If you have clogged pipes or drains , it is crucial to get a local Glendale, CA Plumber out as soon as possible. But what if it’s not the water draining that is the problem, but the volume of water coming out? The average water pressure in a home is between 40 to 45 pounds per square inches (or PSI). It is possible that your water pressure has dropped to below this level if you have low water pressure.
The average American household drinks 300 Gallons of Water per day. We often don’t think about how the water gets to our faucets or where it comes from. Many people don’t know where they should look when their water pressure drops.
Low water pressure may be due to a variety of factors, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the source. Low water pressure can be traced to a specific area in your commercial or residential property. It could be a sign of a larger plumbing issue if you notice low water pressure throughout your building or house.
A problem with your water supplier
Before you turn on the tap and tap into your pipes, make sure to check with neighbors. If not, you won’t be able pinpoint the source of your home’s water pressure issues.
Check with your water supplier to find out if they are aware and working on a problem. If the problem can be corrected quickly and is not urgent, you may have to wait.
You may need to take action if they don’t address the problem immediately or continue to ignore it. You didn’t know that washing your hair with shampoo would be necessary.
Change in the regulations of the city
Additionally, it is possible that your city has changed its water rules. In this case, your water supplier will have no choice but comply.
You might consider installing a water pressure booster if your water pressure is low. Water pressure boosters are for homeowners who want to increase the flow of water from their faucets. Installing them should only be done by a professional plumber to avoid potential problems.
The size and age your pipes will have an impact on the way they are installed. An inspector may be required if you make this type of property improvement. These tasks can be made much easier by hiring a local Glendale, CA Plumber.
House Shutoff Valve Open Everywhere
If low water pressure is a problem in your community, you should investigate your own home.
It is crucial for homeowners that they know how to turn off the main house shutoff pump. Let’s now see what happens if it isn’t completely closed.
This valve is probably not something you are familiar with. While it may be outside your home, it’s most likely inside the city supply pipes that provide water to your home.
If it looks like a sprayer hose, you can turn the handle counterclockwise. If the handle looks like it is a lever, it should be parallel the pipe. The valve may not be fully closed and the pressure may be too low.
The Water Meter Valve Doesn’t Open Fully
The water meter is the second valve to control your home’s water intake. Most people will not have to deal direct with this valve as it is owned by the water provider. Some of them, especially ones that are underground, are very difficult to access.
Call your water provider immediately if your house has had recent work, especially if your water pressure is low. Most likely, the valve wasn’t fully opened after the job was done. This will require someone to enter and open the valve fully.
Your Pressure Regulator Is Failing
The majority of plumbing systems do not have a pressure regulator. This is the solution for you if your plumbing does not have a pressure regulator.
If so, you can perform a test to check if your pressure regulator does not provide accurate readings. Connect the water pressure gauge with an outdoor hose-spigot. The water pressure gauge displays the current water pressure as you turn on your water supply.
The problem may be with your pressure regulator if it is lower than the one indicated by the regulator. The regulators are designed to lower the water supply pressure to ensure safe conditions for your pipes. If the regulator isn’t reading it means it isn’t performing its job.
While you can replace the pressure regulator by yourself, it is better to call a professional Glendale, CA Plumber if you don’t know much about plumbing.
Clog Pipes
Clogs can occur under drains as well. Blockages can build up deep within your plumbing and cause water pressure drops.
Blockages can happen anywhere underneath your property. Therefore, it is crucial to get in touch with a plumber immediately to solve the issue. You don’t want the pipes to burst and you won’t be able reassemble them.
Also, keep in mind that you might not be aware of the contamination you are causing to your pipes. Although it’s possible to use dangerous chemicals to dislodge obstructions, this is not recommended.
It is quite another to use dangerous or questionable chemicals in the pipes that supply your drinking water. This is strongly discouraged.
Leak Pipes
Flooding in a basement, foundation or other water service lines can lead to structural damage and leaks. A minor leak can cause water pressure to drop. The leak is causing water supply to be misdirected. This can lead to insufficient water flow, even though everything else is functioning properly.
Check your pipes to see if any water is leaking. You can quickly identify the pipe that is leaking and then fix it.
Switch off your water supply, then dry the affected pipe thoroughly. You can then apply a rubber patch to the cracks or corroded areas and attach it with an electrical tape and a pipe clamp.
Although it will not fix your problem permanently, it might stop you from getting more damage for a few hours. Even if temporary solutions are available, you should contact a local plumber as soon possible. Leaky pipes are not only dangerous for your foundation, but can also cause water contamination.
You most likely have multiple leaks if you notice an increase in water pressure. Low water pressure could also be caused by other factors, such as a leak.
Pipelines that are shared
Shared pipes are those that supply water to more than one house. If your neighbor is taking a shower or washing their car, your water pressure will drop. This does NOT mean you have to pay for their water consumption. It simply means that there are two or more households sharing your water supply.
What you feel is a shift in water pressure? There may be a change in the water pressure as you wash your hair or run the dishwasher. This is not a sign that you should be scolded for overusing water while washing your hair.
You will need to assess how bothersome intermittent low water pressure is. You might be able to experiment with different times and modify your routine. As long as you know when your neighbor isn’t using their water, everything should be okay.
Do your research to find the right plumbing company for you. They will not hide costs or charge unreasonable up-charges if you decide that pipe replacement is the best choice. Do not be surprised if the company isn’t transparent about their rates.
Faulty Fixtures
Low water pressure is almost always a problem with your water supply. You should however investigate if you see low flow in any of your fixtures. A faucet aerator can reduce the water flow from your faucet while maintaining pressure. Aerators may become clogged with limestone and dirt over time or rust out.
Low-pressure faucets need to have their aerators checked to see if they require cleaning. Make sure they are completely clean and check if the water pressure has improved.
Fixtures can become blocked. Most fixtures are affordable so it is worth replacing them as soon possible. Before you remove the fixture, shut off the water supply.
Rusty Pipes
There is an expiration date on galvanized steel pipes. However, they can begin to corrode after 20 years. Copper pipes last 50 years or longer, while brass pipes can last 40 to 70 years.
Corrosion is more likely in older homes. Older pipes aren’t made from galvanized Steel so they won’t last as long. But older homes may need Repiping.
Corrosion can also occur if plumbing fixtures are installed in your home after construction, such as an extra toilet or washing machine.
If you are adding plumbing fixtures to an existing house, it is a good idea to extend the branch lines. If you don’t, your pipes will deteriorate quicker because they are constantly working overtime.