3 Reasons Why the Water Pressure Is Low
Turning on the shower expecting a great stream of water and getting just a drip or reduced pressure is not the best way to start or end the day! What can be done to prevent this situation or fix it quickly? Understanding how shower plumbing works or if the house has hard water is the first step to understanding bathroom plumbing issues and the maintenance required.
Bathroom Plumbing Basics
Plumbing is a fairly basic system because it follows the laws of gravity. Every home has two subsystems- one brings clean water into the home, and the other takes the waste from the home. Water brought into the house is pressurized to get it pushed to wherever it is needed. Waste removal happens by strategically placing pitches and angles in pipes that use gravity to move the waste out into the main sewage system in the street.
All of the fixtures in the bathroom are connected through a series of supply and drain lines, so if one becomes a clogged drain, it can impact the rest of the bathroom.
Checking for Hidden Leaks
Most minor plumbing leaks won’t cause a huge decrease in water pressure unless there are multiple minor leaks. Larger cracks or holes in the plumbing will drastically reduce water pressure and are a major cause for concern. Check the house for bubbled or peeling paint or water stains on walls. Look for standing water on the floor or mold growth on surfaces, as these signs would indicate a visible problem that needs to be addressed.
If pipes are leaking outside of the home under the ground, this is not easily identified by a homeowner and should be addressed by a professional.
Is the Showerhead the Problem?
Sometimes, one can fix the problem easily by cleaning the showerhead by sprinkling baking soda on the fixture then wrapping a plastic bag filled with white vinegar around the showerhead. Allow the showerhead to sit in this mixture for a few hours and then wipe off any standing residue. Run the shower to see if the pressure has improved. If not, it’s time to call in a professional to evaluate the situation.
Consider having a water softener installed if the house has hard water. This can improve water quality in the home and reduce mineral deposit buildup in pipes in the future. This system prevents limescale buildup, calcium, and magnesium by replacing them with sodium and potassium in drinking water. Sodium ions flow through the pipes and clear buildup from years of neglect, extending the usable life of existing plumbing.
About City Plumbing
City Plumbing offers flat-rate pricing and 24/7 service without using subcontractors for their services in the Philadelphia and Metro areas. Featured on the “Real Estate Talk” podcast and highly rated by consumer review companies like Angie’s List and Expertise.com, this company is the one to call for plumbing service!
