In part one of this two-part blog series, we discussed some of the problems with extremely low or high water pressure in your plumbing system, plus some of the signs that they might be taking place. Water pressure is important for a few reasons, and knowing how to avoid any issues here can pay off in the long run.
At Green Line Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’re here to offer a wide range of plumbing repair and installation services for clients around Herriman, Bluffdale, South Jordan and other parts of Utah. Today’s part two of our series will look at some of the common causes behind water pressure issues in your home’s plumbing system, plus how they can be avoided.
Clogged Supply Line
One of the more common issues behind low water pressure is a clogged supply line. When the pipes within your plumbing system become blocked with sediment, scale buildup or other debris, it can restrict the flow of water and cause lower than normal water pressure.
In cases like these, you’ll often notice sudden drops in your water pressure during specific water usage. You might be taking a completely normal shower, only to find that the water pressure suddenly drops off as you’re rinsing the shampoo out of your hair.
Sediment buildup can also cause blockages in valves such as those found near a hot water tank. Here, it’s important to have these valves checked regularly for any signs of sediment buildup.
Undersized or Oversized Water Heater
In other cases, low water pressure can be caused by an improperly sized hot water heater. If the tank is too small for your home’s needs – i.e., not big enough to meet the demand of multiple fixtures running at once – then you can experience drops in water pressure when more than one fixture is running simultaneously.
On the other hand, it’s also possible to experience high water pressure if your hot water tank is too large for your home’s needs. In cases like these, the extra pressure from the tank can lead to issues like pipe bursting and water hammer (the loud “banging” sound that can come through your pipelines).
Faucet or Showerhead Issues
In still other situations, you might find that the faucets or showerheads in your home are causing issues with water pressure. In cases like these, it’s possible that the fixtures themselves have become clogged due to debris buildup, leading to low water pressure.
It’s also worth noting that newer model faucets and showerheads may be designed with a lower flow rate than their older counterparts. Switching out these fixtures for a different model can often work wonders in restoring lost water pressure.
At Green Line Plumbing, Heating & Air, we provide comprehensive plumbing services for clients throughout Herriman, Bluffdale, South Jordan and other parts of Utah. If you’re experiencing issues with your home’s water pressure – whether it be low or high – then contact us today and we’ll be happy to help!