Serving Forth Worth & the 
Sudden water pressure drops are more than a simple annoyance; they can mean you have a plumbing problem. Several plumbing issues, including leaks, can cause low water pressure. Knowing the common causes of low water pressure can help you to take the appropriate action to restore flow. Cattlemans Plumbing in Fort Worth, TX, wants to educate customers about low water pressure issues. We are here when you need professional plumbing services to fix this stubborn problem.
Shut-Off Valve Problems
The main shut-off valve controls the water flow into your home. If the valve is not fully open, the water pressure can lessen. If you notice any changes to your water pressure, always check the shut-off valve first.
You should learn the location of your main shut-off valve in case you experience a sudden leak or an overflow. We can inspect and test your water shut-off valve to determine if it needs replacing.
Clogged Pipes or Fixtures
Mineral deposits can build up inside your pipes and reduce water flow. They can also build up on showerheads and aerators. Regularly clean your showerheads and aerators with a vinegar/water solution or limescale remover to prevent this problem.
If you have a severe water pressure issue caused by mineral deposits, you will need professional drain cleaning services. These services use high-powered water to break up hard minerals like lime and calcium. Hydro-jetting will restore your water pressure and ensure your pipes flow smoothly.
Corroded Pipes
Older homes with galvanized steel pipes can experience corrosion. Corrosion reduces the interior space inside your pipes and can impede water flow, thus causing reduced pressure.
If you have severe pipe corrosion, then pipe replacement is the best solution. Updating your plumbing can help prevent ongoing problems and metal leaching into your water supply. Cattlemans Plumbing offers repiping services for our customers in Fort Worth.
Faulty Pressure Regulator
Pressure regulators are essential parts of plumbing systems. They regulate water pressure so that it does not go too high or low. A sudden decrease in water pressure could indicate that the regulator needs replacing.
Pressure regulators typically last 10 to 15 years, but a professional plumber should regularly test them to avoid sudden failure. If yours fails, our skilled plumbers can test and replace it.
Leaking Pipes
Leaks are one of the most common causes of lowered water pressure. A leak diverts water away from its intended destination and causes reduced pressure.
You should monitor your water bills for sudden increases and also check your exposed pipes for signs of damage. The following signs can help determine if a leak has reduced your water pressure:
- Water stains on ceilings, walls, or flooring
- Discolorations or texture changes on walls
- Sagging or bubbling ceilings
- Foundation or wall cracks
Municipal Water Supply Issues
Before panicking about unexplained water pressure issues, consider calling your municipal provider or asking a neighbor if they have a problem. Your municipal provider could have a main leak or be performing maintenance. In some areas, peak usage periods can lead to reduced water pressure.
A municipal water supply issue is likely the cause of the lowered water pressure being intermittent. Calling the city can ease your mind by letting you know the problem is on their end.
When Should You Call a Professional Plumber?
While you can address some water pressure issues yourself, significant problems require the intervention of a professional plumber. If you cannot find the problem after checking the main shut-off valve or cleaning the aerators, then do not wait to seek professional help.
Water pressure gauges help us to measure the water pressure entering your home. For the most accurate reading, we test near the main water supply. The pressure should be between 40 and 60 psi. If it falls below this range, then we will test further.
Our plumbers will perform a visual inspection to find the problem. Specialized equipment, such as drain cameras, infrared cameras, and listening devices, can help us find leaks. These cameras show us real-time images of the inside of your pipes, allowing us to determine where the damage is and the potential cause, such as tree root invasion. Stopping the leak will restore your water flow pressure and help prevent ongoing problems and home damage.
How to Prevent Water Pressure Issues
Your Fort Worth home’s plumbing system needs consistent maintenance to keep it operating efficiently so you can maintain proper water pressure. Taking these measures now can help you avoid further problems.
Schedule Annual Plumbing Inspections
Annual plumbing inspections can help us find potential issues before they impact water pressure. Our professional plumbers can discover small leaks and pipe corrosion in their early stages. Scheduling a plumbing inspection can help reduce the likelihood of emergency repairs and maintain a reliable water supply.
Consider Installing a Water Softener
Water softeners can remove hard minerals like calcium and magnesium. Salt systems use resin beads that attract minerals through ionization. They can help protect your water pressure by reducing the risks of mineral scale buildup inside your pipes. There are multiple water softener types. Consider the following advantages of water softeners:
- Scale buildup prevention in pipes and fixtures
- Increased plumbing system and water-using appliance longevity
- Improved water efficiency and optimal pressure
- Reduced soap and detergent usage
- Reduced skin irritation
- Improved water taste
- Reduced pipe corrosion
- Reduced cleaning time
If you notice white residue on your faucets, tubs, or showers, then you may have a hard water problem. Excessive hard minerals can also make your laundry stiff. A water softener can remove the minerals and protect your plumbing and water pressure.
Install Pressure-Compensating Showerheads and Faucets
If you experience low water pressure despite taking the correct action, you may need to install pressure-compensating showerheads and faucets. Standard low-flow showerheads and fixtures may further weaken an already problematic water pressure. Upgrading to pressure-compensating fixtures can help to improve your flow pressure for a better response.
Use Smart Plumbing Technology
Smart plumbing technology can monitor your system, track usage, and notify you of leaks. These smart plumbing monitors can help you avoid significant problems that could lead to reduced or blocked water flow. The benefits of installing a smart plumbing monitor include the following:
- Leak detection and automatic water shut-off
- Remote water pressure monitoring
- Alerts for unusual water pressure changes
Do Not Let Water Pressure Issues Continue
Water pressure problems could result from minor issues like a clogged aerator or more serious issues like a significant leak. Serious water pressure issues will need a professional investigation to find the cause and offer repairs.
Cattlemans Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company that offers both residential and commercial plumbing services in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. Our plumbing services include pipe repair, rooter services, hydro-jetting, camera inspections, water treatment, and slab leaks. Call our plumbers at Cattlemans Plumbing today if you are experiencing reduced water pressure or need other plumbing services.
