Solutions to Improve Your Water Pressure
Anyone encountering water pressure issues from their home faucets knows they are a real nuisance. Water pressure that is too high will spray everywhere when you try to wash your hands or brush your teeth. It will also raise energy bills and damage your appliances, fixtures, and pipes. Water pressure that is too low makes for a miserable shower and an ineffective wash cycle for laundry or dishes. It can indicate a leak or broken pressure valve, leading to major damage and costly repairs. Understanding water pressure issues and how to solve them is key to keeping your plumbing system in proper working order.
Both High & Low Water Pressure Comes With Its Own Issues
Any time your water pressure is abnormally high or low throughout all of your fixtures, a plumber will first tell you to check all faucets to see if the pressure is affected throughout the system or in one location. If all the faucets are affected, your pressure release valve may need adjustment. Check your pressure release valve, shut-off valve, and mainline to ensure they are turned on and set to the appropriate settings. If adjustments do not resolve the problem, it is recommended that you contact us and schedule a time that is convenient for you so we can inspect your system.
Low water pressure throughout your home can indicate a main line break or well leak, a broken pressure regulator, or the municipality may be flushing hydrants. In a good system, you may be able to adjust the air pressure in the tank, replace the softener filter, or replace the switch. You will need professional plumbing repair if a leak or the well pump is broken.
Even if it is only in one faucet, high water pressure will raise water and energy bills while degrading your pipes and fixtures. Water pressure that exceeds 80 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) in home plumbing systems is considered too high. If the water pressure is too high in only one faucet or fixture, the pressure regulator or shut-off valve may need a slight adjustment. If these valves are properly adjusted but the pressure remains high, some of the parts on your fixture might be broken and need replacement.
Localized low water pressure, or low pressure, occurs only in one tap or fixture and indicates damage somewhere in the line or fixtures. If there is a leak, it is important to locate it immediately. Low water pressure can also indicate a drain clog or blockage. Cleaning it and any fixture filters may resolve the problem if it is located in only one faucet. Once you’ve taken these steps, you will want to call a professional if water pressure remains low.
Water pressure that is temperature-specific indicates a problem with your water heater unit. If the water pressure suddenly drops when you turn up the hot water tap, check if your water heater leaks is unplugged, the pilot light is out, or if your temperature regulator valve is set to the appropriate setting. This should be set between 120 – 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the setting is at the appropriate temperature range and pressure drops, call a plumbing professional. Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Santa Cruz will inspect your system, water heater unit, drains, and lines to determine the cause of low pressure and recommend a solution.
Santa Cruz Counts on Mr. Rooter Plumbing
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the industry leader in plumbing repair. Call us to schedule a free estimate if your water pressure issues are unresolved using the suggestions listed here. We will inspect your pressure gauges, check for leaks, assess fixtures for damage, and recommend resolution. We offer flat rate pricing and flexible scheduling to handle your plumbing needs and restore your water pressure PSI to working. Don’t wait for energy bills to spike or damage to occur.
