5 Surprising Aspects of Low Water Pressure
PlumberExperts.co
5 Surprising Aspects of Low Water Pressure
Navigating the nuances of low water pressure can often feel like a daunting task. This article unveils 5 surprising aspects of the issue, enriched with insights directly from industry experts. Discover practical solutions and underlying causes that could transform your daily water usage experience.
- Check the Shutoff Valve First
- Low Pressure Affects Daily Tasks
- Hidden Pipe Corrosion in Older Homes
- Inline Boosters for Water Fed Poles
- Misdiagnosis of Low Water Pressure
Check the Shutoff Valve First
One aspect of low water pressure that surprised me the most was how a partially closed or faulty shutoff valve can be the culprit. I initially expected the issue to be related to clogged pipes or municipal supply problems, but after checking, I discovered that the main shutoff valve wasn't fully open, restricting water flow.
I wasn't expecting such a simple fix to make such a big difference. It taught me that before assuming the worst, it's always best to check the most accessible and obvious causes first. A quick inspection of valves, aerators, and pressure regulators can save time and unnecessary repairs.
Low Pressure Affects Daily Tasks
One aspect of low water pressure that surprised me the most was how it can affect everyday tasks in ways I hadn't anticipated. For example, I always assumed that low water pressure would mainly impact things like shower flow or the speed of filling up a bathtub, but I didn't expect it to influence other activities like washing dishes or even running appliances like the washing machine. These tasks, which I took for granted, actually require more water pressure to work efficiently.
What really caught me off guard was how widespread the effects were. Low water pressure can lead to increased water usage since things like faucets may need to be left on for longer to achieve the same results. I also didn't realize how low pressure could impact the effectiveness of appliances, such as water heaters or dishwashers, leading to inefficient operation and even higher energy consumption. It was an unexpected reminder of how much we rely on consistent water pressure for daily convenience and efficiency.
Hidden Pipe Corrosion in Older Homes
One aspect of low water pressure that surprised me the most as a master plumber is how often the issue isn't caused by a single, obvious blockage but rather by hidden pipe corrosion in older homes. Early in my career, I used to expect that low pressure was usually the result of clogged aerators, failing pressure regulators, or localized blockages. However, in many older homes, the real culprit is often galvanized steel pipes that have corroded over time.
Inline Boosters for Water Fed Poles
As a Pressure Washing Company, having appropriate water pressure at a residence or business is extremely important. A normal home or business will have around 6GPM, which allows us to have adequate pressure to refill buffer tanks while washing at 8GPM.
We have run into many instances with Window Washing where unexpectedly low water pressure will not run our Water Fed Poles, so we have added an inline booster that we keep on board just in case. When we were just starting out, the lack of water pressure even in newer construction homes surprised us the most.
Misdiagnosis of Low Water Pressure
At Sunny Bliss Plumbing & Air, we've been surprised by how often low water pressure is misdiagnosed. Many homeowners assume it's a municipal issue, but more often than not, the cause is something simpler—like sediment buildup in pipes, a partially closed valve, or a failing pressure regulator. Seasonal changes can also play a role, with pipes partially freezing in the winter or increased demand reducing pressure in the summer.
Another unexpected factor is how new high-flow fixtures can unintentionally lower pressure elsewhere in the home. We've seen homeowners install luxury showerheads only to wonder why other faucets trickle.
At Sunny Bliss Plumbing & Air, we always recommend checking the basics first—sometimes, the fix is as simple as cleaning an aerator or adjusting a regulator. Taking a step-by-step approach helps identify the root cause efficiently, ensuring the right solutions are applied to restore optimal water pressure.
