Let’s say you are rinsing the dinner dishes before putting them in the dishwasher when you notice there doesn’t seem to be much water pressure coming from the kitchen faucet. Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing doesn’t want you to panic. Many times, the cause is something that can be easily fixed, but it can also be a sign of more serious issues in your Waterford, MI or Oxford, MI home that could require the services of a plumber.
Where to Start
The first step is to eliminate some of the more common and easily fixed causes. To keep things simple, we’re going to refer to a kitchen faucet, but it could be any faucet in the house.
- Faucet aerator—Every kitchen (and bathroom) faucet has an aerator of some type at the tip. It prevents water splashing in the sink and making a mess. It’s not uncommon for the aerator to clog over time reducing water pressure. It’s usually very easy to remove and clean the aerator to restore water flow.
- Shutoff valve—Make sure this valve under the sink is open all the way. It would be unusual if it isn’t but just to make sure, close the valve completely then reopen it.
- Faucet cartridge or stem—This is the device that is connected to the faucet handle and controls the flow of water. It may need to be replaced. If you are not a handy do-it-yourselfer you may want to call a plumber for this job.
One thing to keep in mind is newer aerators and cartridges are so-called low flow devices, so they put out less water by design. Any small problem can result in a noticeable loss in water pressure.
Low Water Pressure in Entire House
If the low pressure is not limited to a single faucet there’s a very good chance you will have to call in a plumber. Causes can include:
- A buildup of debris in the pipes. This can include sand and dirt. This is more common if you are on a well, but it can also happen when a water main breaks on your municipal system.
- Leaks in your plumbing system can lower water pressure. One way to check is make sure all faucets are closed then go look at your water meter. If the dial is moving it means there is a leak somewhere.
- Low pressure can also be a result of problems with your municipal water supply. A plumber should be able to measure the water pressure as it enters the house. If it’s low, call your supplier to report the problem.
Call Kotz
Whether it’s low water pressure or any other plumbing problem, Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is here to help. We’ve been putting the customer first in Waterford, MI and Oxford, MI since 1929. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more great information like this.
