Water pressure keeps water flowing through your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Weak water flow or appliance problems in your San Jose home likely mean you have a water pressure issue. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to restore it to a safe water pressure level.
Understanding Your Home’s Water Pressure System
Your home’s water usually comes from the city supply or a well. It flows through underground pipes to reach your faucet. Once it enters your plumbing, it passes through the main shut-off valve. Then, it goes to the pressure regulator and out to each fixture. That’s when the importance of water pressure becomes evident.
Your pressure can change for a bunch of reasons. High demand in your neighborhood can drop it. Aging pipes, mineral buildup, or failing regulators can choke the flow. Even tiny leaks can pull the pressure down. When things are working well, you’ll feel a steady, comfortable flow in your home.
Causes of Low Water Pressure in a Home
If you suspect low water pressure, the first step is to confirm it with a water pressure test gauge. Attach the gauge to an outdoor spigot or laundry faucet, then run the water at full flow. Readings below 40 psi suggest a problem. The reasons may include:
Insufficient Pressure From Your Supply
When your water supplier has pressure problems, you’ll notice it at home. Common causes include burst pipes and main line breaks. Upgrades in your area can also cause a temporary decrease in pressure.
In some neighborhoods, homes may share water lines from the municipal supply. While uncommon, this setup can cause temporary drops in pressure. If your neighbor uses their washer or dishwasher, it can stress the shared supply. When that happens, you may notice a weaker water flow in your home.
If you use a well system for water, low pressure can come from a few issues. It might be a broken pump, clogged filters, or, in serious cases, a dry well. In these cases, the issue is beyond your control. It’s best to contact a licensed plumber for expert help.
Clogged Water Pipes
When installing a plumbing system, plumbers size the pipes according to plumbing codes. That includes the main water line, supply lines to fixtures, and drainage. It helps the system manage and deliver pressure from the city supply to home outlets. If something blocks any pipe, you will have water pressure problems.
Supply pipe clogging is not a strange phenomenon. If the municipal water contains sand, dirt, or debris, it will build up in the pipes. This accumulation can restrict water flow over time. The water flow in the system decreases. This makes it hard to create enough pressure at faucets, showers, and appliances.
Clogs may also stem from pipe damage or shifting. If tree roots block parts of the main underground pipe or cause it to collapse, they can limit water flow. Sometimes, the pipe can become partially blocked. This leads to pressure drops. In the worst cases, the line might fail completely.
Mineral Buildup
Experts consider water in San Jose and the greater Bay Area to be moderately hard to hard water. The region’s soil and groundwater have high levels of minerals. These include calcium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, iron oxides, and aluminum.
The city’s municipal water supplier is legally required to meet strict safety standards. These standards don’t call for removing water hardness since hard water is safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say hard water minerals can be good for your health.
Hard water is safe to drink, but it can harm your plumbing and appliances. Mineral deposits build up in pipes, fixtures, and appliances over time. This slows down the flow and lowers pressure.
Corroded Pipes
Metal pipes in plumbing, such as galvanized steel, copper, or brass, can corrode over time. As pipes get older, reactions with water, especially hard water, can weaken their walls. This can cause buildup, leaks, or structural failure. All of these affect water pressure.
Discolored water and a metallic taste point to signs of corrosion in your pipes. Call for plumbing repairs right away. Untreated corrosion can lead to serious damage and safety risks.
How to Boost Water Pressure
As soon as you notice a low water pressure problem, begin with a basic plumbing system inspection. Check the faucet aerators, showerheads, valves, regulators, and any visible pipes.
Ensure all valves are fully open. Also, check that the water pressure regulators are set correctly. Regulators are typically set between 50 and 60 psi for optimal household performance. If your regulator is malfunctioning, consider having it replaced.
Look for signs of water leaks. Musty smells, damp spots on walls or ceilings, and puddles near the foundation usually mean there’s a leak. If you notice any of these signs, turn off your main water supply and call a plumber.
Next, remove and soak aerators and showerheads in vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits. Clean fixtures ensure a consistent flow, which may improve water pressure.
Also, avoid running many water-intensive systems at the same time. For example, if your dishwasher is running, hold off on using the washing machine or taking a shower.
When to Call a Plumber
If your water pressure is still low after trying the DIY fixes, call a licensed plumber for help. Low pressure can signal deeper problems. These often need tools and training to fix.
If city water pressure is low and affecting your plumbing, a plumber can help you report it to your supplier. If low pressure comes from changes in rules or system tweaks, they can offer a solution. For example, installing a booster pump can help stabilize household pressure.
For leaks and clogs, a plumber will find the source of the problem and provide long-term solutions. This could mean fixing the broken parts of the pipe or replacing the plumbing lines.
If old pipes cause low water pressure, a plumber can suggest the best replacements for your home. Plumbing materials, such as PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), copper, and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), are tougher. They also last longer than older types. They resist corrosion and perform better.
Reasons Why Optimal Water Pressure in Your Home Is Important
Adequate water pressure ensures a more comfortable and efficient daily routine. Laundry cycles end quickly. Dishes are simple to clean. Showers feel refreshing. In essence, it reduces the time and effort required for everyday tasks.
Having enough water pressure also helps conserve water and lowers your utility bills. Appliances and fixtures save water and energy with good water pressure.
Contact Knockout Plumbing & Repipe Inc. for More Information
Don’t let low water pressure disrupt your daily routine. Consult Knockout Plumbing & Repipe Inc. at the first sign of trouble. We’re here 24/7 for emergency plumbing in San Jose. Our plumbers will quickly fix your plumbing to restore the best water pressure for your home. Contact Knockout Plumbing & Repipe Inc. today to improve your home’s water pressure in San Jose.
