We’re washing our hands now more than ever before in order to avoid the spread of germs. There’s nothing worse than not having enough water pressure to get the job done. That’ll leave you scrubbing and scrubbing as the water slowly and barely drips from the faucet.
It’s a frustrating scenario to be in. Luckily, we know a few ways to help prevent low water pressure so you can get on with your busy day.
Whether you need to get through a sink full of dirty dishes, or you need to wash your hands or take a shower, low water pressure is a huge inconvenience. At Hearn Plumbing Heating & Air, we pride ourselves on our expert insight, and we’re confident we can fix all your plumbing-related problems.
In the meantime, here are five tips to fix low water pressure.
Make Sure the Aerator is Clean
If only one or two faucets in the home are having issues with water pressure, it may be a dirty aerator. To help maintain water pressure, sinks and shower heads have an aerator, and the screen helps collect sediment from your water source. Make sure the screen is clean; if it’s not, take the time to clean it.
Check for Leaks
Check fixtures, toilets, dishwashers, and under the sink for potential leaks. There may be a simple fix if you notice an immediate leak. Or, there could be a leak along the main water line or within a pipe. Check the measurement on your water meter. If you notice it’s moved after you shut it off and waited at least half an hour to inspect it, there could be a leak. You’ll need to have a plumber come out if leaks are present.
Check for Clogs
It’s common for pipes to develop sediment buildup over time. Sometimes it’s a resolvable clog that’s preventing water flow, leaving your faucets with pitiful, slow drips or showerheads with no water pressure. Dissolving mineral buildup can clear up pressure issues, but if you have a more severe clog issue, you will need a technician to come inspect and correct the problem.
Test the Pressure
Before jumping into repairs, you can test the city water pressure with a test gauge. Experts say 60 PSI is where you want your water pressure to be, where 45-50 PSI is too low. It’s a good idea to check with your neighbors to see if they are also having issues with their water pressure.
Check the Water Heater
No one likes taking cold showers. If you’re only noticing water pressure issues when you use hot water, there could be an issue with your water heater. If your water heater is the source of the problem, we specialize in water heater installation and upgrades.
No matter what is causing the low water pressure in your home, we’re here to take the pressure off you and offer solutions.
Give Hearn Plumbing Heating & Air a call to schedule an inspection and get your water pressure where it needs to be.