There’s Nothing Like Low Water Pressure. Not.

There’s nothing more irritating than jumping in the shower, expecting a good, strong soak, and instead feeling like you’re being sprinkled with a drizzly rain. Low water pressure makes simple, every-day activities, like showering and washing dishes, frustrating and time consuming. So what causes low water pressure? Here are a few culprits …

• Faulty pressure regulator. The water pressure regulator is a small device typically found below the front hose connection of your home. They’re usually preset by the manufacturer, and never thought of again by the homeowner. But sometimes a regulator goes bad and needs to be replaced.

• Mineral buildup. Calcium, limescale and other mineral sediment can build up in your pipes from the deposits that water leaves behind when traveling through your home. While the effects of the buildup can be quite a nuisance, ignoring the problem can turn a nuisance into a nightmare. The accumulation of mineral will eventually block your plumbing.

• Corrosion buildup. Your pipes are probably as old as your home. So, how old is your home? Your water piping systems are intended to last 20 years. If your home is older, that may be part of the problem. That’s because the insides of these pipes tend to block the flow of water with the natural corrosion that occurs over the years.

• Water pipe leaks. A leaky pipe, regardless of the size of the leak, will result in a lower water pressure because not all of the water is flowing toward its intended place. The issue is determining whether or not you have a leak. Here’s how: shut off all of the water taps inside and outside your home, and check your water meter reading. Check the meter again a few hours later. If your water usage has increased at all since the first time you checked it, there’s a good chance you have a leak.

If you’re having a problem with the water pressure in your home, the good news is you can troubleshoot a few of the simpler things yourself. If you’ve determined that your home’s low water pressure is a problem best suited for a professional, visit us at raiderrooter.com to schedule an appointment.