When we get up in the morning to shower, we all have one thing on our minds, and that’s to have an incredibly nice hot shower with water blazing down our backs. Let’s admit it, we’re all a little pampered. We won’t settle for anything less than a hot shower with good water pressure. That doesn’t just apply to hot showers, we want good water pressure for washing or cars, dishes, clothes. It’s all part of our quality of life. We don’t know how important it is until we don’t have it.
Isolate The Low Water Pressure Problem
The cause of low water pressure can be as simple as a shut-off valve being partially closed or blocked faucet due to calcium and mineral build-up. There are some easy ways to identify low water pressure problems, and it starts with a process of elimination. Let’s start with the obvious. Is your whole house or business experiencing low pressure, or is the problem isolated to one area, such as a faucet or showerhead? Run a check on all your showerheads, faucets to determine the problem areas. Make sure you check both hot and cold water. If the hot water pressure is slow, the culprit is usually the hot water heater.
Test Your Faucet’s Aerator
If you’ve checked all the locations and have isolated the low water pressure to one or two faucets, then a clogged faucet may be your problem. For example, if it’s a showerhead, you may see calcium build-up on the front. If you turn on the shower, some of the holes may be clogged. For a faucet, the problem could be as simple as replacing the aerator. The aerator is the small screen that screws into the top of the faucet. Unscrew the aerator from your faucet and replace it. Aerators cost about $5, so it’s best to replace them. Once the aerator has been removed, run the faucet. If the water flow is restored, the problem is solved. If the water pressure is still slow, the problem will be in another area and is a widespread issue.
Showerheads Are An Easy Fix
If the low pressure is coming from your showerheads, there are two easy fixes. One easy fix is to remove your showerhead. Soak it in white vinegar. The acetic acid acts as a catalyst in the white vinegar, and it helps eradicate the calcium deposits that have built up on your showerhead. In most cases, soaking it for a couple of hours is all you’ll need. But in severe instances, you may want to soak it overnight. When finished soaking, rinse away the mineral deposits and reinstall your showerhead. The second fix is to purchase a new showerhead. While there are some high-end shower heads on the market, most are very affordable, under thirty dollars. It’s a perfect time to purchase that new low-flow showerhead. You’ll not only save money and water, but you’ll also do it without giving up performance.
Check All Areas For Low Water Pressure:
1. Your water pressure valve (PVR) may have gone wrong. This is a common occurrence for low water pressure. Your PVR is the bell-shaped object usually in your garage. You can adjust it to see if it affects your overall water pressure. You can do it by tightening or loosening the screw on the top of the valve. Your pressure regulator has a life expectancy of 10-15 years, but it’s not unusual for them to malfunction within the first five years. Most plumbing experts recommend changing your PVR every ten years. Remember, your PVR valve opens and closes thousands of times over the years, and just like all other devices with moving parts, they will wear out when you least expect it. Replace it sooner rather than later.
2. The shut-off valve is also known to cause low water pressure, usually located in the garage near your PVR. It needs to be completely open. This valve can decrease water flow if it is slightly closed. It has a lever. You can easily bump it, even kids have been known to close them slightly. Before taking on a trip charge from a plumbing company, make sure your water shut-off valve is completely open.
3. If your low water pressure is isolated to your hot water, the problem is likely your water heater shut-off valve. Make sure the shut-off valve is completely open. In some cases, hard water deposits gradually build up in your storage tank and slowly form in supply lines causing low pressure in your hot water lines.
4. Water leaks are notorious for causing low water pressure. Check for water leaks around your home. You can do this by shutting off all the water in your home. Make sure that you have no appliances running, such as a dishwasher. Then check your water meter if it continues to move; chances are you have a water leak. You can also check for puddling around your home or business.
Accredited A+ Rated Plumbing Company
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or need a plumbing professional, Big B’s Plumbing is ready to provide you the help and service you need. We’re an accredited A+ rated plumbing company with the better business Bureau with hundreds of reviews on Facebook, Yelp!, and Google my business. Call today for a Big B’s Plumbing expert at 951-719-4507.
