Low water pressure is a term for an inadequate flow of water to a home’s fixtures. While low water pressure can be normal in some areas, it is possible to have adequate water pressure and low flow out of one or more fixtures. For those whose municipally provided water experience low water pressure, a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Katy can install a booster pump. For all others, low water pressure typically indicates a problem with the home’s plumbing in Katy. If you are experiencing low water pressure, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg to schedule a water line repair in Katy.
Causes of Low Water Pressure
The causes of low water pressure can be the municipal supply, corroded piping, a failed pressure relief valve (PRV) or backflow preventer due to a restriction in the flow, a partially closed valve, or a faulty fixture. Furthermore, a common cause of low water pressure is a water leak.
Determining the Cause
Begin by determining if the problem is in a single location, or throughout the home. When the problem is in a single location, the issue will be a problem with the fixture or its water supply line.
A Closed Valve
If low water pressure affects the entire home, ensure the shutoff valve on the main water supply is fully open. Shut off valves are typically located where the water enters the home. In addition, it is possible that someone has partially closed the valve on the water meter itself.
The PRV
When your water supply possesses a high pressure, a pressure reducing valve (PRV) or backflow preventer at the meter is recommended. However, when a PRV fails (typically due to rust and/or corrosion), the result can be either a reduced flow to the entire home or receipt of the full water pressure, which can damage the plumbing system and appliances. A water pressure test on an outdoor faucet will provide the incoming water pressure reading. Replacement of a PRV is a job for a licensed plumber only, as it involves cutting into the main water supply pipe, and water line repair in Katy.
Water Pressure Test
It’s simple to use an inexpensive water pressure gauge screwed on an outdoor faucet. Once the gauge is screwed on, open the faucet and the pressure will be displayed. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg can provide this service for you when you contact us for water line repair in Katy due to low water pressure.
Corroded Pipe
Age and corrosion may affect the water flow delivery to fixtures and appliances in a single location or throughout the home. Typically affecting steel or galvanized water pipes after 15 to 20 years or more, the internal passageways of the pipe become blocked due to years of corrosion and mineral buildup.
Unfortunately, corroded piping can only be replaced. This is especially important for galvanized pipes. Once corrosion and buildup occur, leaks are possible at any time and can result in severe damage to the home and its foundation. Schedule repiping or water line repair in Katy as soon as possible.
Shower Head
A shower head can clog due to mineral buildup. Remove the showerhead by unscrewing it. If you use a wrench, place a cloth or other protection between the tool and showerhead to prevent damage to the finish. Turn the water on with the shower head off. If there is adequate flow, the shower head needs cleaning.
If the water flow is still poor, maybe a defective tub spout diverter (if equipped) or a worn or defective mixing valve. Bathtub spout diverters can often be repaired, but it is often easier to replace the spout. A Benjamin Franklin plumber can provide the plumbing repair you need.
Shower Head Cleaning
Mineral buildup on and in the showerhead can be dissolved by soaking the showerhead in white vinegar or using a commercial descaling chemical. However, test the solution of your choice in an inconspicuous place to ensure the finish won’t be damaged. Soak for about an hour, or longer if needed to loosen the buildup. Use a soft brush to scrub any remaining debris. Use a straightened large paper clip to clear the remaining debris from the holes in the showerhead. Replace the shower head if necessary.
Sinks
Check the aerator by unscrewing it and removing it. Turn the water on with the aerator off, if it has good pressure clean the aerator as with the showerhead or replaces it.
A low water pressure with the aerator can indicate a problem in the faucet itself or with the water supply line to the sink. Contact a plumber for water line repair in Katy, or faucet replacement.
Toilet
Replacing the fill valve will often correct a slow filling toilet. Otherwise, the problem may be due to blockage from hard water minerals in the toilet, or the water supply line. A Benjamin Franklin plumber can provide the toilet repair or water line repair in Katy that you require.
Water Leaks and Low Water Pressure
A water leak is a common cause of low water pressure. If you suspect a leak, contact a plumber for water line repair in Katy.
Other Causes
Check with your municipal water authority to ensure they are not the cause, due to repair on the system. In addition, peak periods of water use may cause water pressure to be low at specific times of the day. Check with your neighbors to see if they are also experiencing low water pressure. Contact our plumbers to schedule a professional water line repair in Katy, or for other plumbing services that you require.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing licensed plumbers have the expertise to provide the diagnosis and plumbing repair of your low water pressure problem. You can rely on a Ben Franklin plumber for reliable water line repair in Katy. We believe in doing it right the first time, and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg has the expertise to ensure it. We serve Katy, Sugar Land, Houston, and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.