Dealing with low water pressure in your shower can become very much a nuisance, particularly if you are not used to it. This is especially the case if the water pressure becomes so low, that the flow of water comes down to a trickle. Low water pressure is normally caused by two different appliances being used at the same time, such as the washing machine and the shower. Your shower might be working fine one minute, however you notice a massive change in the pressure when another appliance in the house starts getting used.
In most cases, you will notice that the low water pressure occurs in other areas around the house. However, if you notice that the problem is only occurring in the use of your shower, than it will be advisable to get the shower checked for any obstructions that may be causing the low water pressure.
What causes low water pressure?
There can be a number of contributing factors to why you are experiencing low water pressure problems. Often low water pressure is caused by pipes that are damaged or leaking. Some pipes are so old that they have been damaged by corroding. Before anything is done, it is important to have the cause identified first.
Other reasons for low water pressure can include:
Inadequate installation or faulty design
Water leaks
Service pipes being blocked
Temporary reductions in pressure due to maintenance works of water mains
Where your property is located also plays an important part in determining your water pressure. For instance if you are based at the top of the hill, it is likely that you will experience low water pressure as opposed to if you were based at the bottom of the hill.
The time of day you use the water can also affect the water pressure. For example, you may experience low water pressure in the morning when the supply for it is quite high. You are likely to get higher water pressure the rest of the day when the demand is lower.
The older houses, or the ones with galvanized iron pipes, are most likely to deal with mineral deposits building up. Hot water and horizontal pipes are an additional contributing factor to this. If you would like some advice on whether this is causing the problem, it is best to call a professional plumber who will check for you the repair work you may need to do.
What is the obligation of the water companies?
The water companies are responsible for supplying us with water constantly, and the pressure should be sufficient enough to reach the upper floors of the house. However, this does not apply buildings which use commercial pumped systems, such as blocks of flats.
If you are finding it difficult in dealing with low water pressure, and wish to take action, the smaller things you should check yourself. However, it could be that your problems are on a much wider-scale with leaking pipes and pipe corrosion. In these circumstances your plumber should be called to repair the problem and prevent it from getting any bigger.
Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about plumbers, central heating, St. Albans plumbers, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!