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Low water pressure is probably one of the most common complaints in that plumbers get. There’s nothing especially satisfying about having to run around in the shower to get a good rinse, so let’s take a look at some of the most probable causes and potential remedies for a low water pressure problem.
Often, and especially in older homes, the problem is clogged pipes. But if you’re in a newer home or just had older pipes replaced, there are some other things you can check in your search for the “choke point”.
If issues with your city water supply are what is causing your low water pressure issues, all you can do is wait for your water company to resolve the problem. However, when low water pressure is originating from a specific issue in your home, plumbing repairs can correct the problem.
The issue could be:
If your house is served by city-provided water, you can begin by contacting them for a pressure reading to confirm your low-flow condition. Ideally, you should be getting a reading somewhere between 45-55 psi (pounds per square inch); below that and you have low water pressure.
If you’re not on city water, you can test the pressure yourself with a pressure gauge, usually available at your local hardware or big-box home improvement stores. Just hold the gauge to an outside spigot and run the water for an instant reading.
If the city is providing low pressure and/or your gauge is giving you bad news, there are several ways to tackle the problem. Your first move might be to contact your city’s water department to find out if additional water pressure can be delivered.
If that isn’t possible, or if you’re not on city water, you can do the following to improve your situation:
If your pressure reading is low, check your pressure-reducing valve, if indeed you have one. It will be mounted on your water main and can be adjusted if necessary. These valves are usually pre-set at around 50 psi. If yours is lower, you can adjust the pressure by turning the pressure adjustment screw at the top of the valve.
Pressure-Reducing Valves (PRV) can also wear out over time, so if it’s 10-20 years old it might be time to replace it. If your reading is good but your shower, for example, still isn’t what you think it should be, you might have blockages in the pipes, or the pipes might just be too small.
In either case, you should contact a licensed plumber to evaluate and repair the problem.
If you have a ¾ inch or larger plastic or copper water main, you can more than likely have a water pressure booster installed that will solve your issues. Approximately the size of the propane tank you use on your outdoor grill, water pressure boosters take the water coming into your home and increase the pressure through the use of an electric pump and a pressure tank.
These boosters can usually be adjusted via a dial on the top of the unit. Pressurized water is maintained in the tank so that the booster doesn’t need to run every time you open a faucet and will provide an increased flow when demand for water is high in situations such as running multiple simultaneous showers or multi-zone sprinkler systems.
Dealing with low water pressure in your home’s plumbing system? Find more possible causes and solutions by giving Sunshine Home Services a call at 303-459-5469. Proudly serving Aurora & Denver Metropolitan.
Sunshine Home Services has provided residential and commercial property owners in Denver, CO with world class plumbing and heating services for years. We have highly trained experts in plumbing and heating, including new installations, restorations, and maintenance. Not to mention, our skilled technicians are available to address any plumbing or heating issue you’re experiencing. We utilize the most up to date technology to provide timely services of the highest quality. Never hesitate to contact our top professionals in Denver, CO, as we take pride in providing exceptional customer service, ensuring all our client’s needs are met.
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