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Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric Blog

A Guide to Low Water Pressure

Call your local utility company immediately if you notice low water pressure or no water at all in your home. Low water pressure can be caused by several things, such as a broken pipe, a leaky faucet, or even a clogged drain. Check your house for leaks before contacting a plumber.

If you find a leak, turn off the main valve on the outside of your house, then go inside to shut off any leaking valves. This will help reduce the flow through the system. Checking the water pressure could save your family from using scarce resources like bottled water.

What Can I Do If I Have Low Water Pressure?

Contact your local plumbing service provider right away if you suspect a problem with your pipes. A quick visit from a professional may solve the problem without causing more damage. For a toilet, fixing a low-water pressure problem can be relatively simple. Here are some tips:

  • Turn off the water supply to the affected area.
  • Remove the toilet handle cover to ensure that there is not anything blocking the flapper.
  • Run cold water into the tank until you hear running water.
  • Wait for the flush valve to release as much water as possible.
  • Flush the toilet again to see if the issue has been resolved.
  • Turn the water back on.
  • Repeat steps 1-5 as necessary until the water pressure returns to normal.

Common Causes in the Plumbing System That Affect Water Pressure

The most common cause of low water pressure is a blocked mainline. If this happens, you might not get water at all or only receive very little water. A blocked mainline can happen when something gets stuck in one of the pipes. It can also happen due to corrosion, which is a chemical reaction that occurs over time.

Your mainline keeps everything flowing smoothly. However, if it is damaged, it will not move the same amount of water as usual. As a result, you will not have enough water pressure to run your appliances properly. You should always keep an eye out for the following signs to ensure that your home stays safe.

Corroded Pipes

When your pipes are corroded, the inside of the pipes narrows, leading to low water pressure. This issue usually happens with older pipes. If your pipes are corroded, you will probably need to replace them.

Leaks in Pipes

A leak somewhere in your pipe is another reason why your water pressure drops. The solution is to call a plumber to repair the leak, as the leak is directing your water elsewhere. Call our plumbers to identify where the leak is. We can use a camera to pinpoint the exact location. Once the leak has been repaired, you’ll see increased water pressure.

It helps to know where the leak is coming from when it comes to leaks. Check under sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and tubs. Also, look around the kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms. If you notice dripping, you might want to seal around pipes or fixtures. This reduces the amount of water escaping into the floor.

Another good idea is to put down towels over any cracks and crevices. This will catch any extra drips and stop them from getting onto the floor. These steps will not fix the leak but temporarily protect your property while you wait for our plumbers to arrive.

Water Heater Valve Not Fully Open

If your water heater valve is not fully open, you will have low water pressure every time you take a shower or bath. Make sure the valve is fully open. Doing so should return your water pressure to normal.

Mineral Buildup in Your Water Heater

Another reason for low water pressure is mineral buildup in your water heater. The more buildup that exists in your water heater, the less room there is for water. Also, buildup affects water going in and out, creating a low water pressure problem.

Broken Pipes

A broken pipe is a major problem that not only leads to low water pressure but can also cause flooding. If you notice that you have a broken pipe, contact us immediately.

How Do You Fix Low Pressure?

Dealing with low water pressure can get frustrating. But you do not have to live with it for long. Below are three simple tips to solve the problem.

Replace Your Washers

Washers are usually made of rubber or plastic. They are designed to hold water inside the fixture. When there is not enough water flowing through the sink, the washer may wear away. So, make sure to replace the washers every few months. That way, you will prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.

Adjust Your Faucets

Faucets play a significant role when it comes to maintaining water pressure. Make sure that you adjust the flow whenever you need more water. For instance, if you wash dishes by hand, you might need to reduce the amount of water to avoid flooding the sink.

Seal Your Pipes

Leaks can occur anywhere, so make sure to be on the lookout for them. Then, take steps to fix the problem right away. If you see a leak, call us. We can place caulking around pipes, install new lines, and fix existing ones. Fixing low water pressure takes some work, but it is worth it. It will help save you money on repairs and maintenance costs.

If you suspect that your water heater is leaking, turn off the power supply first. Then, open up the valves and check whether they’re appropriately closed. Once you have checked everything out, contact an expert at Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric. We will be able to tell you exactly how to fix the issue.

What Damage Can Low Water Pressure Cause in My Home?

Although low water pressure is not life-threatening, it can cause all sorts of damage. It can affect your home’s plumbing system and make it work less efficiently. A flawed plumbing system means you may have to pay more in energy bills, too. This is because water is being lost elsewhere, and you’re not getting all of it.

The most dangerous thing that low water pressure can do is create a flood inside of your home. When this happens, it can be very costly to fix.

Professional Services

Even though preventive maintenance checks are essential, things still sometimes break down. In such cases, it is best to call a plumber immediately. Plumbers can fix minor issues like leaks, clogged drains, and similar problems. They can also replace old parts with new ones. At Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric, you can trust us to do our job right the first time around.

If you want your plumbing work done professionally, contact Landry Mechanical Inc Plumbing HVAC & Electric in Sutton, MA today. We offer 24/7 emergency services and provide affordable service rates. Our team offers heating, cooling, and electrical services in the Sutton area. We are looking forward to working with you.

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