Having Trouble With Your Water Pressure?
February 7, 2014If you are suffering from low water pressure problems, then there could be a number of different causes. In this article we will look at some of the issues involved and ways that you can improve the water pressure in your home.
Check What Could Be Causing The Problem
The majority of low pressure problems are directly related to and caused by clogged up pipes. However, if you have already replaced or hired someone to replace the clogged pipes for you, you need to try the most obvious things first. You need to ensure that the shutoff valves nearest to the water meter are opened fully. Although this may sound very basic, plumbers will always charge their basic callout charge at the very least, just to turn a valve. Once you have done this, check the water pressure level. If your house is connected up to the main city water supply, you should phone and ask the water department for a pressure reading. Ideally the water should have a pressure of between 45 and 55 psi.
Rather than calling the water department you could test the water pressure yourself using a pressure gauge. These are widely available in home ware and DIY stores. All you need to do is hook the water pressure gauge to a water spigot outside your house, turn the water on and then you will get an instant reading on the gauge. If it turns out that the reading is low, it could be that the city you live in is delivering water at a very low pressure, i.e. Less than 40 psi. If it doesn’t seem like the city will increase the pressure, you should consider increasing the water pressure in your home with a booster pump. A water pressure booster pump is used to increase the water pressure into your home. There is normally a dial on top of the pump that you can adjust the pressure so it is set to the right level. The average water pressure that homes should have is, as previously mentioned, anything between 45 and 55 psi.
Call Out a Qualified Plumber
If however, the water pressure reading is fine, it could be that there are obstructions or some pipes that are smaller than they should be. In order to understand the problem more accurately you should call out a qualified plumber to evaluate your system and give his expert advice on what action you should take next.
In the unlikely, but still possible, situation that none of the above helps you to figure out why your home has low water pressure, you should refer to and seek advice from a an extremely well trained plumber, particularly one who has a good reputation as you know that you will not get ripped off. The easiest ways to find out whether a particular plumber is as good as he says he is, is by checking impartial and unbiased review sites. Another great way is by word of mouth, because if a particular plumber was recommended to you by your parents or friends, you trust their opinion and know that if they had a good experience and was happy with the plumbers work, so will you.
