Water pressure problems: causes and solutions

If you’re experiencing problems with the water pressure in your home, various factors may be to blame. While it’s often possible to resolve the problem yourself, a lack of water pressure may also be a sign of a significant malfunction that requires the services of a qualified plumber.

What are the causes of water pressure problems?

If you’ve noticed that the pressure of the water coming out of your faucet isn’t as strong as usual, it’s well worth the trouble to investigate the source of the problem.

Here are a few things you can check yourself to help you determine whether it’s a minor problem or a major one.

Test the pressure of all your faucets

Check to see if the lack of pressure is affecting all of your faucets (in the kitchen, bathroom, outdoors, etc.).

Turn on the cold water and then the hot water for each faucet. If the drop in pressure only affects the hot water, the problem is almost certainly related to your water heater.

If your water heater is to blame

Your water heater isn’t infallible; after years of loyal service, it isn’t uncommon for it to show signs of obstruction or corrosion. If you believe that your water heater is causing your water pressure problems, contact your plumber. Trying to repair a water heater when you aren’t a specialist can prove to be risky. On the other hand, your plumber is perfectly equipped to determine whether it needs to be repaired or replaced.

Look for hard water deposits

If the problem is limited to a single faucet, either the faucet or the filter may be clogged with hard water deposits. To find out for sure, follow the steps below:

• Unscrew the end piece of the faucet.
• Check the filter for hard water deposits.
• If there is a lot of scale, submerge the end piece and filter in a solution of white vinegar or replace the filter.
• Before screwing the end piece back on, turn on the faucet. If the water pressure is still weak, the problem isn’t with the filter.

Determine if the problem is affecting the whole system

If the lack of water pressure doesn’t appear to be confined to a single faucet, the problem must be affecting your home’s water system in its entirety. In that case, you can do the following:

• Inspect the pressure regulator and the shut-off valve; modify the water flow if possible, and if the valve is defective, replace it.
• Look for water leaks (in the toilets or elsewhere).
• Check the water heater—if the low pressure is affecting only the hot water, the shut-off valve may be partially closed.

Look for water leaks

Over time, toilets are particularly prone to leaks, whether visible or not. These leaks lead not only to higher water bills but also to reduced water pressure.

How to verify if one of your toilets has a leak

• Remove the lid of the toilet tank.
• Put a few drops of food coloring in the water.
• Let it stand for one hour.
• If the color has disappeared, a leak is responsible! In that case, you will need to replace either the gasket or the entire flushing mechanism.

You may also find water leaks in your basement or your pipes. If you hear dripping water, you may find leaks that are often easy to repair.

However, if you still have a problem with your water pressure despite all your efforts, contact Plomberie Roger Chayer. Our expert team is available to assist you seven days a week.

What are the different types of plumbing pipes?

To most of us, a pipe is just a pipe. But to the certified plumbers at Plomberie Roger Chayer, who have been performing plumbing installations, maintenance and repairs for nearly 70 years, every pipe has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, depending on the material it is made from.

Even if you aren’t a plumber, knowing the different types of plumbing pipes can prove to be very useful if you’re contemplating renovations or maintenance work. If you’re unsure about something, your plumber can guide you in choosing the right material, taking its cost, flexibility, use and durability into consideration.

Welded pipes

COPPER

Highly popular, copper has replaced lead ever since the latter was prohibited because of its toxicity, and until recently, it was the only material available. Having been used for so long, this metal is tried and true. Used for heating and water distribution, this type of pipe, which is valued for its resistance and efficiency, can be made from hard-drawn copper (non-malleable) or annealed copper (malleable). Some municipalities won’t accept any other type of pipes, and installing them requires the expertise of a plumber, who must cut and weld them.

Non-welded pipes

PVC

You’ll find polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chiefly in drainpipes. The joints are glued rather than welded, making these pipes easier to install. This light polymer, which won’t rust, is available in a chlorinated version, which can be used for hot and cold water supply. These pipes are distinguished by their resistance to heat, pressure and chemicals.

