Water pressure is something many property owners take for granted. It supplies us with strong water flow in our faucets, showerheads, and other drains to meet our everyday needs. But what exactly causes pressure, and what are some common problems people face?
As one of the top plumbing service providers in the Southwest, we’ve handled countless water pressure issues, big and small. In the article below, we will demonstrate what you need to watch out for in your property.
What is Water Pressure?
Simply put, water pressure is the strength used to push water through pipes and other pathways. This is achieved through altitude or height via water towers or reservoirs in our communities. Water towers are large tanks that hold our city’s water supply and their height helps determine the amount of pressure we enjoy. Additionally, pressure is often affected by gravitational pull. Water is much denser than air, so it is affected by height differences.
Many rural homes get their water from a well, and since these are below ground, mechanical solutions are necessary to generate water pressure. A well pump transfers water to a holding tank that is connected to a pressure pump that goes through a pressure tank. This ensures rural property owners have access to a strong supply of water.
Common Problems With Water Pressure
Have you ever turned on your sink faucet, and only a few drops of water come out? This may be a clear sign that something is wrong. There are several reasons why this may be occurring, like malfunctioning pressure devices, control valves, clogged drains, and pipe leaks.
Check Your Home Water Valves
If you experience a sudden decrease in water pressure, it may be associated with an accident shutoff of your water valves. Home water valves are the main control apparatus that directs water into your home. They’re typically located by the home’s water meter box, making it easy for homeowners to check when there is an issue.
To resolve this issue, simply locate your home water valves and make sure it is set to the “on” position. Go inside and check the pressure to see if you’ve gained water pressure. If not, there may be another problem afoot.
Clogged Drains
One of the most likely reasons you are experiencing low water pressure is a blockage in your pipes. In older homes and plumbing systems that use galvanized pipes, mineral accumulation is a common cause of low pressure.
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to avoid mineral build-up. It’s also a challenge to remove mineral deposits within the pipes on your own. You’ll need to call a licensed plumber to fix your plumbing drain problems.
Pipe Leaks Affect Water Pressure
Another significant strain on our water supply is pipe fractures. As water escapes through the fracture, less of it will reach your faucet or drain fixtures. There’s little you can do to mend this, but calling a professional plumber will help.
We use video inspection equipment to evaluate the integrity of your plumbing system and identify the problem areas you may be encountering. Once we fully inspect your system, we use this information to suggest repair solutions for your leaking pipes.
Malfunctioning Water Pressure Regulator
Pressure regulators are necessary for property owners as they manage the amount of pressure the water goes through in a plumbing system. It will ensure the pressure is kept at a safe level to prevent any damage to your pipes. If your water pressure regulator is failing, you may experience a huge spike or decrease in pressure to your property.
You’ll likely need to replace the regulator with a new one. If you decide to install it yourself, make sure it is set between 45 and 60 psi. If you are uncomfortable doing it yourself, an experienced plumber is happy to assist with your water pressure regulator installation.
B&D Industries, Inc. Are The Residential Plumbing Professionals of Choice
B&D Industries offers specialized expertise in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services for a range of property owners. Whether you own a home or a commercial property, you’re in safe hands when you call B&D Industries, Inc. Contact us today and learn how our skilled technicians can help you.
