One of the most common plumbing complaints that we receive is low water pressure in the shower. Whether it has always been that way or it is a recent development, low water pressure is typically an easy fix for professional plumbers. As common as it is, many homeowners don’t know that there are steps you can take to avoid water pressure loss.
The best thing that you can do to avoid water pressure loss is to schedule regular, preventative plumbing maintenance. If you’re looking for a great Midlothian plumbing company with highly trained technicians, contact us at Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.
Continue reading to learn what causes water pressure loss in the first place.
Causes of Shower Water Pressure Loss
Because bathroom plumbing systems are so complex, there are a few different reasons why your water pressure may be low. There are some things that you can do to avoid these issues, but in most cases it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Take a look at these common water pressure loss causes:
Diverter Valve
If you have a bathroom with both a shower and a bathtub, you most likely have a switch near the bathtub faucet. Called a diverter valve, this works to switch your water from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead. After so many years of use, this valve may not open all the way when the switch is pushed. This causes a smaller stream of water to go into your showerhead, resulting in low water pressure.
To identify a diverter valve problem, turn on your bathtub faucet and then your showerhead. If the bathtub faucet had a heavier stream of water than the showerhead, the diverter valve is most likely the offender. This is an issue which requires the expertise of a professional plumber. They will inspect your faucet, showerhead and diverter valve to confirm the diagnosis. Then, they will have to replace the valve so that you can receive better water pressure in the shower.
Pressure Reducing Valve
A pressure reducing valve, or a water pressure regulator, is located on or near your main water line. The purpose of this valve is to regulate the water pressure of water traveling to your fixtures. It ensures that the pressure isn’t so high that it will blow your fixtures out or so low that it will drip out of the fixture. Over time, this valve can degrade, malfunction or break.
If your water pressure is low from all fixtures, the problem is most likely the pressure reducing valve. This is another problem that will require service from a plumber. Once they have diagnosed the problem, they will have to replace the valve. Unfortunately, there is not much that you can do to avoid this problem. Just keep an eye on your water pressure to ensure no further damage to your valve or main water line.
Clogged Showerhead
When it comes to clogged showerheads and pipes, there are all kinds of causes. You may see a white or yellow grime on your showerhead. This is not mold or mildew, it is actually mineral deposits caused by hard water. This is the most common cause of showerhead clogs.
While mineral deposits pose no threat to you, they can damage your fixtures if left for too long. The safest way to clean mineral deposits is with vinegar. All you have to do is fill a bag with white vinegar, attach it around your showerhead, leave it for a few hours and remove. This should dissolve most of the deposit and improve your water pressure.
Pressure Balancing Valve
Has someone ever flushed a toilet while you were in the shower and you experienced a sudden and drastic water temperature or pressure change? This is caused by the pressure balancing valve. Most homes are equipped with this kind of valve. It works by bringing both cold and hot water, at a specific pressure, to a fixture. When a nearby fixture is used, such as a sink, hot water will reroute from the shower to the sink. Because of the lack of hot water, your shower may become very cold at a lower water pressure.
While it only takes a few seconds for your pressure balancing valve to kick in and bring more water to the shower, it is still uncomfortable. The only solution to this problem is to upgrade your valve. A thermostatic mixing valve will keep your water pressure and temperature constant even when someone uses a nearby fixture. Call a Midlothian plumbing company to upgrade your valve and solve your water pressure problems.
Obstructed, Broken or Leaky Pipe
A piping issue is one of the most expensive repairs on this list. An obstructed pipe could be anything from buildup to a large clog. In this case, it is important that you do not pour chemical drain cleaner into the pipe. This will only corrode your pipes and make the issue worse. The best way to remove a clog or buildup is to call a plumber. The best plumber will be equipped with a camera pipe inspection tool, a drain snake and a hydrojet to identify and remove the clog.
When it comes to broken and leaky pipes, the situation can quickly escalate. If the pipe is easy to locate either right behind a wall or under a cabinet, the repair should be relatively easy. If the plumber has to dig up the backyard in order to access the pipe, you are looking at a longer process. Call a plumber immediately if you suspect a leaky or broken pipe. They can quickly diagnose the problem and location of the pipe damage and give you affordable options for repair.
Preventative Maintenance Plumber Midlothian TX
The easiest way to avoid water pressure loss and major repair expenses is to schedule regular plumbing maintenance. If you do this, your plumbing system will last for many years. Of course, when it comes to plumbing, you want to hire only the best contractor.
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling and Heating provides high quality Midlothian plumbing services. With qualified technicians, flexible financing and excellent customer service, Dial One Johnson is the #1 choice for many Midlothian homeowners.
Contact us online or at 972-291-0740 to schedule an appointment or learn more.
Author Bio:
Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock
Dial One Johnson Plumbing, Cooling & Heating is now owned and operated by Sherrie Johnson-Hartsock, with his grandson, Daniel Johnson, a third-generation plumber who is also the Service Manager.