Cummings Plumbing on Troubleshooting Water Pressure Issues at Home in Arizona

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(Newswire.net — December 2, 2020) — If you’re experiencing water pressure issues in your Arizona home, it can be a problem. No matter how much you turn the tap, it’s no use.  

Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling is a plumbing and HVAC company based in Tucson, Arizona, that has been in business for nearly 40 years. They are experts at what they do, which makes them the perfect company to provide their insight into the most common causes of water pressure issues and how to identify them. 

Causes of Low Water Pressure

CorrosionOne of the most common causes of low water pressure is corrosion or wear on water pipes. This is an especially common issue in older homes. Hard water and high pH can both cause rust, weakening the pipes over time. Sometimes this corrosion will be obvious as the water will start to run brown or you will notice visible metal flakes in your water. Corroded or weakened pipes restrict the amount of water that is able to flow, which is what leads people to experience low water pressure.

Build UpLow water pressure can also be caused by the build up of scale, mineral, and other deposits in pipes, shares Cummings Plumbing of Tucson, Arizona. Calcium deposits inside the pipes are fairly common, with older homes being more likely to face this issue. Hot water lines are the most susceptible to build ups of this kind, especially those with iron pipes. Build ups of any such material, ranging from calcium deposits to dirt, grease, or even tree roots, ultimately corrode the pipe and its fixtures, which hinders the flow of water. In some cases, the build up can be removed by a professional plumber and your regular water pressure will return. However, if there is too much corrosion or damage to the pipes, they may need to be replaced altogether. 

ClogsAccording to Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling, clogs are a frequent culprit of low water pressure. Blockages in your home’s pipes will easily restrict the flow of water. Such blockages can be anything from hair to other types of debris. While clogs are the most common cause of low water pressure, they are also one of the easiest to fix and can even be fixed without contacting a professional. Drain snakes or natural, at-home remedies for unclogging drains, such as a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and salt, can help resolve the issue. 

Leaks – Leaks are one of the most dangerous causes of low water pressure and one you’ll want to identify quickly. A leak affecting your water pressure can be found in any pipe around your home, so don’t assume that because you experience low water pressure in the bathroom, it is necessarily connected to a leaky pipe there. Check all over your house in order to find the source of the leak, inspecting every pipe for cracks, holes, or loose components. Tighten any loosened connectors or joints, apply a temporary patch, and if necessary, replace any pipes that are damaged beyond repair. Cummings Plumbing believes leaks to be the most dangerous cause of low water pressure as they can often go undetected for long periods of time, which can not only lead to high water bills, but also a significant amount of water damage in the home.

Pressure Regulator Failure – Another possible cause of low water pressure is a failure on behalf of the pressure regulator or the pressure-reducing valve being improperly set. A defective or maladjusted pressure regulator can lead to low water pressure, so if you have reason to suspect that the regular might be the culprit, have a professional come and inspect it.

Undersized Water PipesCummings Plumbing of Tucson, Arizona shares that if you live in an older home, then it’s possible that the low water pressure is being caused by undersized water pipes. Older homes were originally built with pipes to facilitate just one toilet and one bath tub. This translated to a smaller pipe. Homes built and upgraded since then tend to have multiple toilets and showers, as well as water-using appliances, rendering these original small pipes highly ineffective. If you live in an old home, then it may be worth confirming the size of the pipes. If they are too small, you will have no option but to replace them.

Increased Water Usage – If your experience with low water pressure is fairly infrequent and seemingly random, then perhaps the culprit is high water usage at one time. For example, if several water-using appliances are running at once, such as the laundry machine and the dishwasher, you will likely experience lower water pressure if you try to take a shower during this time. 

Shared Water Supply PipeIt’s possible that your neighborhood has shared water supply pipelines supplying water to several different houses at once. If this is the case, then the shared water supply pipe could be the cause of your low water pressure. To determine whether you think the shared pipe could be the culprit, take note of the times of day when the water pressure noticeably drops. If you notice very low pressure in the morning, a popular time for people to shower, but a return to normal at night, then it’s possible the shared pipe is the problem. 

Causes of High Water Pressure

Though less of an issue for many people, high water pressure can be a problem, especially if the pressure is so great that it could put your home’s plumbing system in danger. Cummings Plumbing claims that the most common cause of high water pressure is your utility company. Some utility companies are responsible for setting the pressure to be supplied to everything from homes to fire hydrants. However, the pressure required for each of these is very different, with fire hydrants being set at 100 or 150 psi and homes requiring just 75 psi. If the water pressure is closer to the 100 or 150 range, then it’s important to bring it back down to a lower level that won’t wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Luckily, it is relatively easy to do so thanks to water pressure regulators, which can be installed by any professional. 

Overall, dealing with a water pressure issue of any kind is at best a nuisance and at worst dangerous. That is why if you’re experiencing any type of high or low water pressure that is out of the ordinary, it’s a good idea to call a professional. AA Plumbing does plumbing in Cincinnati and can help identify and fix any water pressure issues you may be facing.