Do you often find yourself standing underneath your showerhead waiting for the hot water pressure to get back to normal? Or, have you ever compromised water temperature in order to get enough water pressure for a proper shower? You could be dealing with poor water pressure or poor water flow.
Poor water pressure in the shower and issues with inadequate water flow are frustrating and unhealthy problems for homeowners here in Pittsburgh. Understanding the difference between the two is the first step toward identifying them in your home.
The Difference Between Water Pressure and Water Flow
Water Pressure
When referring to water pressure, it is perhaps easier to think about it as the speed at which the water is coming out of the faucet. Pipe size and plumbing design can affect water pressure, as can the overall water supply within those pipes. Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).
Water Flow
Water flow refers to the amount of water coming out of a faucet over a certain amount of time, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The larger the pipes, the greater your airflow and the lower the water pressure. As pipe size is decreased, water flow decreases and pressure increases.
Diagnosing Water Flow & Water Pressure Issues
If you are wondering why your water pressure is low, there are a few questions that can help you (and your plumber) get headed in the right direction when it comes to a solution. When it comes to low water pressure in your house, is it happening:
When you run the hot water?
If the problem seems to be with the hot water supply, the issue is stemming from the water heater. Before you go calling for water heater repair, ensure the hot water and cold water supply lines are open. If they are, it could be a failed heating element or sediment buildup in your water heater tank.
Only with one particular faucet?
If your low water pressure issues are only presenting themselves in one faucet, it may be isolated to just that piece of hardware. If there is an aerator in your faucet, try removing it and clearing it of any buildup. Otherwise, the issue should be diagnosed by a plumber to determine where within the pipes the flow and pressure are deteriorating.
When multiple faucets are on?
If you notice the problem primarily when you run more than one faucet, the issue could be with the overall design of your plumbing. This unfortunate problem usually requires a deeper plumbing inspection to determine how to increase water pressure and keep water flow consistent throughout your home.
Calfo Fixes Hot Water Pressure Issues
If you are dealing with poor water pressure in your house and are looking for a plumber near your Pittsburgh home, call the plumbing experts at Calfo! With our licensed and insured plumbing professionals, you can get the same red carpet treatment as our heating and cooling services, but to get your plumbing in tip-top shape. Schedule a plumbing inspection with Calfo and get your water pressure (and water flow) back to normal.
