Have you noticed a decrease in the water pressure to some of the fixtures in your home? While it’s not an uncommon problem to have, it can certainly be worrisome. Sometimes, decreased water pressure is simply due to a flow restriction within the fixture itself (which can be a simple fix) or you are in need of water pipes repair.
Please read some helpful advice from your friends at United Plumbing to help determine if it’s time to call an expert.
If you have discovered your water pressure has decreased in a single faucet, yet you have normal pressure in the rest of your home, you may try simply unscrewing and cleaning out the aerator (the little screen attached to the spout of your faucet where your water comes out).
If you have cleaned the screen on your faucet and full pressure hasn’t been restored, the issue may be a clogged cartridge. In this case, we recommend hiring a professional. Replacing cartridges in a fixture is typically a quick repair for a plumbing expert. If you are a do-it-yourselfer and want to try and tackle this task on your own, be careful not to damage the faucet itself while trying to remove the cartridge as this could result in costly repairs often requiring the faucet be replaced.
If your water pressure issue happens to be in your shower, you may try soaking your shower head in warm water and vinegar for about an hour. This will help to loosen up the mineral deposits and restore pressure to your shower head. If you have tried this option without positive results, again the issue may be in the shower valve itself and would need to be repaired by a professional.
Sometimes a water pressure issue is an indicator of a more major problem within the water system of your home. Old, deteriorated pipes are notorious for causing such issues. They are also more susceptible to bursting. Sometimes we can replace a section of water piping to resolve the immediate issue, but it is always recommended in this situation to have all of the water lines in your home replaced.
Lastly, poor water pressure may be a sign that the main water service line (that runs underground) is broken. In such event, your line would need to be excavated and a new line installed.
If you are experiencing a loss of water pressure in your home and would like to have a professional plumber from United Plumbing inspect water lines or conduct water pipes repair in Springfield Missouri, contact our office and we will be happy to assist you!