Have you ever turned on your faucet only to notice that you aren’t experiencing normal water pressure? Not only can this cause a major disruption in your home in Kansas City, MO, but it can also indicate a major plumbing problem. In many cases, there is a simple fix that can improve water pressure. Let’s look at the most common causes of low water pressure and what you can do to have the problem fixed. Our team can assist with your water pressure issues to ensure the job is done right the first time.
Clogs in Your Pipes
Clogs can occur in your pipes for several reasons. If you live in an area that has hard water, it’s common for mineral deposits to build up over time. Debris and other material can also accumulate in your pipes causing a disruption in flow. Eventually, the flow of water can be disrupted. We can clean out your pipes to ensure that the water is always flowing freely. This can be done preventively so that you don’t have to wait for your water pressure to be affected.
Mineral deposits can also accumulate on the heads of your water fixtures, causing water pressure issues. You can easily try cleaning these deposits yourself. Fill a small bag with equal parts vinegar and baking soda. Use a rubber band to attach the bag around the fixture and leave it there for about an hour. Remove the bag, rinse the fixture, and see if pressure has been restored.
Plumbing System Leaks
It doesn’t take much damage to your pipes or plumbing system in order for your water pressure to be affected. Look at your water meter when nobody is running any water in the home. If the meter is still moving despite a lack of use, you likely have damage somewhere that is causing water to leak out of a pipe. This can cause structural damage as well as mold growth, so it’s a good idea that you call in to our team immediately to determine the source of the leak. We can make a prompt repair and assess any damage that has occurred.
If you fail to diagnose a leak in your plumbing system, this can cause your utility bills to rise unnecessarily.
Pressure Regulator Malfunction
A pressure regulator is a device that controls the pressure of the water that is coming into your home. If the pressure is too high, this would lead to a host of plumbing issues. If your pressure regulator malfunctions, you may notice either low water pressure or extremely high water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, this can cause pipe damage and even cause your pipes to burst.
Your pressure regulator is a bell-shaped part that is located where the main water line comes into the home. You can use a simple pressure gauge from your local hardware store to see if the pressure is between 40 and 60 psi. If the pressure is lower than this, you may need to adjust your pressure regulator or replace it entirely with a new model. Be very careful when adjusting this piece of equipment. If you allow too much water pressure, this can cause damage to your pipes and fixtures. We can replace your pressure regulator to better control the pressure of the water coming into your residence again.
Issues Outside Your Home
Low water pressure isn’t necessarily something that is caused within your residence. There may be a water main break or other plumbing issue in your area. Until the problem is fixed, your water pressure or even the quality of your water may be affected. You can ask your neighbors if they’re experiencing water pressure issues as well to determine if your home is the only one being affected. You can also call your local water authority for information and assistance.
If you suspect that there is a local water issue, then make sure that you are cautious with your drinking water and the water you’re using for cooking and cleaning. There are some instances where you will be asked to boil your water for a day or two once the work has been completed. This is done to kill any bacteria or pathogens that are in the water supply so that you don’t consume them.
You can consider having a water pressure booster installed in your home if your local water authority’s water pressure is low. There are different models available that we can help you choose based on your water pressure needs and the area where you live.
Issues With Your Water Valves
There are valves on your plumbing system that control how much water can flow through certain areas of your pipes. If these valves are in the wrong position or they malfunction, this can impede the flow of water. This may be a simple fix that involves adjusting the valves back into their open position. If this doesn’t have an impact, then you should call our team to further investigate what’s going on.
Checking Your Plumbing Fixtures
Go around your home and check your fixtures to see if one or more is experiencing low water pressure. This includes your outdoor spigots as well. If you are having a problem in one spot, then there is an isolated problem that should be investigated, such as a clog in a pipe. Low water pressure throughout your entire home can indicate a larger issue or a local water concern.
Checking for Leaks
Sometimes you can spot a leak easily, especially if you see water stains or pooling water somewhere inside your residence. As mentioned, you can also check your water meter to see if it’s always moving. Mold growth is another sign of water problems caused by a leaky pipe as well as consistently high levels of humidity.
Water leaks can often be fixed using plumber’s tape or sealants. However, this process should be completed by a professional. It’s imperative that the area is completely dry before it’s worked on to ensure the fix is appropriately done and doesn’t cause problems again.
For more advanced leaks, you may need to have our team completely replace a section of your pipes. Other options include self-fusing silicone tape, repair sleeves, and more.
If you need assistance with your plumbing system because of a decrease in water pressure, reach out to our team here at MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric. Our plumbing services include drain cleaning, pipe repair, new pipe installation, sewer line replacement, sump pump service, leak detection, and water filtration installation. We also offer heating and cooling services, such as the installation and repair of furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. We also offer electrical services, like routine inspections, rewiring, new wiring, lighting, outlets, ceiling fans, and more.
Contact us at MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric today to schedule an appointment for low water pressure issues in Kansas City.