pressure Archives - Super Plumbers

Common Problems That Cause Poor Shower Water Pressure

Causes of Low Water Pressure in the Shower

Spending some relaxing time at home helps people get through the day, and one thing that can help people relax is a long, hot shower to rinse away the stress of the day. But the relaxation can be ruined due to showers suffering from poor water pressure. This post will discuss some of the most common causes of low water pressure in the shower. With this expert advice and some help from a plumber, homeowners can waste less energy worrying about dealing with low water pressure and more time relaxing in a home with excellent plumbing.

Water Heater Issues

water heater

In any situation, the best way to troubleshoot a problem is to isolate the symptoms as much as possible. If water pressure suffers only when hot water is used, the cause of the low water pressure could be traced back to the water heater. A plumber can help determine the cause of this issue and fix it so that better water pressure can be restored.

The water pressure issue may be caused by various issues related to the water heater, such as insufficient flow rate, sediment buildup, and incorrect temperature settings. Other potential causes can include an obstruction in the hot water line, a broken pressure-regulating valve, insufficient water supply to the heater, or incorrect installation. In some cases, homeowners may also experience low hot water pressure when other appliances in the home are running simultaneously.

Pipe Leaks

Leaks in water lines can cause a variety of problems for homeowners. One such problem is reduced water pressure in showers and other fixtures. If water pressure seems low throughout the house, leaks are likely the problem. When a leaking line is present, it reduces the available volume of water throughout the plumbing system, which leads to weak or intermittent streams from showerheads or faucets.

It can be especially noticeable when multiple fixtures are used simultaneously. It is vital to repair any leaks promptly to restore water pressure to the shower and other fixtures throughout the home. When experiencing low water pressure with multiple fixtures, contact a professional to evaluate the plumbing system and repair leaks if needed. Additionally, fixing plumbing leaks will reduce water bills.

Problems With the Showerhead

shower

Sometimes the cause of low water pressure in the shower is the showerhead itself. This is likely the case if the poor water pressure occurs only with that one showerhead. Examine the showerhead to determine if this is the problem in the shower. Mineral scale is a white, crusty substance that will likely be visible in and around the holes in the showerhead, and this scale can clog the showerhead, which causes reduced water pressure.

This is even more likely in homes with hard water, which includes most American households. One of the consequences of hard water is mineral scale deposits in piping and plumbing fixtures. When this scale thickens, it can restrict water flow through pipes and fixtures, resulting in low water pressure. Showerheads can be removed and cleaned or replaced to restore proper water pressure in the shower if this is the cause.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated company serving Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, personalized service, and financing options. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.

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What Causes Poor Water Pressure?

What Causes Water Pressure Problems?

Low water pressure is a common plumbing problem around the home. Water pressure issues can sneak up quickly or slowly happen over time. During plumbing inspections, plumbers test water pressures in a home and often discover that the pressure is low.

When water pressure is too low, everything is a little harder. Loads of laundry must wait longer for the wash basin to fill with water. Showers are less relaxing affairs. Toilets take forever to refill after a single flush. Luckily, no one has to live with water pressure issues.

This article is a quick guide to the problems that commonly cause water pressure issues. If homeowners notice poor water pressure, they can use this guide to help direct plumbers to the source of their problems.

Too Many Leaks

This may seem obvious, but leaks are a massive problem. The EPA estimates that 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste at least 90 gallons of water daily. Since plumbing is designed to operate at certain pressures, any leaks cause a corresponding pressure drop. When several leaks are present in a home’s plumbing system, the loss in pressure can be noticeable and frustrating.

Leaks happen for a couple of reasons. First, outdated piping becomes corroded or brittle and starts springing pinhole leaks. Second, normal wear and tear on a plumbing system expose weaknesses in fittings and pipe joints.

Leaks are a hassle for two main reasons: leaks waste money on wasted water and cause a drop in water pressure. Homeowners should keep an eye out for leaks by looking for signs like:

Wet spots on the lawn
Spikes in water bills
Sounds of running water
New insect problems
Wet areas on the floor
Moisture climbing up walls

Plumbers will address leaks by detecting the leak and making the necessary repairs. In most cases, each leak can be attended to separately. In extreme cases, plumbers may recommend a repiping project to tackle outdated plumbing materials.

