Low water pressure is a common household problem you are bound to encounter every once in a while. Despite not being of any major immediate concern or inconvenience, it might cause functional problems if left unaddressed for long periods of time. Low water pressure can be due to various problems in the plumbing system or the faucets themselves and only gets worse if not addressed at the grass root level. In this article, we will familiarise you with some tips you can use to detect the cause of low water pressure in your faucets and how to increase it.
See also: What are aerators and how to use them to save water?
Check the aerator
The small screen at the tip of your faucets that controls the flow of water and prevents it from splashing about is the aerator. If there is excessive mineral buildup or trapped debris in it, it can cause hindrance to the water flow. Simply unscrew the aerator from the faucet, preferably using pliers, rinse it under running water and remove the debris with a toothbrush. If you detect stubborn mineral deposits, soak it in vinegar for 1 – 2 hours and rinse thoroughly with water before reattaching to the faucet.
Inspect and clean the faucet
Blockages might also occur inside the faucet body or cartridge, and cleaning the internal parts can remove the agents causing the blockage and enhance water flow. To do this, you would first need to turn off the water supply. Next, disassemble the faucet by following the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect for sediments or clogs. Clean the components using vinegar or a mild cleaner, paying special attention to the clogging agents. If you notice any worn or damaged parts, replace them promptly.
Clean the supply lines
The hoses or pipes that carry the water to the faucets might also have blockages that need clearing for optimal water flow. You would need to turn off the water flow and disconnect the supply lines for this, and then flush them by running water through in reverse. If they’re clogged with stubborn sediment, clean them thoroughly as required or replace if necessary.
Remove mineral buildup
Mineral buildup is a common problem if your region’s water supply is excessively hard. The deposits in the water can accumulate inside faucets, pipes and valves, and require dissolving in order to prevent clogs and restore the water flow. Do this by using a descaling solution or soaking the parts in vinegar. Address internal buildup by running vinegar through the faucet by soaking a plastic bag of vinegar around the faucet tip and leaving it overnight.
Check the shutoff valves
Located under the sink, the shutoff valves are the parts that control the water flow of the faucet. If they get partially closed due to any reason, it might lead to low water pressure. If you notice low water flow, it is recommended to check if both the hot and cold valves are fully open. If they’re stuck or opened only partially, gently turn them clockwise until fully open. Stuck or faulty valves require prompt replacement.
Inspect the pipes or leaks
If the pipes in your plumbing system have leaks, the amount of water reaching your faucet gets automatically reduced. Fixing leaks ensures maximum water flow to your faucet. Check the pipes and around them for any damp spots, puddles or water stains and tighten the connections or replace damaged sections as required. Should you notice leaks in walls or floors, it is advisable to consult a plumber.
Test the water pressure
At times, it is possible the water pressure is low at the supply source itself. Pounds per square inch and bars are some common units used to measure water pressure, and the ideal water pressure in your faucets should be around 3 – 4 bars, that approximately amounts to 13 – 16 litres per minute. Measure the water pressure by attaching a gauge to an outdoor faucet or your home’s water supply. If you notice the pressure to be below the ideal level, get in touch with your water supply board or consider installing a pressure booster.
Flush the plumbing system
Sediment settling in pipes over time can restrict the water flow, and can be reversed by flushing the agents that cause the obstruction. Turn off your water supply at the main valve and drain out the water from all your faucets by opening them. Turn the water back on after this to cause a flushing effect that clears the pipes of any accumulated sediment.
Replace old or narrow pipes
Pipes made from materials like galvanised steel may corrode or become clogged over time. It is therefore important to replace old plumbing to increase the flow capacity and reduce clogs. Seek a professional’s advice to replace old or narrow pipes with modern material options like copper or PEX as these materials are more resistant to corrosion and wider pipes allow for better flow.
Install a water pressure booster
A booster pump is a device that increases the pressure of water entering your home and also ensures consistent flow in all fixtures. Consult a plumber to determine the proper sizing and installation process before purchasing the device. This system is especially beneficial for households falling at the end of a municipal water line or those relying on a well system.
FAQs
Why is my faucet water pressure suddenly low?
Sudden drops in pressure can be caused by clogs in the aerator, mineral buildup in the faucet, partially closed shutoff valves, plumbing leaks, or problems at the municipal supply source.
How can I detect if the problem is with the faucet or overall plumbing?
Check all the faucets and fixtures in your home. If you notice the problem in a specific faucet, it is likely that the overall plumbing is unaffected. Problems with multiple faucets might indicate a larger problem with the plumbing system.
Can hard water affect faucet water pressure?
Mineral deposits caused by hard water can clog the aerator, faucet cartridge and pipes over time and needs to be addressed by regular cleaning of the parts or installation of a water softener.
What should I do if the problem persists after cleaning the aerator?
Further steps include cleaning or replacing the faucet cartridge, checking the supply lines for blockages and flushing the plumbing system to remove sediment from pipes.
What is the ideal water pressure for a faucet?
Ideal water pressure ranges between 3 - 4 bars, that is approximately 40 - 60 psi or 13 - 16 litres per minute.
Do old pipes affect water pressure?
Old galvanised pipes tend to corrode internally and reduce the water flow and narrow pipes also restrict pressure.
When should I call a plumber?
It is recommended to consult a professional if you can’t identify the cause after cleaning and inspecting components, suspect leaks in walls or underground, notice problems in multiple faucets or in the case of a major replacement or installation.
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