Dealing with water flow problems can be a major pain. Even minor drops in pressure can make it impossible to shower properly or lead to a toilet not flushing completely. In some cases, a sudden decrease in pressure can be related to an issue with the municipal water supply. If you’re constantly dealing with insufficient pressure, it’s most likely related to one of the following problems with your home’s plumbing.
Mineral deposit buildup within pipes is a common concern in Texas as a result of the state having some of the hardest water in the nation. Hard water contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, namely calcium and magnesium. When water flows through pipes, some of the minerals solidify and form a hard scale that continually builds up within the plumbing system. As the scale continually builds within a pipe, it eventually begins to choke it off. That means less water can flow through the pipe, resulting in a noticeable decrease in pressure over time.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can really do to overcome this problem other than replacing all of the affected pipes. The good news is that you can easily prevent mineral buildup within your plumbing by installing a water softener. Traditional water softeners use an ion-exchange process that removes all of the minerals and replaces them with a small amount of salt. There are also salt-free water softeners that work by causing the dissolved minerals to crystallize so that they remain suspended and don’t solidify into scale within the plumbing system.
The pressure within municipal water mains is typically much higher than a home’s plumbing system can handle. As such, the majority of houses have a pressure-regulating valve that reduces the pressure of the water as it enters the home. Within the valve is a diaphragm that expands and contracts as the pressure changes to ensure it remains constant and never gets too high or too low.
The valve can sometimes get stuck to where it’s always partially closed, resulting in the pressure frequently being too low. There are also times when the same type of issue can occur simply because the valve isn’t properly adjusted. A plumber can easily tell if your water flow problems are related to the pressure-regulating valve and either adjust it to the correct pressure or replace it if it’s stuck or faulty.
Hidden plumbing leaks, such as underneath a home’s concrete slab foundation, are another common issue in Texas. A minor leak usually won’t cause a noticeable drop in pressure except in situations when multiple plumbing fixtures are in use at the same time. If there are numerous leaks or a larger leak, your water pressure can consistently be much lower than it should be.
Professional plumbers have various tools that allow them to quickly identify and accurately pinpoint leaks underneath a foundation, within walls or anywhere else. You can also check for leaks yourself using your water meter. If the dial on the meter is spinning when the water throughout the house is shut off, it’s a sure sign that one or more pipes are leaking. Promptly identifying and fixing any leaks is not only important for ensuring you always have adequate water pressure, but it’s also crucial for preventing damage to the home and avoiding mold issues.
Low water pressure is obviously an inconvenience, as it can prevent you from taking a nice, relaxing shower or lead to your dishes not getting fully cleaned in the dishwasher. It can also pose other problems that increase the chances of clogged pipes and sewage backups. Low water pressure at a faucet can prevent any food particles that go down the drain from getting flushed out of the P-trap or lead to them getting stuck inside the sewer line, creating a blockage that results in a major clog.
High water pressure is an even bigger concern, which is again why most houses have a pressure-regulating valve. Ideally, your water pressure should always be within 45 to 60 psi. If the pressure is too high, the water produces much more turbulence as it moves through pipes. High pressure and increased turbulence can cause pipes to thin or loosen elbows and joints, both of which can lead to frequent plumbing leaks. It can also result in seals within a dishwasher or washing machine wearing out, causing the appliance to leak.
If you’re dealing with low water pressure in your Garland, TX, home, Triple Crown Plumbing is ready to help. From leak detection and repair to repiping and drain cleaning, we have the expert solutions to overcome any problem you’re facing. We also specialize in the full range of water heater services and are the name to trust for any type of plumbing repair in Dallas or the surrounding areas. To schedule an inspection or service call, contact us today.
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