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Solving Low Water Pressure Issues

Proper water pressure adds value to the plumbing user experience, and when there are problems with water pressure, it can cause a lot of inconveniences. A thirty-minute laundry cycle can take much longer, dishes can become more of a chore, and a shower can be downright annoying. However, you don't have to live with water pressure and other issues, just because you don't know how to prevent or fix them. Today, I'm going to share some of the tips I share with my clients, you too. Implement the changes now, to avoid the problem going from bad to worse.

Urban water usually comes from the municipal water supply, via main underground lines. The pressure in these underground lines is very high, but friction occurs, which drops the pressure between your home and the mainline. Furthermore, the pressure becomes lower still on the route from your home's main supply to the faucets.

2 Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

1. Friction:

Friction in the water supply stems from the fact that smaller pipes are attached to bigger pipes, leading towards your house. Since water has a smaller space to move through, it creates friction, slowing down the supply. Low water pressure occurs when there is too much friction somewhere along the line.

If friction is the problem, replacing 1/2 inch pipes with 3/4 inch or full inch pipes will make a significant difference. We suggest that all new properties be upgraded to 3/4 inch pipes, which will cost fractionally more but will certainly save costs and hassles in the long run.

2. Blockages:

Low water pressure may be caused by chemical buildup in the pipes, or by blockages such as tree roots, dirt, and grime. Mineral deposits, such as calcium from the water can build up in the pipes that restrict the water from moving through the pipes, causing even more friction.

Most homeowners use chemicals to clear the blockages and mineral buildup, but that is not a good option. One should never use chemicals in the plumbing system, as the chemicals could shoot up elsewhere, causing leaks, burst pipes, and more. Additionally, if the chemicals shoot back towards the source, it could cause chemical burns.

Professional plumbers use high-pressure hydro jetting systems to blast away dirt, grime, and blockages. It scrubs clean the inside walls of the pipes, resulting in longer-lasting results.

Hydro jetting is good for pipes and it is good for the environment, as it uses no chemicals that can affect your potable water supply.

What do you think?

Written by Anta

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