There’s nothing as refreshing as being able to take a cool, revitalizing shower in the middle of a summer heat wave. As the water washes over you, it does more than remove the sweat and dirt of the day, the uncomfortable film of salt that inevitably forms whenever you leave the house.
But there’s also nothing as frustrating as stepping into that shower, turning on the taps, and having a weak stream of water dribble out of the shower head. Strong water pressure is essential for a satisfying and effective shower, and low or inconsistent pressure can make it harder to get properly clean — as well as just being a lot less enjoyable!
Fortunately, low water pressure isn’t something you just have to suffer through. In most cases, a noticeable decrease in water pressure indicates that something has gone wrong in your plumbing system, and can be fixed without too much trouble.
The Root Causes of Low Water Pressure
Figuring out the right solution means determining the root of the problem, and in general, low water pressure is caused by three things:
- Flow issues with the municipal water mains
- Leaking pipes
- Old fixtures
The first of these problems, issues with the water main, is beyond the homeowner’s control, so getting in touch with your local utilities provider is the best place to start.
Leaking pipes are one of the most common culprits, and can be dealt with by replacing sections of pipe, tightening loose connections, or putting in new connectors.
Finally, if the problem is your fixtures, you may need to purchase a new shower head.
DIY? Don’t Risk It
It can be tempting to think that a simple DIY fix should be enough for a minor problem like water pressure. It’s not like you’re replacing a toilet, after all!
However, as with most things that have to do with your plumbing system, the first step you should always take is call your local plumber in Northbrook and get advice from experts who know how to identify problems and find solutions.
Even in new houses, plumbing issues can be quite complicated, and if your home is an older one you run the risk of creating a whole bunch of new problems while solving the water pressure issue. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when you’re dealing with something as important as plumbing, which is why a consultation is the right place to start.
After all, you don’t want to waste money buying a new shower head if real problem is a leaky pipe that a knowledgeable repair person can fix in a few minutes!
All across the nation, Americans are experiencing another scorching hot summer, and if you want to make sure your water pressure doesn’t cut out during these crucial months of humidity, get in touch with local plumbing experts who can help you make shower time one of the best parts of your day once more.
