Whenever you take a shower, wash the dishes, or do the laundry, having good water pressure is essential for having a pleasant experience. However, when you turn on the faucet and are less than thrilled with the results, you’ll of course be wondering why this is happening. If you are curious as to why your water pressure is not working as well as it did in years past, here are several of the most common reasons.
Faulty Fixtures
If the fixtures on your sinks or shower are a bit old, chances are they may be the source of your low water pressure problems. Over time, fixtures can become clogged with dirt, rust, or limestone, greatly decreasing their efficiency. Thus, if it’s been a decade or more since you had new fixtures installed, it may be time to do so.
Water Valve Problems
In some situations involving low water pressure issues, the problem is the water valve to your home. Like fixtures, sediment can also build up in and around valves, leaving them less efficient than usual. In some instances, your problem may be as simple as a water valve that is not completely turned on, but this is rarely the case. If you believe a sediment buildup is the problem, contact an experienced plumbing professional.
Clogged Water Pipes
If your home has an older plumbing system that still has metal pipes, it’s highly likely your low water pressure issues are due to pipes that have become clogged over time. Unlike today’s modern PVC pipes, older metal ones allow for slime and everything else to stick to them, eventually resulting in clogs that can become as hard as concrete in some cases. If this is your problem, put it in the hands of a plumber.
Water Supply Line
When many other common reasons for low water pressure have been ruled out, there’s a good chance your problem is related to your main water supply line. For example, if you have recently had new plumbing fixtures installed in your home or had recent renovations involving your plumbing system, this may have made the existing water supply line no longer able to supply you with adequate water pressure.
Since having low water pressure will find you having one inconvenience after another, it’s always best to address this problem as soon as possible. In doing so, you’ll be able to take that relaxing shower or wash your dishes and clothing just like in days past.