It’s never a good feeling when you want to end your day with either a cold or hot shower and what comes out of your showerhead are droplets of water. When this is the case in all your main water points around the house, it’s time to think of a solution, and pronto. This is especially the case when you suspect or are sure that your water pressure problems are not emanating from the water company. Low water pressure is a common problem that can impact the smooth running of your household’s essential day to day tasks including cleaning, rinsing, and cooking. Among the major causes of low water pressure in homes today include mineral deposits and debris buildup in pipes, leaking water pipes, damaged valves, and issues with pressure regulators. With that, below are things you can do about your low water pressure issues around your home.
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1. Replace the Shutoff Valve
Every house has a shut-off valve that is either located inside or outside the compound. This is the main valve next to the meter. Shut off valves are installed on each side of the meter to make it easier when replacing the water meter. The shut off valve used could be a straight stop valve, three-way stop valve, compression stop valve, or angle stop valve depending on the operational mechanism and design. If you’re dealing with low water pressure issues as a result of a broken shut off valve, you’ll need to figure out whether it’s been tampered with, broken, or partially closed. If it’s partially closed, then opening it will help to solve the problem. However, for a broken or damaged shut off valve, there’s not much that can be done except replacing it. If you’re not as handy, consider contacting an experienced plumber.
2. Check for Water Leaks
Leaking pipelines can also cause low water pressure. If there’s water flowing from your plumbing either through a joint, a hole, or cracked pipes before reaching your fixtures, then it could mean that you’re losing water pressure from these points. Hiring a professional plumber will be the best option as they’ll help to locate the leaks and in repairing your plumbing.
3. Install a Water Pressure Booster
Factors such as gravity and the distance of your home from the water company can also contribute to low water pressure. It’s a common problem among households built on high elevations and that is also a great distance from the water sources. Installing a pressure booster will help to increase the flow rate and thus boosting the water pressure in your home, making everyday tasks like showering and washing seem a lot easier. Before installing a booster pump, you’ll want to ensure that it’s meant for domestic and not commercial uses. You’ll also need to consider the following factors when selecting the perfect pump:
- Flow rate
- System type
- Head impeller
- Pressure
Water booster pumps are a great investment to have especially if you have low water problem issues in your home. Careful selection and ensuring that you have the best plumber installing your water booster pump will go a long way towards ensuring that your pump lasts longer.
4. Consider Your Neighborhood’s Water Usage
Your low water pressure problems can also be caused by your neighbors. When the whole neighborhood has similar schedules, you can expect the water pressure to be low at certain times of the day. While it’s okay to have a booster pump in your home, raising an issue with your water company may see them increase the water quantity coming into your neighborhood. This is the long term solution you need to be thinking about.
Low water pressure in the home can make the simplest of chores become time-consuming tasks. It will also cause inconveniences and make life unpleasant and unbearable. To avoid this, the above tips will help in fixing the low water pressure problem once and for all.
