Table of Contents
The Cause of Low Water Pressure
There May be a Water Main Break
You May Be Running Too Many Appliances
There Could be a Leak in Your Pipes
Your Pressure Regulator May Not Be Working
Sediment Build-Up May Be Restricting your Water Flow
How to Check Your Water Pressure
Tulsa Plumbers for Low Water Pressure Issues
What is the main cause of low water pressure?
There are many potential causes of low water pressure in your Tulsa home. Some of the most common include:
- A municipal water main break
- A build-up of sediment in your home’s pipes
- A leak in your pipes
- Your pressure valve needs to be opened
- An issue with your pressure regulator
- Frozen pipes in winter weather
There may be a main break or decreased water supply.
If the change was sudden, there may be an issue with your water supply. Check with your local water municipality to see if there are any advisories in effect. If there is a boil advisory, it’s important to follow those instructions until the situation is resolved.
Water main breaks are a common issue that happens to water supply pipes from time to time. They can be caused by a number of factors including excessive rain or periods of drought.
Is there anything you need to do after a water main break?
If your neighborhood is experiencing a water main break, it is important to contact your local water utility company right away. They will be able to help you fix the problem and restore water pressure to your home.
How do I know if there’s been a water main break?
There are a few signs that there is an issue with your water distribution system including a sudden loss of water pressure, rusty or bad smelling water and water gushing out of the ground – though the break is not always visible. If you suspect there has been a water main break, it is important to check your municipal social media, website or reach out to clarify the issue and what precautions you need to take.
Winter weather and low water pressure could mean frozen pipes.
If you’re experiencing winter weather in the Tulsa area and you have low water pressure, it is possible that your pipes are frozen.
Frozen pipes can block the flow of water and cause low water pressure. If you turn on your faucet and get no water or only a small stream or drip, your pipes are likely blocked by an ice dam.
How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?
There are several things you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing, including:
- Insulating your home’s pipes
- Letting cold water drip from your faucets during freezing weather
- Keeping your home’s thermostat at a consistent temperature
Can frozen pipes thaw without bursting?
If your pipes are frozen, it is important to thaw them out as soon as possible. Frozen pipes can burst because of the pressure of expanding ice, which can cause significant damage to your home.
If you think your pipes are frozen, turn on your faucet, even a drip can relieve some pressure. Then, contact a plumber to have them gently thawed to avoid bursting as soon as possible.
You may have too many appliances that use water running at the same time.
Are you running the dishwasher, doing a load of laundry and taking a shower all at once? This may be the reason your water is down to a small stream. If you have multiple appliances that use water running at the same time, it can cause a temporary dip in your water pressure. To avoid this, you should stagger the times that you use your appliances.
However if you are not able to flush the toilet and take a shower at the same time, this is more of an inconvenience and a sign there is an issue that needs to be addressed. If your water pressure varies widely if even two faucets are on at the same time, it’s time to contact a plumber.
A licensed plumber will be able to assess your water flow, the capacity of your pipes, your pressure valves and regulators to make recommendations for how to fix the problem.
It could be a plumbing issue, such as a leak in your pipes.
If you have low water pressure in just one area of your house, there is likely a problem with the plumbing in that particular area. You should check for any leaks or blockages in the pipes leading to that part of the house. If you cannot find the source of the problem, you may need to call a plumber to help diagnose and fix the issue.
What causes a pipe to leak in the first place?
There are a few things that can cause a pipe to leak, including:
- Issues with pipe fasteners
- Corrosion
- Tree roots
- Shifting foundation
- Poorly installed pipes
How can you tell if your pipes are leaking?
There are a few things you can look for to see if your water pipes are leaking, including:
- Higher than usual water bills
- Water stains on your ceilings or walls
- Visible mold or mildew growth
- Soggy spots in your yard
- A musty, wet smell in your home or a certain room
It’s possible that your pressure regulator isn’t working.
If you have a pressure regulator on your waterline, it is possible that it is not working properly. A pressure regulator is located at your main water line and widens or narrows to keep your water pressure consistent. If you have consistently low water pressure, a regulator malfunction may be the source of your issue. If you think this is the case, you should contact a local plumber to have it checked and repaired or replaced.
Can a water pressure regulator be adjusted?
Yes, a water pressure regulator can be adjusted. If you think your water pressure is too high or too low, contact a plumber to have your regulator calibrated.
Sediment build-up may be restricting your water flow.
If your water pressure has changed gradually, it may be due to sediment buildup in your home’s pipes.
How does sediment form in pipes?
This can happen over time due to rust in your pipes or water tank and is most common in homes with older plumbing. This rusting can also deteriorate the pipes enough to lead to leaks.
Sediment in pipes can also be caused by hard water. Hard water contains minerals that deposit on the walls of the pipes which can build up over time, restricting the flow of water.
You may be able to improve your water pressure by having your pipes flushed to remove sediment.
It may also be time to invest in new plumbing depending on the condition of your pipes and the amount of rusting.
Will a water softener remove buildup in pipes?
No, a water softener by itself will not remove buildup in pipes. A water softener is designed to remove minerals from your water, but it will not remove sediment that has already deposited in your pipes.
Does pipe lining prevent sediment buildup in pipes?
Yes, pipe lining can prevent sediment buildup in pipes. Pipe lining is a process that unblocks any sediment then coats the inside of your pipes with a fresh lining. This fresh epoxy resin lining is smooth and prevents minerals from depositing on the walls of your pipes. Pipe lining also adds to the durability of your plumbing system.
If your pipes have sediment build-up, what should you do?
If you have sediment build-up in your pipes, you should contact a plumber to have it removed and provide guidance on your specific situation to avoid the problem in the future.
How much water pressure should a house have and how to check it?
The average home should have a water pressure of 40 to 60 psi. You can check your water pressure by using a water pressure gauge. You typically attach it to an outdoor faucet.
To use a water pressure gauge, attach it to your outdoor faucet, turn on the water and wait for the needle on the gauge to stabilize. The reading on the gauge will tell you the water pressure in your home.
Our Tulsa plumbers are here to help with your low water pressure issues.
If you’re having issues with your water pressure, enlist the help of the experienced plumbers at Torch Services, serving Owasso, Jenks, Bixby, Sapulpa and the entire Tulsa Metro Area.
We will identify the cause of your water pressure issues and make the necessary repairs to get your plumbing back to normal for the most comfortable experience in your home or business.
Contact Torch Services today to schedule your plumbing service.