There are a few issues that can impact multiple components within a given plumbing system, and one of the most well-known examples here is that of low water pressure. Why do issues of low water pressure take place, why are they a problem, and what can be done about them?
At Green Line Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’re happy to offer a wide range of quality plumbing repairs and installations for clients around Herriman, Bluffdale, South Jordan and other parts of Utah – including issues involving your system’s water pressure. In this two-part blog series, we’ll begin by going over why water pressure issues are a problem on either end of the spectrum, while part two of our series will go over some of the specific issues that may cause low water pressure and how to manage them.
Defining Water Pressure
Firstly, let’s define what we mean by water pressure. Water pressure is, simply put, the power and force of your water supply as it moves through your home’s pipes and out to fixtures like your faucets, shower head, washing machine, etc.
The level of water pressure in a plumbing system can be measured with a tool called a manometer – but for our purposes, we can just think of it as the amount of force behind the water that comes out of your showerhead and other plumbing fixtures.
Why Water Pressure Imbalances Are Problematic
If you have low water pressure, it means there’s not enough force to adequately supply your fixtures with water. This can lead to weaker showers, slow-filling bathtubs and toilets, and appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that struggle to perform as intended.
Conversely, excessively high water pressure isn’t good either – if the pressure within your system rises too high, it can cause water hammer (the loud “banging” sound you may hear through your pipes), leaks at pipe joints and fixtures, and even damage to the components of your plumbing system.
Possible Signs of Water Pressure Issues
When it comes to low water pressure, most of the indicators here are pretty obvious. You’ll likely experience weak-flowing showers and faucets, slow-filling toilets, and general difficulty using your plumbing fixtures in the way you expect them to.
High water pressure can be a bit more difficult to pick up on without the use of a manometer. Some signs that may indicate an excessively high water pressure system include banging sounds coming from your pipes, leaking fixtures, and increased water bills due to greater volumes of water being used.
At Green Line Plumbing, Heating & Air, we can help you get to the bottom of your low or high water pressure issues. In part two of our series on this topic, we’ll go over some of the most common causes behind these issues and how to avoid them. Contact us today to learn more about this or any of our plumbing services for clients around Utah!