If you’ve lost water pressure in your home, daily tasks like rinsing the dishes or showering may seem to take too long. And while this is somewhat of an inconvenience, low water pressure can also indicate trouble for your plumbing system. Low water pressure may be attributed to many factors, including the fixtures in your sink or shower. But in today’s post, we’ll look at a couple of ways that the water lines may be to blame.
Leaks
One possible reason for lowered water pressure is a leak in your water line. The water line is the pipe that runs from the water main to your home plumbing system. But leaks can occur in this pipe for many reasons, including tree root infiltrations, corrosion, or a sudden change in pressure elsewhere in the system. As a result of leaks, water cannot reach your home at a high pressure. Also, water may leak into your yard, causing it to pool around the home, and the leak may only worsen, leading to the need for professional pipe replacement.
Mineral Deposits
Another common source of low water pressure is a buildup of mineral deposits. A majority of homes are affected by “hard water.” If your water is hard, it simply means that certain minerals are present in your water, usually because it picks up some minerals as it moves underneath the ground. If you have hard water, you may notice white or yellow-green deposits around your faucets, drains, and showerheads. Also, it may be difficult for soap to lather, so water spots or residue show up on your glasses after running the dishwasher. Mineral deposits also build up inside your pipes, and water lines are most at risk. If mineral deposits build up in your pipes, it will block the normal flow of water into your home. But it may also build up to the point that you have to replace the pipes entirely. If it’s caught early, a simple repair and the addition of a water softener might solve the problem.
The professionals at Saddleback Plumbing have years of experience locating trouble areas and repairing water lines in Irvine. If low water pressure is an inconvenience for you, call us today!