Tuesday, April 5th, 2022

How to tell if your home has water pressure issues

How to tell if your home has water pressure issues

Nobody wants to hop in the shower, only to realize there’s something wrong with the shower pressure. If it’s too low, you’re apt not to get a steady stream of hot water. And while high water pressure may be harder to detect, it can wreak havoc on your pipes, and cause slow water flow, too. 

Below, we take a look at some common causes of low and high water pressure, and what you can do if it happens in your home.   

Three reasons your water pressure is low  

A faulty pipe. If you’ve got a broken pipe or other issues within your piping system, it can cause low water pressure. Should a pipe problem be the cause, however, it’s important to act fast and call a plumber. Broken pipes can cause water damage to your walls and floors. 

A blocked showerhead. One of the most common reasons for low water pressure in your shower is mineral build-up in your showerhead. This is particularly common if your showerhead is older and needs replaced, or if your home has hard water. 

We recommend removing the showerhead and cleaning it thoroughly with a toothbrush and a solution of two parts water, one part vinegar. You could also simply replace the showerhead. This is also another reason why investing in a home water softener is a good idea.    

Closed control valve. If the water pressure is low throughout the house, check the main water shut-off valve. If it’s closed, or even partially closed, it could be preventing water from flowing fully in the home. This is an easy fix – all you’ll need to do is turn the control valve to reopen it. 

Two reasons your water pressure is high 

Usually if your water pressure is higher than it should be, the cause is a faulty pressure regulator device. Its range should be between 45-60 psi. If it is higher than that, you’ll need to contact a plumber who can replace the device or repair it. 

High water pressure in your home can also indicate an issue with the municipal water supply. If you live in an area with large buildings, the city may have set the pressure too high to accommodate the water needs of the area. 

Here’s how you can tell if your water pressure is too high

Your showers run cold… quickly. If you race to take a shower before the hot water runs out, you may have high water pressure. Ideally, you should be able to take a shower that lasts at least ten minutes. If it takes just a few minutes before there’s no more hot water, it’s time to call a plumber. 

Your water bill gives you sticker shock.  Did your monthly water bill suddenly reach the triple digits? If so, contact the water department immediately. They can check the water pressure in your area to make sure it hasn’t been set too high. 

You hear banging in your pipes. We know there are other reasons why your pipes can make noises. For example, older pipes can rattle. However, if yours are suddenly rattling and your appliances that use water are making funny noises, too, it could be a sign that you have high water pressure. 

Water pressure issues require help from a plumbing professional. If your water has reduced to a trickle, give our team a call or contact  us. Allied Reddi-Rooter can address the issue and make the repair quickly.     We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service. We’re here to help Cincinnati homeowners with all their plumbing needs.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.

Read More 

Why does my shower smell bad?  

It pays to get a second opinion before committing to a plumbing repair

Your water shut-off valve, your best friend in a water emergency