The average in-home water pressure is a range between 40 and 75 pounds per square inch (PSI) and can differ from home to home for various reasons. The cause of low water pressure in your house can vary such as: regulations of the municipality, distance from the water source, and altitude of the neighborhood just to name a few. If the water seems too slow from your taps you may have low water pressure, so you may be wondering what to do if you have low water pressure. We have compiled a basic list below of how to troubleshoot for the problem, but when in doubt it is always best to call a plumber for an expert assessment.
- One of the worst problems you do not want to ignore is a leaky pipe. If you notice a dip in your water pressure the first thing you might want to do is check your house for wet spots. There could be wet or mouldy dry wall, puddles on the basement floor, drips under the sink, or spots forming on the ceiling. If you think you have a leak, don’t hesitate to call a plumber to inspect. Ignoring a leak could lead to a burst pipe, water damage to your home and furniture, or even a flood.
- We are sometimes asked “can a clogged drain cause low water pressure?” Yes! Pressure may be reduced by corroded or clogged pipes. Over time the pipes in your home may begin to corrode from chemicals and treatments added to the municipal water supply. Older homes may have been fitted with galvanized steel pipes which can begin to corrode after only 20 years. Also over time there may be sediment buildup from dirt and minerals in the water which may even lead to rust. A clogged pipe can soon lead to a blocked pipe which then becomes a burst pipe, so you definitely want to get this checked out.
- Similarly when we are asked “can a clogged water filter cause low water pressure”? Yes, but this would only be for the appliance of water that is connected to that water filter. If you are noticing a drop in water pressure throughout your home and the water filter is not upstream of the water then this would not be the overarching problem although we would recommend replacing water filters that are suspected to be clogged.
- Every home has a main shut-off valve which should be accessible to the homeowner. This valve sometimes gets moved or partially turned off by either trades working in your home or even by accidental means. If this valve is a lever it needs to be parallel to the pipe. If this valve is a knob it needs to be turned counter-clockwise as far as it will turn. Fortunately this is the simplest fix.
- Have you renovated or updated your older home recently? Have you added a bathroom, a dish washer, or a new laundry room? These additions could increase the water flow in older lines that may be too small for the added pressure. If this is the case you may discover that your dishes aren’t getting as clean as they should, your clothes are not fully washed, or your shower is lacking that regular force you’ve been accustomed to. If you suspect this might be the issue then call your local plumber to discuss your options. You may be able to add a water booster pump, or you may have to stagger your water use throughout the day to maximize the pressure.
- Some water pressure problems may come from outside your home and be totally out of your control. If the municipality has been doing maintenance in your area they may have turned off your water meter valve and not fully opened it again. This valve controls the water flow entering your home and belongs to the water company supplying your water. You may need to call them to inspect. Another unforeseen issue is the changing of regulations of your city or municipality. For various reasons a city may decide to reduce its flow rate. It may also develop new neighborhoods in your area but not increase the water supply, thereby forcing you to share the current supply with more people. This would become more noticeable in the evenings when most people are home at the same time. It could be helpful to talk to some of your neighbors to see if they are experiencing the same issues.
In any case, if you suddenly experience lower water pressure than you are used to, it is strongly recommended to investigate the matter before the problem persists. If you are unable to pin point the problem then call your plumber Calgary Alberta for an expert assessment. Most often a new drop-off in water pressure can be remedied with a solution so don’t wait to investigate. At Harper’s Plumbing we are always here to help and can schedule an appointment with one of our team members to help you if needed!
