Having high water pressure is a quality of life factor to your plumbing that’s worth looking into if you’re unhappy with what you’ve got.
Having enough water pressure to take a shower or brush your teeth is important as a means of keeping your hygiene in check, but we all know that having the right water pressure is a creature comfort, too. Taking a shower with low water pressure just isn’t the same. Plus, high water pressure can help reduce aches, relieve stress, and help you relax. If your water pressure suddenly feels like a stream turned into a trickle, you’re going to want to quickly diagnose the problem and figure out how to fix your water pressure for good.
1. Look at Your Pressure Regulator
The pressure regulator is a valve that ensures your water isn’t too pressurized that it ends up causing damage. If it ends up malfunctioning, this will cause all of your bathroom fixtures to malfunction and you may even hear a strange hammering sound inside your walls. If this is what’s causing your problem, you’re going to want to get a professional involved as soon as you can. Check your regulator’s brand and size, typically located where your main water line comes into your home, to make sure you get someone who is capable to service it.
2. Temperature-Specific
Is your water pressure only dropping when you use hot water? This likely indicates that the culprit is your water heater. Sometimes it’s just a result of the shut-off valve being partially closed and all you need to do is turn the valve back open completely. That said, if that isn’t the solution, you’re going to want to involve a professional plumber to come take a look as water heaters are intricate and require in-depth knowledge to properly s
3. Fixture-Specific
If you’re only getting lower water pressure in one place, like just in one showerhead but not in others, this is a sign that the fixture in question needs to be cleaned. Faucets often suffer from clogged aerators that decrease water pressure, so just unscrew the nozzle and put it in a solution of vinegar and water for a few hours. You can do the same with showerheads too to get them nice and clean once again and hopefully get rid of any mineral buildups that may be reducing your shower pressure. If none of these solutions seem to fix anything, you may have a leaking pipe that you can’t see so it’s best to bring a pro into the fold.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!