic decrease in your water pressure. You may also notice wet spots on your floors or walls and an unexpectedly high water bill. You may hear sounds of running water when you have no fixtures on, or you may see mold or mildew growth develop.
Anytime that you suspect you have a hidden plumbing leak in your home, it’s important to get prompt, professional assistance. We offer leak detection services where we can locate the source of your hidden water leak to repair it. It’s vital to get prompt repair service, as water can cause extensive damage to your home. Not only will it weaken the structural integrity of your home’s building materials, but it can also lead to toxic mold and mildew growth.
7. Water Heater Malfunction
Another reason that you may be experiencing low water pressure in your home is due to a water heater malfunction. When you notice low water pressure, it’s important to check both the hot and cold sides of your faucet. If it’s solely restricted to the hot side, it indicates a water heater issue. Some possible causes of a water heater malfunction include a failing dip tube, a partially closed hot water valve, a blocked hot water line, or sediment buildup in the tank.
8. Clogged Aerators
Most modern-day faucets and shower heads have built-in aerators. These are specifically designed to mix air with water coming out of the faucet to make the pressure feel stronger. Unfortunately, aerators can get clogged with debris from time to time. Things like mineral deposits can block the small openings of the aerator and restrict water flow through them.
You can typically fix this issue by removing the aerator from your faucet or shower head and soaking it in vinegar for a couple of hours. The natural acidity of vinegar can remove debris, which will allow the aerator to provide proper water flow to your faucet.
9. Well Issue
If your home relies on a private well system for fresh water, your low water pressure issue may stem from a well problem. Some common well malfunctions include a failing well pump, low-pressure tank air charge, and clogged sediment filters. If you suspect that you have a well-related issue, it’s best to have a professional further evaluate your well pump and setup to determine the root cause of your malfunction.
Reliable Plumbing Repair Service
Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical offers reliable plumbing repair in Denver, CO and the surrounding communities. We can also assist with all your plumbing inspection, new installation, and replacement needs.
Contact us today to learn more about our plumbing services in Denver.