Clogs and Mineral Buildup

Another common cause of low water pressure is obstructions in the pipe. How do obstructions get into new, freshwater piping? Besides food waste, clogs come from two main sources:

Mineral Scale: Freshwater carries minerals dissolved within it that contribute to hardness. These minerals can merge onto the inside of piping and obstruct flow. Common treatments include installing water softeners to reduce the mineral content of water.
Corrosion: Old piping, especially metal piping, is a victim of corrosion. Most metals react to oxygen in the water, which causes pipes to corrode. Corrosion forms scales and flakes on the inside of piping that obstructs flow.

Before making any necessary repairs, some ways plumbers can remove clogs and build-up are drain snaking and hydrojetting.

Closed Valves or Faulty Fixtures

An important observation for a homeowner to make about low water pressure is how extensive the problem is. Is one fixture affected or entire bathrooms? The whole house? Knowing this can help narrow down the causes of low water pressure.

If the low water pressure only affects one fixture, the likely cause is the fixture itself. Sink faucets and showerheads have valves that can become dislodged and partially block flow. If the loss of water pressure is more widespread, homeowners can check the main shutoff valve and the water meter valve to ensure they are not closed or partially closed. The valves not being completely open can restrict flow to multiple fixtures. This method of narrowing down the source can help homeowners and plumbers work together to fix low water pressure.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated company with over a decade of experience serving its neighbors in Tyler, TX, and the surrounding areas. They provide upfront pricing, 24-hour emergency service, and financing. Call them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.

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Time To Leave Poor Water Pressure Behind!

How To Learn the Cause of Bad Water Pressure in the Home

Poor water pressure is more than inconvenient; it could signal an underlying problem with the plumbing system. For instance, something could be preventing the water’s flow to the showerhead. It could be a leak deep inside the home itself.

Homeowners don’t have to deal with poor water pressure. There are many ways they can identify the problem’s source and take action. Of course, they can always consult with a shower plumbing specialist. A professional can use specialized tools to correct the issue.

Understanding the Plumbing System

Everything in the plumbing system is connected, from the bathroom showerhead to the kitchen garbage disposal. If there is a leak anywhere in the system (or a clog), this could disrupt the entire system’s usual operations.

It’s best to remedy a leaking or clogged pipe as soon as possible. Waiting too long to consult a professional or address the problem could result in long-term damage to the home and its infrastructure.

Signs of hidden water leaks and clogs include:

Poor water pressure can point to a leak. When water escapes the system on its way to the faucet or showerhead, homeowners could have little to no water pressure.
A clog could keep water from running from the system. Clogs could comprise grease, fat, oil, dog hair, and other debris.
Higher than usual water bills could mean that a leak is wasting water without the homeowner even knowing it.

Identifying Hidden Leaks

As noted, leaks are one of the biggest threats to a plumbing system. Locating a leak is a great way to promptly address the issue and keep the problem from getting worse. In addition to experiencing poor water pressure, signs of a leak include:

Mold: Mold loves to grow on damp surfaces. Over time, mold can spread to other parts of the house and compromise the home’s indoor air quality. It can even make a home uninhabitable in serious cases.
Unpleasant odors: Mold, mildew, and stagnant water can create an unpleasant smell. This can cause respiratory problems in homeowners and guests.
Water stains: Water stains may appear as splotchy, yellow-brown stains. They could form around the home’s baseboards and appliances or on the ceiling. Water stains can quickly give rise to mold.

Checking Around the Showerhead

Poor water pressure doesn’t just refer to trickles. It can also refer to “hard water.” Particles build up inside the water heater and give the water a grainy, uncomfortable feeling. One might feel a film over their skin after standing in hard water for too long.

Sentiment build-up can jeopardize a home’s water pressure because it impedes water flow. Remedying this issue is best left to a professional. A plumber may install a water softener to break up, absorb, or dissolve the sediment in the system.

About Super Plumbers

Super Plumbers is a family-owned and operated business with years of experience addressing homeowners’ plumbing needs. They offer 24/7 emergency repairs, personalized service, and 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Contact them today for plumbing services in Tyler, TX.