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Low water pressure is an extreme inconvenience, slowing down the ability to fill a sink, tub or to take a shower. There are a number of potential causes of low water pressure, and the resolution depends on the cause. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing can provide the water line repair in Fort Worth that you need.

Water Leaks

A water leak in your plumbing system can cause low water pressure. Leaks aren’t always as easily detected as a puddle of water on the floor, in fact they may require the services and specialized equipment of a plumber in Fort Worth to detect. It isn’t unusual for a homeowner to be unaware of a leak until high water bills begin to arrive.

One tool you can use to verify a potential leak is the water meter. Before you read the water meter, ensure no water is used by shutting off all automatic water users such as the ice maker, the sprinkler system, and automatic waters for pets or livestock. In addition, you’ll want to inform family members not to use any water, or choose a time when only you are at home.

Read the meter and note if you see movement. If the numbers are advancing when no water is in use, there is undoubtedly a water leak present in your plumbing system. Otherwise, jot down the results of the reading. Recheck the reading one to two hours later. The longer the time between readings the more likely you are to verify a slow leak.

After the allotted time read the meter again. If the reading has changed, there is a leak in the plumbing system. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to schedule leak detection and water line repair in Fort Worth.

Competing for Water

For some people, low water pressure may be due to competition from your neighbors. If you and your neighbors are showering at the same time, water pressure can be reduced. Try varying the time you shower, run the dishwasher or do a load of laundry.

Pressure Regulators

Pressure regulators are installed on the main water line to reduced a high municipal water pressure, providing protection for your homes plumbing system. Unfortunately, they’ll wear out and allow full water pressure to enter your home or they can fail in a position that restricts water, resulting in low water pressure entering your home. Replacement of a pressure regulator requires a licensed plumber to provide the water line repair in Fort Worth.

Corroded Pipes

Older homes are likely to be plumbed with outdated galvanized pipe. This type of pipe material corrodes over time, resulting in both rust scale and limescale building up inside the pipe. The pipes interior becomes constricted, resulting in low water pressure. Furthermore, galvanized pipe will eventually experience leaks, which can cause severe damage to your home and its foundation. If your home contains galvanized pipes, it  will greatly benefit with repiping. Not only will the water pressure be restored, your household will also benefit from the improved water quality and the peace knowing you don’t have to worry about costly leaks. Contact our plumbers for water line repair in Fort Worth or repiping.

Closed Shut Off Valves

When low water pressure occurs in a single tap only, check the shut off valve at the fixture. Someone may have inadvertently turned it, reducing the amount of water coming through the valve. It is also possible the shut off valve is faulty. Contact a Ben Franklin plumber for a diagnosis and water line repair in Fort Worth.

Clogged Aerators and Showerheads

When low water pressure is limited to a showerhead or sink faucet, check for a clogged aerator. Faucet aerators typically can be unscrewed. Soak clogged aerators in white vinegar, and gently scrub residue away with a soft toothbrush. You may also replace aerators cheaply as they are inexpensive.

Showerheads can clog due to hard water minerals. If the showerhead is removable, first test an inconspicuous area to ensure the vinegar won’t cause damage to the finish. Once you determine it is safe to use the vinegar, soak it in white vinegar until the mineral build up dissolves and falls away. Brush away residue with a soft toothbrush dipped in vinegar. You can use a dental pick or straightened paper clip to clear remaining residue from the holes. Rinse well and screw it back on.

If the showerhead isn’t removable use a leak proof bag containing white vinegar to soak it in. Secure with a sturdy rubber band. Once cleaning is complete rinse the showerhead using a container of water.

Municipal Causes

Your water supplier occasionally provides maintenance and repair to the water system. Water may be present in the lines beyond the point of repair for a while, but there will be a lack of pressure. When low water pressure isn’t consistent, check with your water authority for maintenance or water line repair in Fort Worth near you.

In addition, check your home’s main shut off valve and ensure it is fully open. You’ll find one on the water meter. In addition, your home may contain a second shut off valve located where the water enters your home on one or the other side of the foundation. Even slight adjustment can affect the amount of water entering your home. Schedule biannual ‘exercising’ of your homes shut off valves to ensure proper operation and prevent their seizing up. If you would like additional information about the replacement of faulty shut off valves in your home, contact a Ben Franklin plumber for water line repair in Fort Worth. 

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers skilled licensed plumbers for a wide variety of plumbing services. Our plumbers are always up to date on the latest codes and regulations, techniques and information. You can rely on our plumbers in Fort Worth to adhere to or exceed the industry standards. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, contact a Ben Franklin professional plumber to schedule water line repair in Fort Worth, or other plumbing services. We serve Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas. Ben Franklin is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.