What Causes Low Water Pressure in Your Home?

Weak showers and trickling faucets can seem like nothing more than a minor nuisance. But signs like this are often telling you there’s something else happening beneath the surface, and it likely has to do with your plumbing system. If you’re dealing with low water pressure in New Rochelle, NY, the first step to fixing it is knowing the cause.

Clogged Aerators

Sometimes, weak flow only happens at a specific sink. That’s your best-case scenario, since it’s often due to a clogged aerator. This is the small mesh screen at the tip of your faucet, and it often traps sediment that can block the flow of water.

The quick fix is to unscrew the aerator either by hand or with pliers and soak the screen in white vinegar to dissolve the buildup. Rinse it off, screw it back on, and you may notice improvement.

Issues With Your Pressure Reducing Valve

Many homes in the area have a pressure-reducing valve (PRV). The valve is meant to purposely prevent low water pressure in New Rochelle, NY, so that it doesn’t damage your indoor pipes. Sudden house-wide drops in pressure could point to something mechanical going wrong with your PRV.

You’ll want to leave PRV issues to the professionals. Setting it too high could damage your plumbing joints or the water heater, so call for an inspection and mention the PRV if you think it could be the culprit.

Older Homes With Galvanized Steel

Older homes in New Rochelle could still have original galvanized steel pipes. These pipes have been corroding for decades, and now, the diameter of the pipe may be so small that barely any water can pass through.

There’s typically no effective way to clean out the inside of these pipes. If your home has these galvanized lines that are over 50 years old, usually partial or full repiping is the only way forward.

Talk with a plumbing professional about your options. They’ll likely recommend copper or PEX materials, which are longer-lasting materials that are both excellent for water pressure.

Fix Your Low Water Pressure in New Rochelle, NY

If you’re facing any type of issue with your water pressure, it’s a good idea to contact the pros. At MJ Plumbing Heating Cooling, our experienced team has served New Rochelle homes since 1988. We can accurately diagnose the cause of your low water pressure and tackle the problem efficiently yet carefully. Reach out to us to schedule service today.