Fixing Your Home’s Low Water Pressure Problem

Does your morning shower start as more of a trickle than a bang? Is your sink faucet a lazy river rather than a steady torrent? Then your home has low water pressure. Some have been tricked into believing that some homes just naturally have low water pressure and there is nothing they can do about it, but that simply isn't true. Low water pressure is a plumbing problem and sometimes it is caused by an issue that can and needs to be fixed.

So what are the causes of low water pressure? There are several different issues that can lead to low water pressure in a home. The first thing you should consider is if it only happens in one or two water features rather than the whole house. If you have hard water, this low water pressure could be due to a buildup of lime or other minerals in these fixtures that is preventing the water from flowing efficiently.

If you have a whole house low water pressure problem, you can start by looking to your water shutoff valve. Sometimes when it was shut off last, it may have not been opened all the way again. This obviously leads to a lower water pressure. It is also worthwhile to know that if low water pressure only occurs when using hot water, then you need to check the hot water valve on your water heater.

The most problematic cause of whole house low water pressure is that there is a leak somewhere. This means not enough water is getting where it needs to because it is leaking out somewhere along the way, and that makes it look like you have lower water pressure. So on top of very unsatisfactory showers, you are also accruing water damage somewhere as well. To track this down, you will need the help of a professional plumber who can also help you make the repair. Contact us today for fast, reliable plumbing service.

Don't Fall for These Common Plumbing Myths

Many homeowners underestimate the complexity of plumbing and try to find solutions to their plumbing problems online. Unfortunately, many of these "quick fixes" are based on incorrect information and can even cause further damage to your plumbing system. The following are a few of the myths that we hear most often.

Low Water Pressure Is Nothing to Worry About:

Low water pressure can be a sign of a water leak. Not only will this hit your wallet in the form of higher water bills, but an undiagnosed leak can cause damage to your home and property that you may not see right away.

Drain Clogs Are Inevitable:

A few preventative steps can prevent most kitchen and bathroom drain clogs. In the kitchen, use a filter or strainer in your drain to prevent food particles from going down the drain. You should also use a filter in the shower or bathtub to catch the hair and run hot water down the drain regularly to help remove soap scum. Finally, never flush anything down your toilet other than human waste and toilet paper. Feminine hygiene products and wipes, even if they say they are flushable, can cause clogs.

Commercial Drain Cleaners Are the Best Way to Unclog a Drain:

Liquid drain cleaners are ineffective against clogs caused by solids. They also contain harsh chemicals that can corrode and damage your pipes. Your best option is to call a professional plumber who can make sure that the clog is removed completely without harming the rest of your plumbing system.

Putting a Brick in the Toilet Tank Will Save Water:

While it is true that the brick will displace water so that the tank will take less water to fill, it is a bad idea for a couple of reasons. First, bricks deteriorate when placed in water for an extended time. The sediment can end up damaging various components of your toilet. You also run the risk of displacing too much water and having to flush twice, which negates any potential water savings.

My Water Is Flowing Fine, So I Do Not Have to Worry About a Clog:

Clogs often develop over time. For example, leftover rice may go down the drain quite easily; however, it will absorb water and bloat over time. Eventually, the clog will reach a size where the water can longer pass and therefore create a nasty backup. Having your pipes inspected once a year is the best way to identify potential clogs before they can cause a major headache.

We encourage you to call The Polite Plumber in Ledgewood NJ with any questions or service needs you may have.