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What is Triggering Low Water Pressure Problems in Your Home?

Low water pressure can be frustrating.Are you taking a shower in a weak drizzle? Does your washer take forever to fill up? Do you only get a dribble from your faucet? At Pipe Dream Plumbing, we know low water pressure in your home can be really frustrating. And, sometimes, the source of the problem isn’t obvious.

Therefore, if you’re wondering what may be instigating your home’s low water pressure problems, check out these five common causes and some solutions to fix them:

1. Debris and mineral buildup in your pipes

If your water main has a crack in it, dirt, sand, and other debris can get into your home’s pipes. Additionally, over the years, minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in the water can accumulate in your pipes. Eventually, these minerals can collect, blocking your faucets, shower heads, and/or pipes, and causing low water pressure.

If you suspect you may have a crack in either your water main or your water main supply line, contact a licensed and insured plumber, like those at Pipe Dream Plumbing. A professional plumber can help determine where the problem lies. If the crack is in your supply line, you’re responsible for its repair and/or replacement. If the problem is in the main water line, your city or town will need to fix it.

To remove sediment in faucet or shower aerators, dissemble and soak the aerator screens in white vinegar for at least 8 hours. You may need to use a toothbrush to remove any stubborn gunk. If the minerals can’t be removed, contact the plumbers at Pipe Dream Plumbing for their recommendations.

2. Corrosion buildup inside your pipes.

While the steel or galvanized water pipes in your home are supposed to last around 20 years, gradually, natural corrosion can occur. Corrosion can be the result of the water’s pH level, chemical composition, and/or oxygen amounts. Corrosion can cause low water pressure in specific areas or throughout your home. Unfortunately, when corrosion buildup happens, your only option is to repair or replace your pipes.

3. Plumbing leaks

If you have a sudden and serious drop in water pressure, you may have a plumbing leak. Leaks can be hard to find unless you notice obvious signs like dripping water or areas where the ground or floor is wet. Your best option is to call a plumber to determine the source of a plumbing leak.

4.Partially shut water valve

Sometimes, water valves can be partially or completely turned off by accident – or on purpose, if you’re going to be away from home for an extended period. Your home has a main shutoff valve to stop the flow of water to your entire house. Your home also has individual or supply shutoff valves for certain appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, water softeners) and fixtures (toilets and faucets). Depending on whether your low water pressure problem is affecting a certain appliance or fixture – or your entire home, check the appropriate water valve to make sure it’s open all the way.

5. Malfunction of municipal water supplies or wells

Sometimes, your low water pressure problems may not be caused by your home’s plumbing system. They may be the result of a glitch in your town’s municipal water supply. If your neighbors are also having low water pressure issues, your municipal water supply is likely the source. Call your local municipal water supplier to see if they’re having an issue and when the problem will be fixed.

If you have a private well and you’re having low water pressure problems, your well pump may not be working correctly. Contact a service provider to inspect and fix or replace your well pump.

Don’t Let Low Water Pressure Issues Cause You Nightmares

If the oomph has gone out of your home’s water pressure, call the plumbing experts at Pipe Dream Plumbing at 317-388-1988 to request a free estimate. We can track down and fix your low water pressure problems, so your water is flowing at full force again.