Few things are as frustrating as turning on the faucet in your Port Charlotte, FL home only to realize that just a trickle of water is coming out. The low flow can impede your ability to cook, clean, bathe, do laundry, and much more. Several things can cause low water pressure in your house. Some of these causes can be remedied quickly while others indicate that a more involved repair is needed.
What to Consider
Before you try to zero in on the problem regarding your low water pressure, you’ll want to check a few areas of your home. Is the water pressure low in the rest of your house? If the problem persists with every faucet you try, consult with your neighbors to see if the problem is beyond just your property. There may be a water main issue in the town that’s affecting everyone’s water pressure at one time. In this case, you’ll just have to wait for the problem to be resolved by your local water company, which should fix your water pressure.
Checking Your Water Main
Water comes into your plumbing system from the main line outside and is distributed from a single source. Once you locate that source, inspect the area for any signs of leaks or damage. If you spot any issues, contact our team for immediate assistance to prevent water damage and further complications. You’ll also want to check that nobody has turned off the valve that allows the water to flow through this main pipe. For example, another occupant might have been working on something and forgot to turn the water back on without your knowledge.
Inspecting Your Plumbing
Walk through your basement and any other areas of the home where you can visibly see pipes that are part of your plumbing system. You’ll want to look for leaks, but you should also check for any signs of corrosion or damage. If you live in an older house, the wear and tear over the years could cause problems as the system ages. You might need to have certain sections of your plumbing replaced or repaired to rectify the issue with your water pressure.
Reaching Out to Your Water Company
Whether you receive water from a municipal source or a private supplier, reach out to the company to see if there are any issues you should be aware of. There may be a problem between the main pump house and your residence. For instance, recent work or inspections on the lines near your home can interfere with your water pressure and may need to be addressed to re-establish water pressure.
Single Fixture Issues
If you’ve determined that water flows freely through other areas of your house but a single faucet is giving you problems, here’s what to consider. Shower heads and sink faucets are manufactured with small openings that allow water to flow through with a great deal of pressure. These holes can become clogged with mineral deposits or sediment, restricting the flow of water. Simply cleaning the affected fixture might be all that’s necessary to get your faucet flowing smoothly again. To do this, fill a plastic bag with equal parts white vinegar and water. Attach the bag to the fixture head with a rubber band. Let the fixture soak for a few hours before removing and rinsing it clean. You may need to replace the fixture entirely if this trick doesn’t work.
If you’ve recently installed a new shower head and feel like the flow of water doesn’t have enough pressure, the flow restrictor could be to blame. This device can help you save water by reducing the water pressure in the showerhead, but it can also decrease the water flow too much. Removing the flow restrictor can solve the issue.
Checking a Sink’s Aerator
The aerator on a sink faucet is used to create a more consistent stream of water. The water pressure can decrease when an aerator becomes blocked with sediment or grime, compromising the faucet’s function. Like faucet heads, aerators can also be cleaned. It’s relatively inexpensive to replace them if that’s easier or more effective. Remove the aerator and soak it, much like you would with a clogged shower head. Then take a clean, fine-bristled toothbrush and gently scrub away any loosened deposits.
Low Toilet Pressure
Are your faucets flowing freely, but your toilet seems to be experiencing low water pressure? The first thing that you need to do is check the water valve near the floor behind your toilet. This valve can be knocked into a partially off position, which would reduce water flow and pressure. Make sure the valve is turned all the way to the left. If it is, then you’ll need to investigate further. There’s a water fill valve located inside your toilet’s tank. This valve can become corroded over time or experience sediment buildup that impedes the water flow. You may also have an issue with the main supply hose to your toilet. Someone from our team can help you diagnose any of these problems if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.
Is Your Water Pressure Issue Temperature Specific?
If low water pressure occurs only when using hot water, the issue may be related to your water heater. Check to ensure the hot water valve on the tank is fully open. Sediment buildup in the water heater can restrict water flow, and an aging water heater (typically over 15 years) may also cause problems. For cold water pressure issues, the problem is likely within the cold water pipes before reaching the hot water tank.
Professional Plumbing Assistance
If you’re in the Port Charlotte area and would like to learn more about addressing low water pressure in your home, reach out to our experienced team at Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning. We’d be happy to help you get your plumbing back up and running again. In addition to diagnosing low water pressure, drain cleaning and household plumbing, we also install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling equipment. We also offer leak detection services, install backflow protection, perform indoor air quality assessments, and much more. Contact Titanz Plumbing & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment.
