Are you experiencing water pressure problems in your Woodstock home? Are you trying to figure out what you can do about it?
The truth is, most homeowners don’t give much thought to the pressure of their water system — until it drops, anyway. Trying to wash your hair or waiting for a washing machine to complete its cycle gets much more complicated when you’re having problems with your water pressure.
Let’s take a look at this common plumbing problem and see what homeowners can do about it.
Problems
Water moves through your home largely because of the pressure behind it. That pressure guides it through the snaking pipes that run underground, from Woodstock’s main water supply to homes and businesses around town. Gravity plays a role too, which is why the grade of incoming and outgoing plumbing pipes is so important.
Many factors can lead to low water pressure, and most of them can be resolved with the help of a professional:
- Water leaks. A leaky pipe somewhere in your home can release water and reduce the total pressure within the pipes.
- A home located on a higher elevation. If your home sits on a high elevation, gravity can’t assist with the movement of water.
- Town regulations. In some localities, the water utility company may have established a lower pressure regulation across the board. If that’s the case, you may not be the only home in your neighborhood with low pressure.
- Clogs. A clogged drain or plumbing pipe somewhere in your home will eventually restrict water pressure and slow things down.
- Water-saving devices. Pressure-limiting devices can be installed on faucets to help you save on water consumption. While these devices are effective at encouraging water savings, they also can restrict pressure so greatly that your comfort goes down.
- Water softeners. Install a water softener in your home and you’ll see a direct impact on the pressure of your water supply.
- Two-level homes. Occupants of two-story homes often experience lower pressure on the top floor than the lower levels. In fact, studies show that a water supply can lose more than 10 pounds of pressure between levels.
Solutions
Talk to a plumber if you’re having problems with water pressure in your home. Depending on the source of the problem, your plumber may recommend a number of solutions, including:
- Removing the water softener and/or water-saving devices
- Checking with local officials to inquire about increasing pressure
- Installing a pressure valve, which will regulate pressure at a constant level
- Replacing the pressure regulator if it’s worn or damaged
- Repairing leaky pipes
- Cleaning pipes and drains of debris and buildup
- In severe cases, re-piping the home, especially in older homes that employ galvanized pipes
Riddled with water pressure problems? Once you’ve received an expert evaluation, a simple, low-cost fix could very well improve the pressure of the water in your home by leaps and bounds.
Contact Reliable Heating & Air today for more information about resolving pressure problems in your Atlanta-area home.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons