17 Apr Complete Guide on How to Increase Water Pressure
Increasing Water Pressure
Everyone knows the pain associated with low water pressure. It can be a nuisance, especially when trying to get ready in the mornings or when trying to take a shower. Fortunately, some methods can be done by plumbers at Benjamin Franklin to boost the water pressure in your home.
There could be many problems leading to the low pressure that your plumber will take the time to inspect and fix. It is essential to understand these methods, however, to know what to do in the future. Continue reading below to learn more about various techniques.
Reasons Behind Low Water Pressure
Before discussing the methods your plumber from Ben Franklin will utilize, it is vital first to understand some of the reasons why your water pressure is low. In most instances, it is low due to an obstruction or blockage in the pipeline. There could be a deep clog.
Sometimes pressure may be low due to a slightly closed shutoff valve. Other causes include pipes that need replacing and pipes that may be too small. Both of these items can also lead to clogs; however, Benjamin Franklin plumbers can provide a safe and reliable installation.
Call Your Local Town Hall
There are times that pressure could be low due to no fault of your own. Before calling a plumbing service, you should call your local town hall to ensure that no city-based problems are causing your low water pressure. The water department should be able to provide you with the information that you need to know.
A city-based problem will be in the pipes that lead from the piping under the streets to your home. The city will have to hire their plumbers for you to wait out. If you have a well, however, there could be a problem with a well pump.
Pressure Test
The first step that a plumber will take to fix a low-pressure problem is a pressure test. This test can be completed on your own before the plumber gets there as well. All that is required is a pressure gauge to test the water pressure at your house. The test should come after determining that the problem is not city-based.
You will attach the gauge to an outside water source. You turn the water on, and you will see a reading. Readings are low if it is below 40 psi. If your reading is low, the plumber will move on to the next step, or you should call a plumber at Benjamin Franklin.
Pressure-Reducing Valve Inspection
The pressure-reducing valve is a part of the plumbing of your home. It is found on the mainline in your home, mounted to it. If the water pressure reading was below 40 psi, your plumber should inspect this valve next.
Turn the screw-on top to accommodate the pressure reading you are receiving. If the valve has gone wrong, it could be the cause behind the low pressure, though it could also cause too high of a pressure. If this is the case, your plumber should replace this part.
Replace the Pressure-Reducing Valve
If you or your plumber have determined that the valve has gone wrong or gotten too old, it is time to replace it. The plumber will utilize various tools for replacing this part, including items such as a wrench, an air compressor, an air hose, a torch for soldering, and a cutter.
Clean fittings and joints will ensure they fit correctly. Other materials that will go into the replacement include flux, solder, and Teflon tape. Finally, a water pressure booster will increase pressure ae well.
Install a Pressure Booster
Benjamin Franklin plumbers offer a safe and secure process for installing a pressure booster. Installing this item occurs when replacing a pressure-reducing valve or when the valve is working fine. Still, the water pressure remains low in the home, no matter the methods.
If de-clogging pipes do not work, a pressure booster is a next step. If adjusting the valve does not work or calling the city hall does not work; the same is true. These boosters work best with 3/4 inch and bigger main pipes in your home.
A booster works by increasing the pressure from the water coming from the street into your home. The pressure tank determines the pressure that is required, which can be adjusted. This tank will hold a reserve of pressurized water to ease the electrical costs of the electric pump and boosts flow when water is coming from multiple sources.
What if Pressure is Too High?
The pressure being too high is also a common concern many homeowners face. Benjamin Franklin plumbers can inspect these problems reliably as well. Too much pressure, especially when it has reached over 80 psi, can lead to wasted water and electricity.
Wasted water and electricity can lead to higher costs to you and your family’s utility bills. This can also lead to damage to water heaters, appliances, faucets, sinks, and plumbing seals. The installation of a pressure-reducing valve can assist in maintaining too high pressure back to an average level of functioning, which your plumber can install safely and quickly.
Final Thoughts
There are many concerns homeowners may face in regards to the pressure of the water in their homes. Once determining that the source is not from the city or well, it is essential to call a reliable plumber, such as those at Ben Franklin, to inspect and fix the problem. Installation of boosters and valves is done properly and safely, without damaging your home or your loved ones in the process.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Tyler serves the East Texas cities of Kilgore, Longview, Tyler, and Whitehouse with a team of certified plumbers. In addition to emergency plumbing repair, some of the plumbing services provided by the company include faucet repair, drain services, toilet repair, plumbing fixture installations, tub and shower installations, kitchen sink repair, faucet installation, water heater repair/replacement, and garbage disposal replacement. Call us today at (903) 730-6611 to schedule an appointment!