Low Water Pressure | Plumber Arlington
For some communities, low water pressure is normal and stems from the municipal source. However, you don’t have to endure it, a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing plumber in Arlington can install a booster pump for you. For all other households, experiencing abnormally low water pressure typically indicates a problem with your home’s plumbing in Arlington. If you are experiencing low water pressure, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for a solution today.
Determining the Cause
The first step in resolving low water pressure problems is determining the cause. The first step in doing so is to ensure the issue isn’t due to your municipal water supplier. It may be a temporary problem, due to repair or maintenance of the municipal water system. Peak periods of water usage can also mean your water pressure will be low at certain times of day as other resident shower and tend to household tasks. You can check with your neighbors to see if they are also experiencing low water pressure, or contact your water authority directly.
Check the Shut off Valve
While not all homes have them, shut off valves may be present at each plumbing fixture. They can directly affect the water pressure at each toilet, sink, tub, shower, and other locations. Typically, the valves will not all be easily accessible, but if low water pressure is only affecting a single location, ensure the valve is in the on position.
Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)
Pressure reducing valves are installed on homes supplied with a high and potentially damaging water pressure. Municipal water suppliers base water pressure on the need for greater pressure, such as fire hydrants, hilly terrain and high-rise buildings requiring greater water pressure. All of these are reasons for the municipal water source to provide high pressures, and require homeowner’s to install PRVs to protect a home’s plumbing and water using appliances.
PRVs will eventually require replacement. As they age, corrosion can occur. This results in a device that can fail. When they fail, it isn’t unusual for them to allow the full water pressure to enter your home, or to result in abnormally low water pressure.
Checking the water pressure is a simple task with an inexpensive water pressure gauge. The gauge simply screws on to an outdoor faucet. The faucet is opened and the pressure displayed on the gauge is the water pressure going into your home. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide this service for you when you contact us for plumbing repair due to low water pressure, if you prefer.
Leaks are a Common Cause of Low Water Pressure
A leak in your home’s plumbing system may be the cause of low water pressure. It’s a common sign of a leak, which can potentially be verified with the following steps:
- 1. If you are able to access the main water supply where it enters your home, listen for the sound of running water when none is in use. If water is moving through the pipe, it indicates a leak.
- 2. Ensure no water will be in use for 1 hour, and write down the water meter’s current reading. Recheck in one hour, if the reading has changed, you have a leak. However, you need to be aware that a minor leak may not register on the meter during this period. Furthermore, if the dial is spinning you definitely have a leak. Shut the water off and contact a plumber in Arlington for repair.
You can further narrow the leak location if you have a shutoff valve on the water main near the home’s foundation. Simply shut off the water at this location, and open a tap to ensure the valve is working. Once you assure the shut off valve successfully cut the water into your home off, check the meter. If the meter is indicating a leak, the location will likely be in your water supply line between the meter and your home. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for repair.
Eliminate Buildup Due to Hard Water
Most of the U.S. has hard water to varying degrees. Hard water causes problems with mineral deposits in water using appliances such as the water heater, and in water pipes. When the buildup occurs in pipes, it results in a restricted flow of water.
Pipe Corrosion
In addition, pipe corrosion can result in restricted and/or leaking pipes. Older homes with outdated galvanized pipe should receive repiping as soon as is possible. Once corrosion occurs, leaks are not far behind and may cause costly damage to your home and its foundation. Pipe corrosion can result in low water pressure, leaks, and unhealthy water. If you are experiencing low water pressure and have galvanized pipes, contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington today for a professional diagnosis and repair.
The plumbing experts at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing are available to provide the diagnosis and repair of your low water pressure problem. You can count on a Ben Franklin plumber in Arlington for the professional resolution of your plumbing issues. We believe plumbing should be done right the first time, and a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington has the expertise to ensure it. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.