Most of us have had the experience of stepping into a shower that did not deliver the expected water pressure. This makes showers tedious, long, and ineffectual, and you don’t get the chance to leave more refreshed than when you came in. Low water pressure can be an annoyance in any fixture, whether you’re cleaning dishes in the kitchen sink or just trying to rinse toothpaste from your toothbrush in the bathroom sink.
Low water pressure is one of the most common non-emergency plumbing calls our plumbers receive. So, can we fix it? Better yet, can you do it yourself? Learn more in the guide below, and call our team to get expert service in Odessa, FL.
First Things First: Can You Do It Yourself?
First, it’s important to know whether or not you can restore the water pressure yourself. We are happy to be of assistance whenever you need it. However, you wouldn’t want to call in a plumber only to find that a bit of vinegar could solve the problem, would you? Ask yourself these questions to find out who is the best fit for the job.
Is It Only One Fixture/Faucet?
If only one faucet or fixture (like the shower head) is suffering from water pressure troubles, you may need to simply clean the faucet head of calcium that collects naturally. Many sinks allow you to unscrew the end of the faucet. If so, you should find a small screen called an aerator within. Simply rinse this off to get rid of built-up sediment, and your problems may quickly be solved.
It may not be so easy to disassemble a shower head or sprayer attachment for a sink. However, you can clean the attachment by filling a plastic bag with vinegar and tying it to the fixture, so that the sprayer head is covered. Soak it overnight, and use an old toothbrush to clean off debris in the morning.
The case of a single faucet or fixture losing water pressure isn’t always such an easy one to solve, though. If you cannot find an issue with buildup, there might be a leaking pipe—in which case, you should shut off the water and call a plumber ASAP.
Have You Spoken with the Neighbors?
It’s also worth finding out whether the issue is unique to your home. If neighbors also complain of low water pressure, especially throughout the whole home, you might need to contact your local municipality rather than a plumber.
Have You Checked Your Water Usage?
If the problem occurs in more than one fixture or faucet in the home, check your water usage. Turn off all water-using appliances throughout the home and don’t turn one on for at least a half-hour. Mark the water meter’s reading at the beginning of the test, and check it again after 30 minutes. If your usage has gone up even though no fixtures or faucets were used, then you have a leak.
Other Issues a Plumber Can Address
For any pipe leak, it’s important to call in a plumber right away. If a pipe leak isn’t the issue, and the problem persists in multiple fixtures of the home there could be something else affecting your water pressure. Often, the culprit is the water pressure regulator, which may only need adjusting. Otherwise, you could have a severe mineral buildup or other clogs in the pipes.
Make sure you contact a qualified plumber in Odessa, FL for your water pressure woes. Contact Continental Plumbing Services, LLC today!