The Top 5 Reasons Why Buildings Lose Water Pressure

Imagine, how frustrating it is when you get inside your washroom to take a refreshing shower and you realize drops of water oozing from the showerhead rather than a full flow. Nothing to worry, your costly shower panel is having no problem. Probably you are struggling with reduced water pressure in your house. Relax, it’s a very common issue in domestic plumbing and several factors contribute to this problem. Through this comprehensive blog let’s explore the potential reasons for it.

What Causes Low Water Pressure in Homes?

Low water pressure in homes can stem from a variety of issues, ranging from corroded pipes and scale buildup due to hard water, to malfunctioning pressure regulators and clogged or leaking pipes. Identifying the root cause is crucial for restoring optimal water flow and ensuring a steady and reliable water supply throughout the household. Let’s learn about these causes in detail below: 

Corroded Pipes: The Hidden Culprit 

Corrosion is a perpetual problem in metallic pipes. Rusting, a common form of corrosion gradually develops within metal pipes which eventually restricts the overall water flow & finally leads to reduced water pressure. It is a gradual process. Older the pipes, higher is the risk of corrosion. Therefore, if your home is carrying metallic plumbing pipes its always recommended to have periodic maintenance to check on rusting & scale build up within those pipes. Signs of corroded pipes include water discolouration (rusty water), frequent leaks or pipe failures, and a gradual decrease in water pressure over time.  

 Hard Water's Hardship: Scale Buildup 

Limescale and other mineral buildup can be a bigger issue in areas having hard water. It is a gradual process of deposition of hard salts within the pipeline, resulting to reduced water flow. After a period of time, water pressure will be severely affected to the extent that water shall drip from faucets. Descaling such pipes is extremely difficult and only solution available may be to replace them. If you are having hard water issues in your locality, it’s always better to invest in a water treatment system for your building to avoid scaling issues. 

 FAULTY PLUMBING DESIGN 

In many cases its observed, a single pipeline leads to supplying multiple bathrooms. Here, if the pipe size is inadequate & multiple units are connected to it and all operate simultaneously, fall in water pressure is inevitable. Similarly, inside the bathroom if the mainline and distribution lines are not sized properly, operating more than one tap simultaneously will surely result in drop of water pressure. In such cases its always recommended to take expert opinion from trained plumbers. 

The Sneaky Leak 

Another very common reason why we observe loss in water pressure in our houses is due to leakages. Leakages can occur due to many reasons like faulty installation's, unknowingly piercing pipelines, corrosion, damaged pipe joints etc. Leaks, even small ones, can significantly impact your building's water pressure by diverting the flow of water. While some leaks are visible, others remain hidden. It’s always advisable to contact an expert plumber to help detect leaks in your potable water supply system.  

Issues in Valves 

Our plumbing system normally carries various valves that control flow of water to different areas. Suppose if one of these valves is partially open, it can significantly affect the water pressure throughout or in specific areas of the building. While valves are quite robust, they can also break due to age and over-use. Let’s keep in mind not to compromise on quality if these water valves, else it can lead to a decrease in the volume of water entering the building. It’s always recommended to take expert opinion in choosing the right water valves for your building.  

Boosting Your Building's Water Pressure 

If structural issues like those mentioned above are resolved and you are still facing low water pressure in house, it might be time to consider a few upgrades and devices. These devices can significantly increase water pressure in house, ensuring that water reaches all parts of your building efficiently. Here are some more to help you out:  

• Regular Maintenance and Inspections: Periodically check your entire plumbing system for signs of corrosion, leaks, or damage. Early detection and repair can prevent issues that lead to low water pressure.  

• Install a Water Softener: In areas with hard water, installing a or a water treatment device can prevent mineral buildup in pipes, maintaining Full bore flow with necessary pressure.  

• Upgrade or Replace Old Pipes: If corrosion or scale buildup is extensive, replacing old pipes with modern materials like CPVC can dramatically improve water pressure by ensuring unobstructed water flow.  

• Adjust or Replace the Water Pressure Regulator: If your building is equipped with a pressure regulator, ensure it's properly adjusted to the correct PSI for your needs. A faulty regulator should be replaced to maintain consistent water pressure.  

• Consider Installing a Booster Pump: For buildings experiencing consistent lower water pressure, a booster Pump can be a smart & effective solution. It helps to increase water pressure to the desired level, ensuring efficient water flow throughout the building.  

FlowGuard Plus to Your Rescue! 

Low water pressure in buildings can stem from a variety of causes ranging from corrosion to scale build up. Identifying & promptly addressing these issues through expert opinions will resolve the problem and help maintain uniform & adequate water pressure at all times.  

FAQs

1. Can a plumber fix low water pressure? 
   Yes, an expert plumber can easily fix this problem by identifying the actual root cause of it which may be corrosion, leaks, faulty installations etc. and then effectively resolving the issue.  
    
2. Can low water pressure cause damage? 
   While low water pressure itself doesn't directly cause damage, it can be a symptom of underlying issues like leaks or corroded pipes that can lead to other damage over time if not addressed. 
    
3. How do I check my home water pressure? 
   The most accurate method is to use a pressure gauge which is available at local hardware store and hook it to a hose faucet. Check the pressure when all other faucets and water-using appliances are turned off to get a baseline reading. In general, residential water pressure ranges between 45-80 psi (pounds per square inch). If your water pressure is under 40 psi, it's considered low. A psi between 20-30 is considered very low.