Dealing With Furnace Problems

4 Things That Might Be Causing A Sudden Change In Water Pressure

1 September 2015 by Eliza Chapman

Nothing is quite as frustrating as expecting to get into a high-pressured shower only to find that the water is slowly dripping from the showerhead. Low water pressure is frustrating and can be caused by a number of different things, and luckily, most causes of water pressure issues are easily remedied. Here are four common causes of water pressure problems. 

Pressure Adjusting Valve Is Misadjusted

Check outside of your home or office right where your water main actually enters your home. You should find a bell like device on your line; this is the pressure adjusting valve.

It may be the case that it is not properly adjusted. There should be a screw on the valve. Experiment with different settings on the pressure adjusting valve to see if it affects the overall water pressure that your home or office is outputting.

To increase water pressure, turn the screw clockwise. To decrease the amount of water pressure to your house, you must turn the screw counterclockwise. It may be the case that your pressure adjusting valve is broken. If this is the case, a new one can be purchased for a nominal fee from basically any hardware store.

Check Shut-Off Valve At Water Meter

The water shut-off valve is a very sensitive valve, and it can greatly affect how your water pressure manifests itself, even if it has only been slightly adjusted. Not all homes have a shut-off valve, but the vast majority do. They're usually located in one of two locations. The first is right near the pressure adjusting valve, while the secondary location is located right on your water meter.

This valve can shut off water to the entirety of your home if closed all of the way, and even if it is slightly turned, it can greatly affect the amount of water pressure that you receive throughout your house or office. It is recommended that you turn the valve so it is entirely open, so water can freely flow through your house at maximum pressure.

Check Fixtures For Water Leaks

One of the leading causes for a lack of water pressure in your home is a leak. It is highly recommended that you check all of your fixtures for leaks. Check all of your faucets. Make sure your house is adequately quiet and listen for any dripping faucet. Noticing a drip does not necessarily mean that you have a leak present, but a consistent dripping phenomenon that you can hear or see from a faucet is almost a surefire sign that you have a leaky faucet.

If you have a basement, look for any puddles, pools or small areas of water. This is basically a guarantee that you have a leak in your water main (which, of course, will largely affect the amount of water pressure your home receives). Check the area around where your main meets your home or office. If the ground is wet around the area, then this could be indicative of a leak in the main.

Water Heater Issues

If you are receiving low water pressure on merely your hot or warm water, then this might be a problem revolving around your water heater. In case of an emergency, there is a valve shut-off located on your hot water heater. Make sure this is completely open. Even if tightened a bit, it can affect the intensity of your hot water pressure. By turning the valve completely counterclockwise, you will ensure that your home or office will receive a maximum amount of hot water.

If you have checked all of the above and your water pressure is still below average, you may have internal plumbing problems. Call a plumber to have them come out and check your pipes for clogs, holes or other issues that might be causing the water pressure problems.

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