Strong, consistent water pressure is something that frequently gets taken for granted. However, when the water pressure in your home becomes weak or inconsistent, you quickly realize how important having reliable water pressure is for your quality of life. Taking showers, washing dishes, or watering your garden can be difficult and frustrating without good water pressure. If the water pressure is weak, you may even have trouble thoroughly washing your hands. Fortunately, there’s no reason you should be stuck without excellent water pressure in your Nanaimo, BC home. Here, we’ll cover some of the most effective tips for improving and maintaining your water pressure.

1. Find Out if Your Current Water Pressure Is Poor

If you’re concerned about your home’s water pressure, a good first step is verifying that it’s subpar. Water pressure often declines gradually. You may not even notice it until you have a house guest, or you can’t water your yard.

Before calling our plumbers, you can verify the water pressure in your house in several ways. For example, you can always ask a friend or family member to try using your shower and compare it to the water pressure in their own home. You can also ask your neighbors if they’re experiencing poor water pressure, as this problem often affects an entire neighborhood or block of houses.

However, the most reliable way to check your water pressure is to purchase a test gauge. These gauges are affordable and typically easy to use. To test your water pressure, you’ll need to shut off your faucets and any appliances that use water. You can then attach the gauge to a faucet with a hose connection and take your measurement. Ideally, your home’s water pressure should be around 60 PSI (pounds per square inch).

If it’s below 50 PSI, your water pressure is too low. However, anything above 80 PSI is too high. Either way, you’ll want to call our expert plumbers to restore water pressure as quickly as possible.

2. Unclog Your Pipes

Clogged pipes are an extremely common cause of poor water pressure. When any of the pipes in your home’s plumbing system are obstructed, it reduces the amount of space water has to pass through. This will slow the flow of the water, weakening the water pressure from your faucets. Clogged pipes are typically caused by mineral buildup, which is an especially common problem in areas with hard water.

If you suspect your pipes are clogged, the best course of action is to enlist the help of qualified plumbing professionals. At Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas, our expert plumbers will inspect your pipes and locate any obstructions. To correct the issue, they may need to flush your plumbing system or replace sections of your piping. Once the clogs have been cleared, you should notice significantly improved water pressure.

3. Invest in a Water Softener

If your home is in a hard water area, that could be a reason for your subpar water pressure. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which leave behind a residue in your pipes called scale. This leads to clogged pipes and can also gradually create leaks. The minerals in hard water can also negatively affect your home’s functionality and your quality of life.

With a water softening system in your home, the calcium and magnesium ions will be replaced with other, non-hazardous minerals before the water reaches your pipes. Over time, this will not only improve your home’s water pressure, but it will also improve the overall health of your plumbing system.

4. Check for Leaks

Plumbing leaks are a common problem for Nanaimo homes, and they can often linger for months or even years before you realize they’re causing problems. If any of your pipes or fixtures are leaking, it can directly impact your water pressure. Any water that escapes through those openings will create a noticeable decrease in the stream.

One way to check for leaks in your home is to conduct regular visual inspections. Periodically, take a look around your house and look for any signs of moisture where it shouldn’t be. If you find any water accumulating or water spots on your walls, floor, or ceiling, then you’ve likely identified a leak.

Alternatively, you can check for pipe leaks by running a test with your water meter. To do this, shut off all of your home’s faucets, turn off your main water valve, and write down the number reading on your water meter. Then, wait for about two hours and check the reading again. If the number has increased, it means there’s a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

However, these methods only tell you that you have a leak. Professional plumbers have advanced tools to identify the precise location of the leak. This minimizes disruption to your home and damage to walls from accessing the pipes. At Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas, our expert plumbers are always available to find and repair plumbing leaks in the greater Nanaimo area.

5. Ensure That Your Water Valve Is Fully Open

With weak water pressure, the simplest solution can sometimes be the most effective. If you’ve noticed your water pressure declining, one easy troubleshooting option is to check your home’s main water valve. Typically located near the water meter, this valve controls the flow of water into your plumbing system.

During routine plumbing maintenance or repairs, the main water valve can inadvertently be left partially closed. This will restrict the water flow, hampering the home’s water pressure. It’s always worth taking a few minutes to check your water valve and ensure it’s completely open. If not, fully opening it will probably solve your water pressure problem.

6. Use a Water Pressure Booster

In some cases, poor water pressure in your home can result from external factors. For example, if your house is far from your water source or in an area where the water must travel uphill to reach you, your water pressure may be negatively affected. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot improve the situation. If you’re willing to invest a few hundred dollars, you can purchase a water pressure booster for your home. These special pumps can significantly increase your water pressure, but you’ll need to have yours installed by professionals. Additionally, these devices typically will cause your monthly electricity bills to increase.

Generally, water pressure boosters should be a last resort for improving your water pressure. However, if you’ve tried other solutions without success, investing in one of these devices may be worthwhile.

Local Plumbers You Can Trust in Nanaimo

When you need quality plumbing services in the greater Nanaimo area, look no further than Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas. Our highly experienced plumbers are dedicated to providing high-quality workmanship and top-tier customer service. In addition to expert plumbing services, like toilet, faucet, and shower repair, we can handle all your heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality needs. With our expertise and superb communication skills, we’ll ensure you find the best possible solutions for your home. Contact us at Twin Peaks Plumbing, Heating & Gas today if you’d like to schedule an appointment or learn more.

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