Low water pressure can certainly be a cause of irritation among householders in Edmonton or anywhere else. It makes even some of the most routine tasks like dishwashing and showering frustrating and time-consuming. Before you can deal with this common plumbing issue, you should first try to find out what could be causing it so you can seek the appropriate remedy.

plumbing copy

Low water pressure may be caused by of several large and small plumbing issues. For instance, faulty pressure regulators may be to blame. A pressure regulator is a small, bell-shaped device typically installed below a home’s main valve or near the water meter.

While primarily designed for heavy-duty, they’re not immune to failure. Test your pressure regulator by installing a pressure gauge, then compare the gauge’s reading against that of the set pressure on the regulator. If this is lower, then the regulator may need to be replaced.

Another possible cause of low water pressure is easy to detect: leaks. Even the smallest leaks can do no good to a home’s water pressure. To determine if your pipes have leaks, read the meter (not your bill). First, shut off all water taps, then take a reading from the meter.

Do another reading two hours later. If water usage has increased even with the taps shut, there’s a good chance you leak. Situations like this present the chance to install the best plumbing in Edmonton, Alberta.

Another possible culprit is a mineral buildup in your pipes. Over time, minerals contained in water can build up and stick to the insides of pipes (more so in hot water pipes) if left unattended. Also known as scale, these mineral deposits are much more prevalent in older homes that still use galvanized iron pipes. In such cases, Edmonton plumbing experts, like those from Capital Plumbing & Heating,  would likely suggest replacement.

If you find that your pipes and the rest of your plumbing system are in fine shape, then the problem may be in your locale’s water supply. At times, the main water line feeding homes in the community may be damaged or has a problem similar to what households encounter, like mineral buildup. Call your community water supply provider so they can address the situation right away.