PEX/XLPE

There are several reasons why cross-linked polyethylene (PEX or XLPE) pipes are becoming increasingly popular, particularly their low cost and their simplicity of installation, which requires no welding, just a simple collar. Approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), PEX pipes are primarily used for hot and cold water supply with a different color to distinguish each one. Many prefer this semi-rigid, non-porous material to copper, as it doesn’t have the tendency to become scaled with hard water deposits. However, since people only started using it recently, it’s too soon to tell if it’s superior to copper or not. The pipes can be connected using flexible connectors called “speedways,” which must be replaced approximately every twelve years.

MULTILAYER

For fail-proof water tightness, this type of pipe is composed of three layers. Two of those layers are made of PEX: the innermost layer to prevent hard water deposits and corrosion and to withstand exposure to chlorine, and the outermost layer to protect the pipe from sunlight. The middle layer, made of rigid, airtight aluminum, helps the pipe maintain its structure. Multilayer pipes are generally connected using threaded couplings.

FLEXIBLE PIPES

These pipes, which are versatile but more expensive than PEX or PVC, are equally suitable for drainage or for water supply and are often employed in two specific contexts, namely in complicated cases and in emergencies. They may be composed of several different materials, including vinyl, aluminum and polyester.

How to turn off a home’s water supply when there’s a leak

You’re enjoying a peaceful sunny day when all of a sudden you hear suspicious noises coming from the basement. You go downstairs to find the source of the strange sounds, and to your horror, you discover a major water leak. In no time at all, you’re back, armed with towels to sponge up the water accumulating on the floor in a sea that keeps growing right before your eyes. Our first tip: drop the towels and go turn off your home’s main water supply valve. If you’re wondering what the main water supply valve is and where it’s located, this article is for you!

The main water supply valve

Les causes of water leaks are numerous and varied. First, think about all the household appliances that use water, such as the dishwasher, washing machine and hot water heater. Did the pipes burst underneath the kitchen sink or did the washing machine hose finally succumb to the water pressure? Your first reaction should be to cut off the home’s water supply. How? By simply closing the main water supply valve. But where is it located? There are two possibilities. If the municipal network provides your home’s water supply, the valve will be located on the front wall of the basement. On the other hand, if your home’s water comes from a natural source like a well, the valve will be located near the system that provides the water supply. To prevent any possible damage resulting from water leaks, it’s important to inform the home’s occupants, including children, of the location of the main water supply valve. But did you know that each piece of equipment has its own shutoff valve?

How to cut off the water supply to your fixtures

Did your spouse ask you to swap out the old kitchen faucet for a more up-to-date model? Before doing anything, make sure that you fully close the valves that supply water to the faucet so you don’t end up with water all over the kitchen floor. Located underneath the sink, these valves are attached to the hot and cold water supply lines. The same procedure is recommended for the water heater, the dishwasher and the washing machine.

Regularly checking the condition of the pipes and hoses is another good way to ensure that everything is working correctly so you avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.

Strategic tools to prevent leaks

Are you going to be away from home for some time? You can rest easy thanks to water leak detectors. These compact, easy-to-use little devices, which may plug in or run on batteries, depending on the model, will alert you in the event of a leak. And using them couldn’t be simpler. All you need to do is install them near any at-risk equipment or appliances, and they’ll let you know if they detect any accumulation of water. Are you a techie who loves home automation? You’ll be happy to know that there are WiFi leak detectors available on the market. They can link directly to your smartphone so you can access and control them remotely.

Water leaks also mean repairs

Once you’ve stopped the leak and cleaned up the mess, it’s time to start thinking about repairs. If you’ve reached this point and you’re wondering what to do next, don’t make things worse by trying to repair the damaged pipe or hose yourself; instead, call a plumber. By entrusting the repairs to a expert en plomberie, you can rest assured that the work will be done correctly.

Did a pipe burst in the middle of the night? At Plomberie Roger Chayer, our team offers 24/7 service to ensure your peace of mind. Whether you need advice, an installation or repairs, contact us and it would be our pleasure to come meet with you.