How To Fix Common Causes of Low Water Pressure in the Fall
Any time you turn on a faucet or shower in your house, you expect the water to flow freely with reasonable force. If you have a low water pressure problem on your hands, that slow trickle of water after opening your taps can be infuriating. While these water-pressure issues can occur at any time, low water pressure in the fall is especially worrying with all the seasonal changes affecting your property’s plumbing system.
Whether you’re experiencing a water pressure-related problem or you’re trying to be more proactive about plumbing maintenance before the winter, read on for how to troubleshoot common fall water pressure issues.
Understand Seasonal Changes and Their Effect on Plumbing
Before learning how fall preparations impact plumbing, it helps to learn the basics of residential water pressure.
Ideally, water pressure should be between 45 to 55 pounds per square inch. Though multiple factors contribute to your property’s specific pressure range, anything under 40 psi is too low. At that point, water-based appliances and plumbing fixtures won’t handle simple tasks like taking a shower or washing the dishes, and everything will take longer to complete.
Additionally, in the fall, low water pressure becomes more noticeable. Usually, this happens because the temperatures drop and cause pipes to contract, which decreases the space that facilitates the flow of water. The restrictions often result in pipe clogs and water leaks – which both affect water pressure.
So, low water pressure in the fall is typical anyway, but it doesn’t have to be. Why not schedule professional plumbing maintenance to get your system ready for the cold?
Inspect Pipes and Drains for Clogs and Blockages
Common culprits behind low water pressure are clogs in the pipes or one of your fixtures. It’s not unusual for outdoor debris, like dead leaves, twigs, and dirt, to enter plumbing systems and wreak havoc, but these occurrences happen more often in the fall.
Unfortunately, clogged pipes make it harder for water to flow through the line and out of a tap. That’s bad enough in a modern system, but if you have an older residence that sports galvanized steel plumbing, it’s worse. Sediment buildup due to minerals in your water supply often sticks to the inside of the pipes, further restricting the water flow.
So, you can maintain your property’s water pressure up by eliminating debris and sediment within your plumbing system. It’s helpful to regularly check faucets, shower heads, and water supply lines with a qualified plumber. That way, the professional can instantly address deep-set clogs and clean the problematic plumbing fixtures.
Check the Water Heater
A malfunctioning water heater will impact your home’s access to hot water on demand, but did you know that it could also affect water pressure? Here’s why:
- As temperatures get colder, your household may rely on hot water more.
- Using hot water frequently can put a strain on the water heater.
- Sediment then builds up within the equipment at a faster rate.
- As the water lines work more, that sediment starts to impede water flow – and the pressure becomes a problem.
To prevent this problem in the fall, it’s best to flush the sediment buildup and inspect the water heater for signs of wear. This maintenance process is simple with a local plumbing expert like Poseidon Plumbing taking care of the details.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you can’t easily resolve a problem with low water pressure in the fall, it may jeopardize your entire plumbing system. Don’t wait to schedule a professional inspection from a team like Poseidon Plumbing.
These experienced plumbers can identify and address the underlying problem causing your water pressure issues. Whether your system needs a pressure regulator adjustment or repairs for water line leaks, our professional services will:
- Restore proper flow and pressure
- Extend your plumbing system’s lifespan
- Effectively prevent leaks
Experiencing Fall Plumbing Issues? Contact Poseidon Plumbing Today
Bad water pressure problems can put a damper on anyone’s harvest time mood. The good news is that our Poseidon Plumbing experts in Mebane, North Carolina, have the skills and expertise to provide top-tier plumbing maintenance and repair services all through the year.
As a local family-owned and operated company, we know the unique plumbing needs of homeowners throughout Alamance and Orange Counties. Want to tackle low water pressure in the fall? Call Poseidon Plumbing at (336) 202-1287 today or schedule an appointment online!
As a thank you for your service, we’re offering 10% off for military personnel, first responders, and school teachers. This offer expires on October 31, 2024, so don’t miss out!
