It’s the end of a long day and you’re ready for a hot shower. You’ve got the water, you’ve got the heat, but the pressure is lacking. Poor water pressure can cause frustration in the shower, the sink, the kitchen, and even the garden. Is there anything you can do? In this post, we’ll take a look at what you can do at home, and when you should call an expert.
PRESSURE BALANCE VALVE
The first place you can check is the pressure balance valve. This is what balances the hot and cold mix of water coming into your shower. Checking it involves removing the shower controls from the wall, a task you may or may not feel comfortable doing on your own.
DIVERTER VALVE
The diverter valve is the function that enables you to switch the bathwater and shower water (if you have a bath/shower combo). If this is not working properly, your water pressure will suffer.
UNEXPECTED CLOGS
Clogs are easy to fix. If a pipe is blocked, or the shower head is clogged, you can detach it to take a closer look. If the problem is the shower head itself (often caused by hard water) this can be taken care of with a cleaning solution, a brush, and some elbow grease. Want to prevent hard water to begin with? Check out our posts on R.O. or water softeners!
BROKEN PIPES
Broken or cracked pipes delivering water to your home would obviously cause a decrease in water pressure. But the problems could be much worse than that. It can lead to water damage that could be much more costly. If there’s a leak you don’t know about, the damage could get worse before you discover it.
REVIEW
- The pressure balance valve and diverter valve can be checked by you or an expert to make sure the settings are correct.
- Dirty or clogged shower heads and pipes can be cleaned to improve water pressure.
- Weak water pressure can be a sign of cracks in pipes that you may not realize!
WORTH THE CALL
The Bosworth Company can help you check your water pressure and make sure your next shower provides the relaxation you need. You can reach us at 432-570-5233 or schedule an appointment online. It’s Worth the Call. Always.