Struggling with Low Water Pressure? Ottawa Homeowners Can Use This Fix-It Guide

Are you struggling with low water pressure in Ottawa? Is a constant pressure system for your plumbing system not maintaining the desired water flow rate for your faucets and showers? This is especially annoying for showers—weak water pressure won't rinse out all that conditioner. You may not be aware of it, but low water pressure is a common plumbing issue among many households.

A wide variety of factors can lead to a drop in water pressure. Low water pressure can be the result of clogged pipes, corroded pipes, or even leaky pipes. If you don't get to the root cause of your low water pressure, it can result in stains on fixtures, mold growth in damp areas, and an increase in your utility bills. However, the most important thing to do if you're experiencing low water pressure, Ottawa homeowners, is trying to figure out how to fix it. The last thing you would want to do is ignore it, especially since water pressure issues can sometimes be related to a water leak.

In this fix-it guides for low water pressure, Ottawa plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing will provide you with potential issues that lead to a decreased flow of water, as well as some effective troubleshooting steps you can take before you call a licensed plumber. Low water pressure is a real pain, but after reading this guide, you'll be able to go back to a smooth-sailing daily routine with consistent pressure for your showers.

Common Causes of Low Water Pressure

When you have low water pressure in your Ottawa home, it can affect a variety of plumbing fixtures. From your outdoor faucets to the shower heads in your bathroom, a decrease in water pressure affects multiple areas of your home. Low water pressure can make it difficult to use your washing machine, pour a glass of drinking water, or even wash dishes. The ideal water pressure for homes is typically between 40 to 60 pounds per square inch (PSI), and maintaining this pressure range will ensure that both cold water and hot water flow efficiently throughout your home. If you're only receiving a trickle of water, it could be from these potential issues:

A plumbing leak
Clogged pipes
A malfunctioning water pressure regulator
Problems with your water supplier

A clog of any kind can cause low water pressure. Between soap scum buildup or mineral buildup, hair clogs, or grease clogs, this debris will cause low water pressure. Ottawa homeowners may also find that issues with the pressure regulator can cause low water pressure too. Even leaks in your water pipes will cause a decrease in water pressure, and if that is the case, you will want to identify the source of the leak as soon as possible. Leaks can be extensive, and though the whole out-of-sight, out-of-mind phenomenon is plausible for many things in life, a plumbing leak is not one of them. However, if you have a clog somewhere in your plumbing systems, either from rust, soap scum buildup or limescale buildup in plumbing fixtures, you will experience low water pressure. So if you are noticing stains on fixtures, slow drains or unexpected high water bills, there is most likely a clog somewhere.

Determining The Scope Of Low Water Pressure

Now that you know the causes of low water pressure, it's time to identify what the low water pressure is affecting. Test the water pressure in other parts of your home, and if the other faucets in your home are working fine, then the issue is localized. It could just be an issue with that particular faucet aerator that is causing low water pressure. An aerator is a tiny screen within the faucet that adds air to the water flow for adequate water flow, and over time, it could be clogged with mineral deposits. To check the aerators of other faucets around your home, take these steps:

Remove the aerator.
If you notice sediment blocking the holes, you can use a fork or toothpick to remove the buildup.
Overnight, soak the aerator in a bowl of vinegar.
Put the aerator back on the faucet, and that should solve the problem.

Check Your Shut-Off Valve

You may find that your water valve is partially closed, which will cause low water pressure throughout your home. If you're in a home with a basement, your shut-off valve is most likely there. You need your valve to be opened all the time so you can have a consistent flow of water. Closed valves will interfere with consistent water pressure, so ensure the valve is open all the way.

Check For Leaks

The next potential issue that causes low water pressure in Ottawa is a plumbing leak. So you will want to check common areas in the home where leaks occur, like under your kitchen sink or bathroom sink. Be sure to also check around water-based appliances such as your washing machine, your water heater, water softener, or dishwasher. To check for a leak, you can:

Turn off all the water in your home
Record the water meter reading
Don't use water for at least two hours
Check the water meter again—if there is a change, there is a leak

Inspect Hot Water and Cold Water

If you've identified that your entire home has low water pressure, you will want to check both your hot water and cold water. The hot water heater is most likely to blame if the cold water runs freely. Check the hot water heater's shut-off valve; if it is partially closed, it can lead to low water pressure. Open up the valve, and if that restores the water pressure, you know where to check if this issue occurs again!

Low Water Pressure Could Also Be Related To Water Supply Issues

If you're going over to your neighbours to borrow some sugar, you can ask them if they're also experiencing low water pressure in their homes. If they are too, then it is most likely an issue with the municipal water supply. In these cases, the only thing you can do is wait it out. You can contact the City of Ottawa to find out if there is ongoing work or any issues they are currently working on to resolve the issue.

Still Can't Find Out Why You Have Low Water Pressure? Ottawa Homeowners Can Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Still can't get to the root cause of your low water pressure. Ottawa homeowners can have one of our professional plumbers from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa come and check it out. Keep a close eye on the water pressure in your home. Gradual decreases give you more time to get help from an experienced plumber.

Need to schedule an appointment regarding low water pressure? Ottawa homeowners can contact our exceptional customer service team to arrange a convenient appointment time. From water heater repair to leak detection service and water quality testing, our experts will get down to the root cause of the problem.