In most homes, the water pressure remains relatively constant, so homeowners give it little thought. But on occasion, you could begin to notice that the water pressure throughout your home or at one fixture is decreasing. And when that occurs, it is time to figure out what is causing the low pressure and correct it. In most cases, the issue will not cause any further damage to your home. But there are a few that are signaling a significant and potentially costly problem. The smart choice is to investigate any drop in water pressure quickly. Some of the common causes of low water pressure include:
- Main Shut-Off Valve Issues- This valve is located on your home’s main water supply line, and it controls how much water flows into your home. If the pressure drop is an issue everywhere in your home, this valve could be the culprit. Typically, the valve remains untouched for many years. It is only closed when you have plumbing work done in your home that requires the water to be shut off. If you have shut the valve recently, check to make sure that it is completely open. Because it is rarely used, it can be challenging to open and close. Or a service person at your home might have shut the valve inadvertently and not reopened it completely.
- Water Softener Problems- If your home has a water softener, that could be causing a drop in water pressure. Pressure issues due to a malfunctioning water softener usually happen rapidly. They will impact all faucets and showers using softened water. A call to your trusted plumber is the best way to correct any water softener issues or problems.
- A Clogged Aerator- For a low-pressure issue confined to one faucet, the problem could be as simple as a clogged aerator. The aerator is the tiny screen at the nozzle that blends air into the water. If the screen becomes clogged or rusted, it will significantly decrease the water pressure at that fixture. Unscrew the nozzle or screen from the faucet and clean or replace it for a cost-effective solution.
- Corrosion/Mineral Build Up- A build-up of foreign material inside your water lines will usually decrease the water pressure in your entire house. Minerals and corrosion are the results of mineral-rich hard water and time. Debris build-up could be due to contamination from damage to your water service line or a break in the city main that introduced contaminants into the waterline. The only solution for these issues is a call to your trusted plumber. If the piping in your home is old and corroded from a lifetime of hard water, a full house repiping could be the best solution.
- Hot Water Pressure Issues- Your water heater could be to blame for low pressure related only to your hot water. When the holding tank of a traditional water heater is not regularly drained and the sediment flushed out, it can decrease hot water pressure. Draining and flushing your water heater could be a simple and affordable solution. If the low pressure persists, call your trusted plumber for further examination.
- Leaking Pipes- A cracked or leaking pipe is one of the most concerning and potentially costly reasons for a drop in your home’s water pressure. Some of these problems could be visible when the puddle appears. However, others, like a slab leak, could remain undetected unless you heed the warning of the low water pressure and call (912) 236-3333 for leak detection service.
The professionals at Thompson and Thompson are on call 24/7 to assist you with all your plumbing needs.
