One of the most frustrating plumbing problems to have is low water pressure. You turn on the water, jump in the shower, and — blah. The water drizzles out of the showerhead so slowly that you can barely get your hair wet. Maybe it’s not just the shower — does your whole house have low water pressure? If so, how can you fix it? While there are some steps you can take on your own, your best bet may be contacting professionals to assist.
Have low water pressure in Gaithersburg, MD? Contact Stang Plumbing & Heating by calling (301) 926-1462 to schedule pipe repair or house repiping.
What Is Good Water Pressure?
When we’re referring to water pressure, we’re evaluating how quickly water in your home travels through your pipes and out of your faucets or showerheads. As we described in our high water pressure blog post, for a typical residential house, the water pressure should be between 45 and 80 psi (pounds per square inch). If you’re not sure if your water pressure is low (or if you just want super high water pressure), you can test your water pressure using a water pressure gauge.
Reasons for Low Water Pressure
Our experts say that there are a few of reasons water pressure can be low, including:
- Leaks in a water line
- Issues with the municipal water system
- Leaky pipes
To figure out the cause of your low water pressure, you must do a proper reading with a pressure gauge.
Checking Your Water Pressure
If you’ve noticed low or weak water pressure throughout your pipes, then you’re going to want to check the psi. How do you check your water pressure’s psi?
- Choose a faucet close to the supply line or pressure tank.
- Make sure there’s no water running anywhere inside or outside of your house (this means washing machines, sprinklers, dishwashers, etc.), and then use a pressure gauge.
- Place the pressure gauge directly onto the faucet (not onto a hose), and tighten the gauge with your hand to seal it. If it’s leaky, consider using a wrench.
- Turn the faucet all the way on and read the psi measurement. If it measures below 45 psi, you might want to consider having your pressure regulator repaired or replaced. Low measurements are also an indicator that you might need a water line repair.
If your reading seems normal, this could mean you have a leaking pipe inside of your house. This is especially likely if only certain areas of your home have low water pressure. We suggest calling an expert to detect any water leaks or try to detect water leaks yourself. In the case of a water leak, you’ll probably have to hire a plumber for pipe repair or repiping.
The team at Stang Plumbing & Heating can also help you with your low water pressure problems. Call us at (301) 926-1462 to schedule an appointment with an expert plumber in the Montgomery County area.
How To Fix Low Water Pressure in Your House
Once you have checked your water pressure, there are a few things you can try yourself to fix the problem.
- Check Your Well Pump: If your home gets its water from a well, the culprit for low water pressure may be a faulty well pump. The pump may not be best suited for the type of well you have, or may be in need of repairs. A professional can help fix this issue.
- Look for Clogs: As water flows through your pipes, it leaves behind minerals that can start to clump together and form clogs. While large clogs may require professional repair, you can make sure your faucets are clear from the outside.
- Try the Main Water Valve: Usually located near your meter, you can check to ensure your water valve is fully open. A partially closed valve can restrict water flow into your home.
- Check Your Water Pressure Regulator: This regulator makes sure water doesn’t enter your pipes too fast and cause damage. It’s located either by your meter or where the water line enters your home. When this device goes bad, it can affect your water pressure. Have a professional come out for repairs or to have it replaced.
If all else fails, its time to contact an expert to diagnose and fix the problem for you.
Call (301) 926-1462 To Schedule an Appointment
Low water pressure in your home is difficult to ignore. Our professional Gaithersburg plumbers will be able to help you determine what steps to take once they diagnose the cause behind your low water pressure.
If you have low water pressure, contact the plumbers at Stang Plumbing & Heating today!
