Low water pressure can present real issues for homeowners in Houston. Determining the source of the problem and taking steps to address them effectively can increase comfort for every member of your family. Additionally, resolving water pressure issues may allow dishwashers and clothes washers to perform at peak efficiency. Consulting with a company that offers Houston water heater repair and other plumbing services can be a good first step toward identifying and remedying this problem. Here are five likely culprits to investigate when looking for the reasons behind your home’s low water pressure.
Pressure Regulators
Water pressure regulators are designed to reduce pressure to acceptable levels before water enters your home. Excessive pressure can put added strain on plumbing fixtures to cause a number of problems:
- Increased risk of leaks in pipes, toilets, and faucets
- Premature failure of hot water heaters
- Higher utility bills due to wasted water
In some cases, however, pressure regulators can fail to operate properly, causing low-pressure problems throughout your home. Mistakes in adjusting the settings of your pressure regulator can put your home’s plumbing at risk. Adjusting or replacing these devices is a job best left to a professional Houston plumber.
Water Leaks
Constantly running toilets or dripping faucets can reduce the available water pressure inside your home over time. While these issues are usually easy to spot, leaks behind walls or in outdoor irrigation equipment may be less obvious. Left untreated, these hidden leaks can potentially cause serious damage to structural elements of your home and can cost you hundreds of dollars in utility bills. The drop in water pressure caused by serious leaks could be your first indication of a problem. Contacting a Houston plumbing company right away can prevent further damage and can help you address water pressure issues more effectively.
Shutoff Valves
The shutoff valves located in various areas of your home are designed to allow installation or repair of various fixtures and appliances without shutting off water to your entire home. When one of these valves is accidentally bumped or is turned down by mistake, it could reduce the water flow to the attached fixtures. Toilet shutoff valves are especially vulnerable to these incidents during sweeping or mopping. If low water pressure is only affecting one device or one area of your home, checking your shutoff valves to make sure they are open fully can sometimes remedy this problem.
Mineral Deposits
Over time, mineral buildup inside metal pipes, showerheads and faucets can block the flow of water. This can result in unsatisfying showers and reduced water pressure in many areas of your Houston home. In some cases, replacing the showerhead, faucet aerator or other component of your indoor plumbing may have an immediate, positive effect on the pressure achieved in these areas. If your pipes are more than 10 years old or if you live in a hard water area, however, your best bet is to consult with a professional plumber to determine if your pipes should be replaced to eliminate blockages and restore water pressure to your home.
Water Usage
Temporary loss of water pressure can occur when two or more items are using water at the same time. Most people have experienced the sudden drop in showerhead pressure when a toilet is flushed or a dishwasher begins to fill. In a similar fashion, entire neighborhoods may occasionally experience reduced pressure during times of peak usage. By scheduling your daily shower a little earlier or later, you can avoid pressure issues caused by widespread water use during peak times in your community.
If you are experiencing frequent or persistent water pressure issues, consulting with a Houston plumber can be the first step toward resolving these difficulties. These knowledgeable professionals can identify the source of the problem quickly to ensure the greatest comfort for you and your family when dealing with everyday activities in your Houston home.