Whether you’ve just moved into a new house, or simply have been ignoring the problem for some time, water pressure problems can negatively effect how you feel at home-after all, who wants to take a shower when the water is barely a trickle?
Here are some ways you can fix low water pressure problems at home:
1) Check if the problem is throughout your house
Check all of the faucets in the house to see if the problem is localised or spread through the house. Run both the cold and hot water through all of your faucets. If the water pressure is only low with hot water, there’s a good chance that your water heater is the issue.
2) Check the actual faucet if it’s just one location
If there’s only one spot in the house which has water pressure problems, it’s likely that the issue is a clogged aerator or faucet. Remove the end of the facet, examine the aerator, and check to see if there is any debris or buildup inside.
If the aerator looks clogged, try soaking it in water and vinegar, and if all else fails you can buy a new one, since they’re inexpensive to replace.
Be sure to turn the water on before replacing the aerator. If the water flow still isn’t normal, the source of the problem is likely not the faucet, but a larger issue.
3) Check other sources
If the low water pressure problem isn’t simply from one or two of your facets, it’s likely you have a larger problem.
Be sure to check the water and PRV shut off valves in your house, as these are often the cause of low water pressure. Look for water leaks, as a leaking water main or toilet can often be where the problem is originating. Sometimes, there might even be a pipe leak in the ceiling that is causing your water pressure to be low, so make sure to check all areas of your home for signs of a leak.
Check the water heater as well, since if you’re only having low water pressure when the hot water is running, it’s likely that the problem is the hot water shut-off valve on your actual water heater.
4) Check each toilet
Leaking or running toilets are one of the most common sources of water leaks at home. These can also cause huge water bills, so figuring out whether this is the problem may solve a few issues at once.
Remove the lid from the toilet tank, add a few drops of food colouring, and let it sit for at least an hour, without flushing the toilet. If the colour leaks into the toilet bowl, your toilet definitely has a leak. Luckily this can usually be easily fixed by replacing the filling mechanism or toilet flapper.
5) Check the service metre
Checking your service meter will help you determine if the problem is originating from a service line leak.
Find your service metre and take a reading. You need to check if your indicator gear is turning. If it’s turning and you’re not running water then there’s a good chance you have a leak. It’s time to arrange for someone to help you with repairs.
