A Look at What May Be Causing Your Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can be a huge nuisance when it affects your showers and faucets. There are a few common causes of low water pressure, depending on where these issues occur. Mineral buildup can interfere with water delivery from faucets or showerheads, while problems affecting water supply lines or the entire plumbing system can cause whole-home low pressure.

                                                                                   


Mineral Deposits

You might only experience low water pressure in one area, such as your bathroom faucet or showerhead. Localized problems can be caused by a few different things. The faucet aerator or showerhead could be clogged with mineral buildup. Such buildup can lower the amount of water coming out of the fixture. Sometimes soaking a showerhead or faucet aerator in an environmentally safe mixture of water and vinegar is enough to eliminate most mineral scale and restore water flow.

Faulty Valves

It’s always a good idea to check localized valves on your water supply lines. Partially closed valves near your toilet or faucet can be causing low pressure. If the valves are open and the aerator or showerhead is not clogged, the problem may be within the wall or a different portion of your plumbing system, and you’ll need to call your plumber.

If you experience low pressure throughout your entire home, the first place to check is the shutoff valve located inside your house. Typically in the basement, this valve should be in the fully open position. You can also check the valve at the water meter outside your house to ensure that it is completely open as well.

Municipal Water Supply Problems

Not all water pressure problems originate in the home. If you live far from the municipal water supply, you will likely have low water pressure simply due to distance. Or, the municipal source may be experiencing such problems as corroded pipes, debris buildup, leaky plumbing, or malfunctioning backflow prevention devices.

Contact Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical at (206) 452-4363 to address your water pressure concerns. We can identify the cause of the issue and provide either the necessary repairs or pressure-boosting solutions to deliver adequate water pressure throughout your house.

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