Tired of turning on the shower and getting more of a drizzle than a spray? Maybe you’ve noticed your hoses struggling to do their job, or your faucets seem slower than normal? Low water pressure is a frustrating but common issue for homeowners in Jacksonville.
Luckily, many water pressure problems can be easily fixed once you identify the cause. Here, we’ll break down some of the most common reasons for low or inconsistent water pressure, give you a few simple troubleshooting tips, and let you know when it’s time to call a professional plumber.
What Causes Low Water Pressure in Jacksonville, FL?
What causes a decrease in water pressure? There could be a few different things going on. Here are some of the more common reasons why your home may have low or inconsistent water pressure:
- Mineral buildup – Florida has notoriously hard water, and Jacksonville is no exception. Much of Jacksonville’s water supply comes from the Florida Aquifer, which sits beneath layers of limestone rock. As water moves through the limestone, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium that contribute to hard water. Over time, these minerals collect along pipe walls, narrowing the passage where water flows and lowering the water pressure throughout your home. (Related: How to Improve Your Home’s Water Quality With a Water Softener)
- Faulty main shut off valve – If your home’s main shut off valve is not fully open or has started to fail, it can restrict water flow and cause low or inconsistent water pressure throughout the house.
- Undetected leaks – Sometimes, leaks are obvious. Like a puddle under the sink, but other times they’re hiding in the walls, underground, or near the water heater. Even a small leak can signal big trouble for your water pressure.
- Neighborhood water supply issues – Sometimes the water pressure problem isn’t inside your home. If you notice the pressure drop and your neighbors are experiencing similar issues, there may be a problem with the municipal water supply. In that case, there is not much for you to do until water is restored.
How to Diagnose and Treat Low Water Pressure
Before calling a plumber, there are a few simple ways to narrow down the cause of low or inconsistent water pressure in your home.
Check for Leaks
Regularly check around exposed pipes for damp spots, mold growth, or unexplained water puddles. Even a small leak can seriously mess with your water pressure. If you think you might have a leak, turn off all water in your house, check your water meter, and if it’s still moving, you probably have a leak, and you should definitely contact a professional plumber as soon as possible.
Examine Valves
Ensure both the main shut-off valve and the water meter valve are fully open to allow maximum water flow.
Replace Outdated Fixtures
We already went through Jacksonville’s hard water issues. That same hard water can clog up your showerheads or faucets. You can try cleaning them yourself or, if you’re feeling extra handy, replacing them. But if you’d rather skip the plumbing adventure, give us a call.
When to Call a Plumber for Low Water Pressure
If you tried a few of the basic things outlined above and you’re still having water pressure problems, it’s probably time to call in a professional plumber. At Hall & Sons, we’ll quickly assess your water pressure problem, explain what needs to be done, and provide a clean explanation if you need any major repairs (without the pesky, pressured upselling). As soon as we have your approval, we move forward on making the necessary plumbing repairs in a timely manner.
Let Hall & Sons Help with Your Water Pressure Problems
If you’re dealing with water pressure problems in your Jacksonville home, Hall & Sons Plumbing can help. With over 40 years of experience and a deep knowledge of Jacksonville’s unique plumbing needs, you can trust our team to get the job done right, every time. Contact us today for expert plumbing services.
