Why Is My Water Pressure Too High/Low?
Dealing with water pressure is a pesky annoyance that almost all homeowners have to tackle at some point. Whether your water pressure is too high or too low, the wrong type of pressure can seriously mess up your daily shower or interfere with the meal you’re trying to prepare in the kitchen. In fact, plumbers call water pressure issues the "silent killer" of plumbing problems because it's often difficult to determine that they're the ultimate cause of the trouble.
Common Causes of Water Pressure Issues
Read on to find out what might be making your water pressure too low/high, and call our Ventura County plumbers from Dutton Plumbing for experienced water quality service.
The Water Meter Valve Isn’t Open
Most homes have two main valves that control the water. One is the water meter valve, which you would not normally deal with, as it technically belongs to the city. However, occasionally after you have had some work done on your home, or for whatever other reason, the water meter valve may accidentally be closed partially, resulting in lower water pressure throughout your home.
Where Is the Water Meter Valve?
To check if your water meter valve is fully open, you will have to locate it on one of the outside walls of your house, unless you live in a colder climate, in which case it may be in the basement or garage.
The Main Shut-Off Valve Isn’t Open
The other valve controlling the flow of water into your house is the shut-off valve. As is the case with the water meter valve, the shut-off valve may also lower your water pressure if it has been closed up during maintenance or for another reason.
Where Is My Main Water Shut Off Valve
Your main water shut-off valve is usually located on one of the outside walls, usually where the main water line enters your home, or in a utility space like your garage or basement.
The Pressure Regulator Is Malfunctioning
A control valve reduces the amount of input pressure in your plumbing system. Not every house has one, but if your water pressure is too high or too low, it’s often because this valve is malfunctioning. If this is the case, you should quickly see a change with all the fixtures in your home. Although you will occasionally be able to swap out this part on your own, more often than not, you will want a professional to replace the pressure regulator for you.
How Do You Know If Pipes Need to be Replaced?
Unfortunately, if none of these issues are at the root of your water pressure problems, there’s a chance your whole system will have to be replaced. After years of use, old plumbing lines tend to get bogged down by years of mineral buildup and corrosion that reduce the interior dimensions of a pipe, thus preventing water from traveling as freely. This interferes with your water pressure by simply refusing to allow the same amount of water to flow as before, and can cause all kinds of other problems with your plumbing system.
How Do You Diagnose Water Pressure Problems?
What Rooms Have Low Pressure?
When it comes to diagnosing this problem and where it may stem from, you may want to determine which areas of the home have low pressure.
- Is it the only the bathroom or the kitchen?
- Is there low pressure in the sink or just when you’re in the shower?
Be sure to be able to answer these questions before you try to determine the cause.
Check the Pressure Reducing Valve
Once you’ve located the areas that have the low pressure, you will want to check the pressure valve. This will allow you to set it to a higher amount if it’s too low.
How to Adjust a Pressure Reducing Valve
This component of your plumbing is a part that is shaped like a bell.
- Be sure to check the screw on the top of this part and adjust it necessary.
- You will need to turn it clockwise to increase the amount of water pressure.
Contact Us
Fortunately, Dutton Plumbing has all the services you need to keep your system in good shape for years. From drain clearing to water heater repair, there’s nothing we won’t do to make sure your water is running smoothly. Call today to see what Dutton can do for you.
Dial (805) 849-0965 now for plumbing services, or contact us online at your earliest convenience.
