How Close to the Showerhead Do You Have to Stand to Get the Shampoo Off?
Taking a shower should be easy and relaxing, but if you’ve ever had trouble rinsing off the shampoo from your hair or getting all the soap off, it can be more of a hassle than a pleasure. When you find yourself inching closer towards the showerhead just to rinse off properly, the water pressure in your shower needs attention.
What Causes Water Pressure Problems?
Water pressure can be affected by a variety of things. Normal residential water pressure, on average, is around 40 to 50 psi (pounds per square inch). When it drops, it’s noticeable. So what can be causing the low water pressure in your home?
- Water Main Line
- Clogged Aerator
- Water Heater
There are several things related to your neighborhood’s water main line that could be affecting the water pressure in your home. First, ask your neighbors what their water pressure is like. If they are experiencing the same problem, you can have a water pressure booster pump installed. This will help to boost water pressure as it travels from the main water line towards your home.
If that’s not the case, a water pressure reducing valve may be the culprit of your home’s water pressure woes. Valves like this are commonly installed to regulate the force of the water used from the main line. A professional plumber can change the settings on the valve to increase flow and boost water pressure.
Finally, if there is no water pressure reducing valve, the primary shut-off valve should be checked by a professional. This valve needs to be entirely open. An expert can check, adjusting as necessary. They should also ensure that there are no leaks in the main water line.
Aerators are commonly used in showerheads and faucets to reduce water use, however, if they get clogged, they can also noticeably affect water pressure. Cleaning any buildup with a vinegar-water solution can resolve the problem.
If, however, this doesn’t increase the water pressure or your water fixtures don’t have aerators, there may be a clog in your pipes. A plumber may be able to provide solutions to unclog all pipes to boost water pressure and help avoid further plumbing issues.
Maybe your home has decent water pressure until you start using the hot water. If that’s the case, then your water heater can be the root of the problem. If you are well versed in safety precautions, make sure that the shut-off valve is fully open and get a water heating expert to take a look.
Call a Professional Plumber to Increase Your Water Pressure
Checking all of the above sources of water pressure problems is the first step in working towards a solution. However, a qualified plumber can save you time and stress by narrowing down the cause and addressing the problem directly.
While investigating, common things a Sobieski plumber may run into include:
- Defective Regulator
- Mineral Deposits
- Leaky Supply Line
- Clogged Filter
Since the water pressure in the main water line is extremely high, it must be reduced for use at home. If the regulator controlling this change is broken or improperly set, your water pressure may suffer.
All water contains minerals, and over time, deposits can form in pipes, narrowing them and reducing water pressure. Certain portions of the pipes may need to be replaced to resolve the problem for good.
A leak in the supply line will not only cost you money for water that’s not even being used, but it will also reduce your water pressure, and can even cause severe damage to your home. Get peace of mind by having a plumber check your water main supply line for leaks.
Some homes in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey area have a whole-house water filter incorporated into their plumbing. If you have one of these, increased amounts of sediment can clog the filter, reducing water pressure. The filter should be changed frequently to reduce the chances of clogs occurring.
Increase Your Home’s Water Pressure with Help from Sobieski
If the water pressure in your Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey home is making getting shampoo or soap off during a shower difficult, our professional plumbing team can help. We can inspect your home’s pipes, water heater, and water supply lines to ensure water pressure increases while keeping an eye out for any other plumbing issues.
Stop low water pressure from making your showers difficult. Contact us or call (302) 993-0103 to schedule an appointment with our plumbing team today!
