Low Water Pressure Creates Problems

Have low water pressure in Huntington Beach? Low water pressure in your home is not only inconvenient it is also a sign bigger problems may be lurking in the shadows. Sometimes low pressure is coming from your municipal water supplier or, if you have a private well, the problem could originate there. However, more often the problem lies within the walls of your home. Here are a few common causes of low water pressure.

Clogged Drains

Water is running through your pipes and travels at a certain rate. Debris from dirt, solidified grease and oil, food, and foreign objects can slow down the water’s flow rate, creating a low water pressure situation. If you suspect a clog does not use chemical clog removers as they can damage your pipes. Keeping a cover over your drain is a good idea and knowing which foods can be disposed of in your sink is necessary to avoid drain clogs.

Corrosion

Corrosion, or the oxidation that collects on the inner lining of pipes, will also slow pressure down and, if present, will eventually require pipes to be replaced. Mineral scaling, a by-product of hard water, will also lower water pressure and will eventually eat small holes in your pipes causing leaks that could go undetected for weeks. The most serious corrosion occurs in old galvanized steel pipes. As buildup forms, it slowly restricts the water supply but because it happens gradually it often goes undetected until it is too late. Once your pipes are corroded it will require you to replace all the pipes in your home. Repiping is one of the most serious and expensive plumbing jobs a homeowner can face. 

Check Shut-Off Valve

Another culprit causing low pressure may be your water shut-off valve.  Check to see if it may be partially closed. If the shut-off valve is a lever-type valve, make certain that the lever is running parallel to the inlet pipe. If it is perpendicular to the pipe it is in the closed position. If the shut-off valve is a wheel-type, turn the wheel several times counter-clockwise until it tightens, and then turn it 1/2 turn clockwise. This is the optimal position for a wheel-type shut-off valve.

Water Regulator Issues

In homes that have water regulators, a malfunctioning or improperly set regulator could be the culprit causing low pressure. Water regulators are valves that control high-pressure water and reduce it to a more comfortable level. If you suspect that you have a water regulator problem it is best to call in a professional plumber. They will be able to determine whether your valve needs to be replaced or simply adjusted to better meet the water usage demands of your family.

Hot Water Heaters

If you notice that your low water pressure is confined to just the hot water supply only, the problem may be coming from your hot water heater. Hot water issues can be a result of hard water which not only negatively affects your hot water heater itself but it can also damage your appliances such as a dishwasher or washing machine and severely shortened their lifespan.

Another issue related to your hot water heater is the cold water shut-off valve. The cold water shut-off valve needs to be in a fully opened position. If upon examination you find the valve is opened, the next step would be to drain the hot water heater. Draining the hot water heater removes any unwanted sediment that has settled on the floor of the heater. This sediment can block the flow of water and cause low water pressure. Draining your hot water heater should be a regular maintenance job and will prolong the life of your hot water heater. Another issue related to your hot water heater is the size of the piping used to bring water into the hot water tank and to allow it to exit the tank. If the piping is too small it will need to be increased which is a job best left to the professionals.

Low water pressure in your home may be coming from outside causes or from problems within your home. Regardless of their origins, low pressure needs to be addressed and rectified to maintain a smooth working home. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to take a quick shower or clean up a sink full of dishes with water that is running slowly. Keep an eye out for these red flags to prevent serious and costly future repairs.

Call a Professional Plumber to Address Your Water Pressure Issues

At bluefrog Plumbing + Drain Orange County, we are experts at diagnosing and fixing low water pressure problems in Huntington Beach and the surrounding areas. If you have low water pressure problems that you cannot fix, you may want to consider calling a plumber to diagnose your issues. We are available to handle any of your plumbing needs. Call us today!