Low water pressure is a common issue for Calgary homeowners, and it's always a major stressor when it presents itself. Whether you're getting ready to wash the dishes after dinner, only to be met with a slow, weak stream of water, or your shower isn't producing the rainfall effect you're used to, you'll want to ensure you get to the bottom of the problem and restore your water pressure to its former gusto.
When you have low water pressure in Calgary, it can result in a greater risk of contamination, reduced water filtration, health hazards and the potential for sediment buildup. That's why it's so important to tackle your water pressure issues before they become unruly and your health, comfort and efficiency are compromised.
In this blog post, our Calgary plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary will dive into the common causes of low water pressure and offer solutions that can help you promptly combat these issues. Don't allow low water pressure in your Calgary home to affect you a moment longer than it needs to. To learn more, let's get started!
What is Water Pressure?
Before diving into the causes of your water pressure issues, it may be helpful to define what water pressure is, exactly. When we refer to water pressure, we're referring to the force exerted by water as it makes its way through plumbing pipes and systems. It is measured as the amount of force applied per unit area. In your household, water pressure is the force that determines how strongly water flows through your plumbing fixtures.
Several factors influence water pressure, such as the height of the water source above gravity, water density, municipal water supply pressure, friction loss in pipes and the overall demand on your water system.
Calgary Low Water Pressure: Causes and Solutions
Now that we have a better understanding of what water pressure entails, it's time to determine the underlying causes behind this issue and determine what you can do about it. Find out more about low water pressure in your Calgary home below.
Faulty Valves
Cause
When you have partially closed or faulty valves on hand, it can significantly affect water pressure by restricting adequate water flow. Partially closed valves can become blocked by mineral deposits or other debris, restricting water flow and affecting the pressure of your household's water supply. Internal damage or wear may also contribute to a faulty valve. Components such as washers or diaphragms can break. Where pressure regulator valves are concerned, this can result in low or erratic water pressure.
Solution
Several solutions can be implemented for this issue, depending on the type of valve and the nature of the problem that's causing issues. If your valve is infected with mineral buildup, cleaning these components can often restore water pressure. Sometimes it's simply a matter of incorrect valve settings. If this is the case, adjusting the settings can resolve the problem. Severely damaged or worn valves, however, will need to be replaced.
Clogged Pipes or Fixtures
Cause
One of the most common causes of low water pressure in Calgary is clogged pipes and/or plumbing fixtures. An accumulation of mineral buildup, blockages, debris and sediment can occur inside your pipes or fixtures. This will narrow the diameter of the internal pipe, restricting the steady flow of water and causing low water pressure in your faucet, showerheads, and other fixtures.
It's also important to determine whether the issue is localized to one pipe or has become a more widespread issue. For low water pressure affixed to one fixture, the cause is likely a clogged aerator or fixture screen. If multiple fixtures have been affected, the clog is more likely located deep in your plumbing lines.
Solution
You can tackle this common low water pressure issue by cleaning aerators or shower heads for minor clogs. Installing a water filtration or water softener system can also help prevent the buildup and sediment from occurring in your water supply, especially in areas with hard water, such as Calgary. For more widespread issues, a licensed plumber should be called.
Water Leaks
Cause
Cracks in your fixtures cause water to divert away from them before it reaches them. When a leak is present, the water that should be directed to your faucets and showers escapes through these channels, lowering water flow and pressure. A sudden drop in water pressure often indicates a major leak, while a gradual pressure drop can indicate a slow leak.
Solution
If you have a water leak, we recommend shutting off the main water supply line and attempting to locate the source of the leak. Once these steps have been taken, we advise calling in the assistance of an insured plumber for leak detection services and leak repair.
High Water Demand
Cause
In busier households, high demand is the leading cause of low water pressure issues. When water is drawn simultaneously from multiple fixtures, water has to be split among these various channels, resulting in a drop in water pressure. Additionally, if densely populated neighborhoods or older Calgary homes are not sized to handle high water demand, pressure loss can be exacerbated.
Solution
There are several solutions that can be applied to address this serious problem, such as staggering water-based activities to help evenly distribute water. If this is not feasible, a water pressure booster may help achieve adequate pressure during peak usage hours.
Enhance Your Home’s Flow Rate by Enlisting Our Help for Low Water Pressure: Calgary — Call Us Today
For low water pressure issues, turn to Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Calgary to take care of them. No matter the cause of the water line issue, we have the expertise to get to the bottom of it and offer long-lasting solutions when you're experiencing low water pressure in your Calgary home.
Call a plumber now for service! Your water pressure problems will be mended by a professional plumber in no time. We proudly serve Calgary and the surrounding areas of Altadore, Haysboro, Chestermere, and beyond.
