Things that affect your water pressure

Most people don't give too much thought to the water pressure in their homes. When it works – it works; no need to think about it at all. However, once the pressure starts fluctuating, that's when the problems start. It's only then that everyone remembers to call the professional Illinois plumber or schedule an inspection. However, although pressure fluctuations are frustrating, in most cases, the problem isn't as bad as it seems. Still, there are many things that affect your water pressure. So, today, we'll take a look at some common culprits and what to do when they emerge.

Check if you actually have water

Yes, we know this is quite obvious. However, when you're stressed out and frustrated, even obvious things can slip your mind. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is is check the water meter. A glance will tell you if your water supply provider is doing its job. If not, you’ll have to give them a call and discuss the issue with them.

If the majority of your neighbors enjoy long baths at the same time as you, it can cause your water pressure to drop.

The time of day matters

Another common cause of low water pressure is Peak Usage Time. This refers to a time of day when most people in your neighborhood use water all at once. So, pay attention to see if the water pressure keeps dropping around the same time each day. If it does, then this is a likely cause of low water pressure in your home. Sadly, you cannot do much about it except trying to work around the Peak Usage Time. But, if you don't mind tweaking your habits a bit, this won't remain a problem for long.

Water heater malfunction

Imagine this scenario. It's a fantastic day! You found excellent movers that made your relocation a breeze. Everything is off the moving truck, unpacked, and ready for use. Movers you found through bestlongdistancemovers.com tip their hats and bid you farewell. Now, it’s time for some much-needed R&R.

So, you jump in the bathtub, crank the taps to a pleasant, steamy temperature... and then jump out with a “Yee-haw!” that would put any cowboy to shame. The water is ice cold! You check again – cold water flows fine. But, hot water is barely dripping. This unfortunate scenario is the result of a malfunctioning water heater. There's only one solution to this problem: you need to call a professional to service it. That, or you can head out and buy a cowboy hat and a lasso. It won't fix the issue, but at least you'll look cool. Almost as cool as the water you'll shower with.

Check the pressure regulator

A pressure regulator is an essential part of every home. This device ensures that your pipes and fixtures take no damage by adjusting the pressure once city water reaches your home. But, when it malfunctions or isn't set to an optimal value, it can cause low water pressure in the entire house. So, the next step: check your pressure regulator. Optimal PSI values should range from 50PSI to 80PSI. If it’s below or above these values, you’ll have to do some adjusting. Fortunately, this is easy. Simply locate your pressure reducing valve (PRV) near the main water shutoff, and set the pressure to the optimal value. However, if the problem persists, then there’s a high chance your PRV is damaged and needs replacing.

Sometimes, fixing low water pressure is easy. Just remember to check the regulator and adjust the PRV.

Limescale buildup

This is one of those things that affect your water pressure that you can't fix at its root. Over time, hard water causes limescale buildup that clogs pipes, taps, and showerheads. To mitigate these adverse effects, you can:

1. Periodically dismantle and clean taps and showerheads. Be aware that this is just a temporary solution. Furthermore, it doesn’t do anything for pipes. So, the problem will only grow;

2. A much better and permanent option is to install a water softener. It will increase the lifespan of your pipes and fixtures. And, it only needs maintenance approximately once every five years.

Debris buildup

Debris in water lines is a potentially major issue. The buildup can cause clogging and reduce water pressure in your home. Left unattended, it can lead to significant problems, such as leaks and burst pipes. Therefore, it's imperative to have a professional plumber do a regular inspection and flush the pipes every once in a while.

High water pressure

Extremely high water pressure isn't such a common problem. Still, this doesn't mean you should ignore it when it occurs. It can still cause a variety of issues, damage faucets or water heaters, and even cause pipes to burst. But, if you have read through this text, you already know how to fix the issue. Remember the PRV we have mentioned? Simply use it to lower the water pressure, et voila – you’re all set! Again, you will need plumbing services if this doesn't solve the problem.

 A regular inspection can prevent many issues.

Prevent things that affect your water pressure to ruin your day(s)

Moving to your new Illinois home is undoubtedly an exciting time. But, it's also difficult. There are many things to take care of from a moving standpoint alone. Add to that all the things you need to keep in mind when buying a house, and you're looking at a challenging undertaking. As such, the last thing you need is to arrive at your new place and find it less than optimal. So, before you hire movers and relocate to a new city or town, be sure to schedule a thorough inspection of your new home. It will save you a lot of stress in the long run, especially if you have to do some remodeling.

Call the pro’s

The solution to the majority of the above problems is as simple as twisting a knob. Still, you can't handle some issues alone. At least, not without proper training and tools. Furthermore, trying to DIY can only make the matter worse. Therefore – don’t risk it. Turn to the professional plumbers and ensure the things that affect your water pressure won’t misbehave anytime soon.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry