Low water pressure can be an extremely inconvenient and irritating problem to have to deal with in your home. Taking showers, washing your hands and performing chores like laundry and dishes all can be quite aggravating if you don’t have the necessary water pressure to get these tasks done efficiently.
So how do you know if you’re dealing with low water pressure, and why does low water pressure occur? Here’s some information about low water pressure signs to watch for in Modesto, CA.
Causes of low water pressure
There are a variety of issues that can occur within your home that may cause low water pressure. The type of solution you perform will depend in large part on the cause of the low water pressure you’re dealing with.
A buildup of debris and minerals in the pipes is one common cause. If there is any kind of fracture in the water main, you could get debris entering in through the pipes, such as dirt or small sticks or leaves. Hard water running through the pipes could also leave behind mineral deposits or sediment buildup. Even a small amount of this debris found in the pipes could have a major impact on the water pressure you get coming through your home.
The piping could also be corroded. Steel and galvanized pipes will typically last about two decades before they begin corroding, and this corrosion can block the flow of water. You may need to re-pipe your home if this is a problem you’ve discovered.
Finally, a leak somewhere in your plumbing system could be the cause of low pressure. You might be able to find the leak if it’s in an exposed pipe, but the leak could be behind the wall as well, where it could cause some significant water damage if left unchecked for too long.
There are a couple main categories of low water pressure, both of which will have their own telltale signs you should watch for.
Fixture-specific low pressure
In some cases, low water pressure might only affect certain fixtures in your home, rather than all aspects of your plumbing. Your home as a whole might have sufficient water pressure, but if you turn on your bathroom sink, for example, you may have poor water pressure. Typically, the cause of low water pressure in this sort of situation is a problem with that fixture, not with the plumbing.
If, for example, you have a faucet that has been experiencing low water pressure, you may be dealing with a clogged aerator. A simple vinegar and water solution can help you clear out debris, but if that doesn’t work, you can always replace the aerator. There could also be a clog in the line leading to the sink.
Temperature-specific pressure issues
You might also have problems with low water pressure at certain temperatures. If the problem is with hot water output, this is most likely to indicate a problem somewhere within your water heater. Check the shutoff valve to the water heater tank to make sure it’s fully open. If this isn’t the issue, have a professional check out your water heater.
For more information about uncovering low water pressure signs in Modesto, CA, contact Alvarado Pumping Septic Service today.