One of the great conveniences we take for granted is instant access to water at the flip of a switch. There’s nothing like coming home after a hard day and relaxing in a long hot shower. But some showers are a lot more satisfying than others. Maybe the water’s warm and lasts as long as you need, but something is still missing. If your shower doesn’t have good water pressure, you may get clean, but the experience will suffer. In this post, we’ll examine some of the things that can cause low water pressure, and how you can improve it.
UNDER PRESSURE
There are a variety of factors that can potentially cause your home to experience a drop in water pressure. One common problem, and thankfully an easy fix, is water valves that aren’t fully open. It’s easy to check and adjust your home’s water shut-off valves on your own. Just make sure they’re fully open for maximum water flow.
Other common causes include old or leaky pipes. If water is leaking where it shouldn’t be, that means it isn’t getting to your faucet or showerhead and thereby decreasing the flow rate of the water as it leaves the fixture.
TAKE THE TEST
If the water pressure in your home is low, it’s likely low at every faucet. That includes showers, sinks, and even outdoor spigots where you would attach a hose.
Depending on your usage, it’s likely that you’ll notice low (or high) water pressure the most when you’re in the shower. However, when it’s time to test, you’ll want to head outside to one of those spigots for your hose. Pressure tests can be done by hiring a professional or by using a pressure gauge. If using a gauge, just turn the water up all the way. The pressure should read between 45 and 55 psi. A psi above 55 could be damaging to your pipes and faucets.
WORTH THE CALL
If you’ve checked your valves, and they seem to be adjusted properly but your water pressure is still consistently low, it’s likely that the water pressure you’re getting from the city just isn’t that strong. Give the utility department a call so they can check into it.
Licensed plumbers like the ones at The Bosworth Company can help, too. We’ll investigate the causes and figure out a practical solution that works for you and your home. Make an appointment online or call us today at (432) 570-5233. It’s Worth the Call. Always.