Flow Problems? How A Plumber Can Help With Water Pressure

The water pressure in your home’s plumbing can change without any obvious reason. You may first notice a problem when a showerhead or faucet produces a very weak or unusually strong stream, a dishwasher or washing machine requires an extra amount of time to complete its cycle, or your bathtub takes way too long to fill. Excessively strong pressure can result in a wet mess around a sink or tub. A pressure problem may occur in one fixture or may affect the entire house. To compound the matter, what you perceive as a water pressure problem may really be a water volume problem. Learn about the difference and how professional plumbing services in Edmonton can help you resolve pressure problems.

Water Pressure Is Different Than Water Volume

Two factors contribute to the experience you have when you open a tap or fixture: water pressure and water volume. Water pressure is the force that pushes water through the pipes that make up your home’s plumbing system. Water volume is the amount of water that pushes through the system. Pipes with a larger diameter can accommodate a higher volume of water.

Pressure and flow are both influenced by friction, which slows down the movement of water within the pipes. Friction is determined by the diameter of the pipe and the smoothness of the inside of the pipe. When the diameter is large enough and the pressure of water in the system is sufficient to overcome friction, your system can serve the needs of the entire house with satisfactory pressure. Small-diameter pipes and those with buildup or corrosion inside increase friction and correspondingly reduce pressure and volume. 

Careful Diagnosis Is the Key to Restoring Correct Pressure

Any diagnosis of a water pressure shortfall or increase starts with defining the scope of the problem. If pressure at one faucet is low but fine everywhere else in the home, the problem is limited to that fixture. A problem affecting an entire home is more complicated to diagnose and repair, especially for an older home with components that may be out of date or failing. The following factors may act alone or in tandem to cause weak or excessive pressure or volume:

1. Excessive demand for the amount of available water
2. A malfunctioning pressure regulator
3. A closed or partially closed valve
4. Corroded, rusty or clogged pipes

A problem with an individual faucet, showerhead, pressure regulator, or valve may be easy to assess and repair with the right tools and few basic plumbing supplies. However, this simple repair may serve only as a bandaid for a larger and more complicated problem that the average homeowner is unable to recognize. Are you willing to take that risk?

A water volume problem associated with excessive demand generally requires more time, patience and experience to understand and is likely to be more expensive to repair. Whether the problem is simple or complicated, hiring a skilled and licensed plumber can save you time and money.

A Skilled Plumber Is Best Suited To Resolve Your Water Pressure Problem

A professional plumber can evaluate your whole system, determine whether you have a pressure or volume problem and propose a comprehensive solution that suits your budget. This will save you multiple trips to the local home improvement store and allow you to sidestep the frustration that happens when you get home with the wrong part for the job. By relying on the experience of a pro, you get the peace of mind of knowing that your repair is done right and meets all current building codes and industry standards. Get assistance with the water pressure in your home by consulting the professionals at Handyman Connection today.