Whether you want to shower or wash the dishes, low water pressure can make it much more difficult to take care of these everyday tasks, in some cases, making it nearly impossible to get clean. If you’ve confirmed that your home’s water valves are open, a plumbing maintenance issue is likely to blame for your low water pressure. Here are some common causes behind this household problem.

Common Plumbing Problems That Cause Low Water Pressure

1. Buildup or Leaks in Pipes

Buildup can occur in the pipes leading into your home—not just your drain lines. Clogs can occur gradually as a result of mineral buildup inside of the pipes. This is most likely to occur in areas with hard water, as the high mineral content of this water will cause deposits to form inside the pipe.

Dirt and other debris can also enter the pipes as a result of water main fractures. While sediment can be flushed out with professional cleaning, corroded pipes that have rusted due to high levels of dissolved oxygen or other factors will need to be replaced.

2. Fixture Clogs

If only a single fixture seems to have an issue, the fixture itself is likely to blame. Shower heads and sink faucets are prone to aerator screen clogs. The aerator screen dilutes water with air to reduce the flow volume, but high mineral content from hard water or sediment can cause blockages.

Cleaning or replacing the screen will restore normal water flow. Shower head nozzles may also sometimes get blocked by mineral buildup, which looks like a crusty layer of white sediment on the fixture. As with pipes, if fixtures are severely corroded, they should be replaced.

3. Malfunctioning Water Pressure Regulator

Your home’s water pressure regulator stabilizes water pressure as it enters the home, keeping it from getting too high or low. If this component stops working, water pressure will dramatically increase or decrease. This issue is most often caused by mineral sediments from hard water creating a blockage, or as the internal parts naturally degrade over time because of wear and tear. Typically, affected parts will need to be cleaned or replaced.

From installing a new water heater to major plumbing repairs, you can count on Miller & Humphrey Plumbing & Electric in Enterprise, AL. Their industry certified plumbers offer friendly service and high-quality workmanship for jobs big and small, working tirelessly to ensure your complete satisfaction. To learn more about their plumbing services, visit them online or call (334) 347-9212.