Plumbing 101: Addressing Low Water Pressure
After working for many years as a plumber in Atlanta, GA, I can tell you that low water pressure is a common problem in most households. A weak water pressure can be caused by a number of factors. This problem is characterized by little streams of water that come out in the faucet or shower head. If you happen to encounter this kind of plumbing problem, the first thing to do is to determine what causes it. Try to check for water leaks or mineral deposit build-up on the faucet and showerhead. Apart from that, you should also inspect your main water valve (perhaps it was accidentally closed), as well as your pressure regulators (maybe they require some adjustments).
Remember that identifying the root cause of the problem is the very first step of repair. However, there may be some instances that you simply need to troubleshoot the problem by exploring probable causes before making necessary repairs.
If the problem lies on the pressure regulators, the possible cause would be the device stopped working properly, or they might have been damaged. Generally, pressure regulators are water devices that resemble like a bell. You can normally found them underneath the hose connection. When this device stop working properly or gets damaged, water pressure will significantly drop causing very little water to come out from the connected fixtures at home. If this is the case, it is best to call an experienced plumber who will fix the problem for you. Do not attempt to address the problem on your own as this might only add more damage to the pressure regulators. So, if you want to curtail your repair expenses, then better leave the job with a professional.
Apart from damaged pressure regulators, mineral deposit build-up is yet another common reason for low water pressure. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate in the plumbing pipes. This build-up can clog the faucet and showerheads, thus, impeding water to flow properly into the fixture. The best way to solve the problem is to clear the mineral deposits. However, if for some unknown reason the problem still persists, then you need to call a professional to do a full-check up on your plumbing lines.
