Effective Ways to Combat Water Pressure Drop at Home

Faucets slowing down to a trickle due to low water pressure are a common scenario in many households, while other homeowners have experienced this at least once in their home. Low water pressure makes daily household chores, like taking a shower, washing dishes or clothes, highly time consuming, only adding to the frustration. In many cases, the shower water can turn cold when someone turns on the kitchen faucet, due to low water pressure. The cause of low water pressure problems is often related to the plumbing system, which is why it is recommended to keep the contact details of emergency plumbing services in your area handy.

Low water pressure can arise due to the size and condition of your water distribution piping, which could have corrosion build-up or debris and mineral build-up in the main pipes that enter your home. This could occur due to a water main fractures, low static and residual water pressure or the quality or working condition of your shower valve, along with plumbing leaks, according to professional plumbers in Chicago, Mikes Chicago Plumbing.

Experts suggest that if the condition is persistent, you should contact professional plumbers, who can help you install a water pressure booster pump, which sometimes solves the problem of low water pressure. However, experts also add that if the domestic water system is fed by a public water service, before installing a booster pump, it is advisable to contact the water department and inquire about the water pressure in your area.

Here’s a look at some steps you can take to deal with the low pressure situation.

Determine the Source

In a home, faucets in the bathroom, kitchen and outdoors are the common areas where you might experience low water pressure. Check these locations by running water to determine that if the problem has affected one area or multiple areas. While checking, run both cold and hot water, say 24 hour plumbers in Chicago, while adding that this way you’ll know if the low water pressure is caused due to the water heater if water pressure is lower only when hot water is run through the faucets.

Look for Leaks

As mentioned above, low water pressure could be the result of leaks, where leaking toilets are the most common source. Not only does this cause you inconvenience while you are using water in other areas, it increases your water bill too, which means that this problem should be taken care of as soon as possible. In addition, if there are some visible water spots on the walls and ceilings of your home, it is a sure sign of a water leak.

Take Care of Pressure Reducing Valves

PRV or Pressure Reducing Valves are bell-shaped valves placed on the line where water enters your home. Adjust the screw to see if there is any change in water pressure. If no significant change occurs, the PRV might have broken or have failed. Contact an emergency plumbing service to get it replaced.

Replace Old Piping

If you detect that that walls of the pipes may be clogged with build-up on the interiors or show signs or corrosion, it is advisable to consider replacing old brass and lead piping.

Dealing with low water pressure can be irritating and annoying. However, you can follow the above mentioned steps and seek help from 24 hour plumbers in Chicago to combat the problem.