Maintaining good water pressure in your Lubbock, Texas, home is important to keep you and your family comfortable. If you’re noticing that low water pressure is becoming a problem in your home, there are several plumbing issues you should be on the lookout for that might be contributing factors.
Bad Fixtures
One of the most common problems behind low water pressure are issues with your faucets or showerheads. As these fixtures age, they can become clogged with lime, rust, or dirt, reducing the flow of water. To determine if your fixtures are the issue, clean the screen and aerator on the fixture and try running the faucet or showerhead again. If you don’t notice an improvement in pressure, you may need to replace the fixture.
Water Valve Problems
Two shut-off valves control the water flow in your home. The first one can be found on the street side of your water meter, and the other will be located on the home side. If you aren’t sure where these shut-offs are, you can check around the walls where the piping feeds in. Depending on your city regulations, you may have access only to the home side.
Poor water pressure can be caused by either of these valves failing to open completely, limiting the amount of water that’s pushed through at any given time. Low pressure can also be caused by damage to these valves during maintenance or by built-up sediment. If it’s a sediment issue, the valve will need to be gently opened and closed to break the sediment free and let the pressure return to normal.
Clogged Pipes
If your valves are opening and closing and your fixtures are working properly, it’s possible you have a clog somewhere in your water pipes. This is most likely to occur with galvanized pipes. You should never try to unclog water pipes on your own, because not only can it be complex to diagnose and repair, but you also run the risk of contaminating your drinking water. A certified plumber will be able to pinpoint the location of the clog and rectify the problem while preserving the purity of your water.
A Failing Pressure Regulator
Your plumbing might be equipped with a pressure regulator that can cause problems with water pressure if that regulator begins to fail — it can even cause a major increase in water pressure. If you cannot find a comfortable pressure level, there’s a good chance your regulator is malfunctioning and will need to be replaced.
Corroded Plumbing
If your plumbing has become corroded, the corrosion could be blocking the flow of water to your fixtures. This often occurs in older homes or homes with outdated plumbing. Corrosion can cause problems with the safety of your water supply, so addressing the issue should not be taken lightly.
If corrosion or leaky pipes are detected, you’ll have to consider replacing all the plumbing. When your plumbing is old and corrosion isn’t the issue, the problem could be that your old lines are too thin to provide the flow of water your home needs. If this is the case, you may still need to replace your plumbing.
An Insufficient Main Supply Line
If you’ve checked all the above issues and you’re still having a problem with your water pressure, your main supply line could be the issue. In this instance, you’ll need to find a licensed contractor who’s experienced in water mains to be able to determine if the main line is the required size. Local records may also be able to give you information about the size of the lines. If you’ve recently added more fixtures to your home, there’s a chance the current supply line might be inadequate.
Determining the cause of your low water pressure can be a process of elimination. While there are a few possibilities you can check yourself, it’s best to call a professional plumber to come out to conduct an inspection, diagnose your problem, and provide you with available solutions.
If you’re experiencing low water pressure or other plumbing issues in your home, contact BTAC at 806-589-1014 today to schedule a consultation.
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