3 Possible Causes Of Low Water Pressure

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the average household uses 80 to 100 gallons of water per day, per person. With this statistic, it's easy to see how low water pressure can disrupt several aspects of your life at home. Before you can resolve water pressure issues, you must understand what can lead to low water pressure in the first place. Here are three possible causes of low water pressure in your home.

1. Clogged Faucets or Fixtures

The most obvious place to look for the cause behind low water pressure is at the affected faucet or fixture itself. Sediments in your home's water supply can clog faucet aerators, showerheads, dishwasher spray nozzles, and other fixtures.

Clogged plumbing fixtures are a likely diagnosis when low water pressure is only a problem in one part of your home. If you're struggling with water pressure issues throughout your house or at intermittent times of the day, your plumbing is probably at the root of the problem.

2. Pressure Regulator Failure

Your water pressure regulator, or pressure-reducing valve, has the biggest impact on water pressure throughout your entire home. The pressure regulator protects your plumbing by reducing the water pressure from your main supply to a level that's safe for your pipes.

A failing pressure-reducing valve may severely reduce your home's water pressure by constricting too tightly. In other cases, the valve may cause your water pressure to fluctuate by switching between the open and shut positions. The pressure regulator is usually located where your plumbing meets your city water supply line. A plumber can easily diagnose and repair a failed pressure regulator.

3. Hidden Plumbing Leaks

Water supply lines aren't immune to leaks, especially if they are particularly old or corroded. Large cracks or punctures in your water supply lines may reduce water pressure if too much water is lost before it reaches the fixture.

You may be able to spot water supply leaks inside your home by listening for dripping or hissing noises behind your walls. Naturally, any area with visible water staining or mold is a primary suspect. Sometimes, water supply leaks can be impossible for homeowners to locate, such as when the supply lines are buried beneath the home's foundation.

Don't let low water pressure make tasks like washing clothes, showering, and cleaning dishes difficult. Call a plumbing contractor for a professional inspection to pinpoint the cause of your water pressure issues.

Contact a plumber to learn more. 


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