plumbers Archives - Hunt's Services

Have you recently turned on your faucet only to discover a trickle of water coming from the spigot? Does your water come out of your fixtures at a fraction of its former rate? If you’re having problems with your water pressure, then the cause of your issues could be one of many different possibilities.

Overly High Water Usage

If your low water pressure occurs when multiple water-using appliances are running or when multiple showers are in use, then its cause may simply be using too much water at once. You can easily fix this problem by spreading out your water usage over the course of the day.

Too Much Water Use on Shared Pipelines

Low water pressure can also be caused by too many people in your neighborhood using water at the same time on shared pipes. If you’re on a pipeline that goes into multiple houses, then you’ll need to try to plan around your neighbors’ water use. You should attempt to find times of the day when the water pressure is highest so you can use the water yourself at those times.

Main Shutoff Valve Is Not Open

A partially closed main shutoff valve can reduce the water pressure in your home. Your main shutoff valve will likely be located inside your home close to where the city water supply pipe comes into your house. Once you find the main shutoff valve, you should turn it counterclockwise until it’s all the way open. Hopefully, this will solve your low water pressure issue.

Water Meter Valve Isn’t Open

If the main shutoff valve isn’t the culprit, then the water meter valve might need to be opened — especially if your water company has recently done work on your premises. Your local water company probably owns this valve, so it may be difficult to access. In fact, you might have to call the water company to have them check the valve for you. Once they open your meter valve all the way, you may notice your water pressure improving.

Sediment Buildup in Fixtures

Shower heads, faucets and toilet-fill valves can all experience sediment buildups that can impede water flow. Sink aerators are fairly easy to remove, and you may be able to take the aerator off the fixture experiencing low water pressure and clean out the grit that’s clogging it. You may also be able to clean your shower head by gently rubbing its nozzles or soaking it in vinegar.

Broken Fixtures

If cleaning out the fixtures doesn’t fix your problem, then your fixtures might be broken altogether. Faucets and shower heads aren’t particularly expensive, so you can easily replace them with modern, fully functional fixtures. If you don’t feel comfortable replacing the fixtures yourself, then you should hire a professional plumber to do the work for you.

Broken Pressure Regulator

As its name implies, the pressure regulator controls the water pressure in your plumbing system. As pressure regulators age, they might cause your water flow to increase or decrease more than is beneficial. If your pressure regulator is no longer capable of keeping your water flowing at the right pressure rate, then you’ll need to have it replaced.

Clogged Pipes

Low pressure can also be caused by blockages in your pipes restricting water flow. Dirt, food fragments, oil and other pollutants can build up over time, reducing the space in your pipes where water flows. If you have a significant buildup of debris in your lines, you’ll likely need to have a plumber take care of this problem for you.

Leaky Pipes

Leaking pipes can reduce your home’s water flow and cause damage to your property. Wet spots, puddles, mold and sagging walls are all signs that you might be dealing with a leak on your premises. Whether your pipes have a single large leak or multiple smaller ones, you’ll need to hire a competent plumber to repair your pipes before you get sufficient water pressure again.

Corroded Pipes

If oxidation and the passage of time have left their marks on the inside of your pipes, then you might be experiencing less water flow than you’d like. Older pipes made of galvanized steel are especially prone to corrosion, but even the sturdiest pipes can corrode over time. In all likelihood, you’ll need a plumber to evaluate and then replace your corroded pipes in order to avoid leaks and even lower water pressure.

Branch Lines Are Too Small

Low water pressure can also be caused by the smaller pipelines that branch off from your main lines not being large enough to support current water demand. This possibility is particularly likely to be the culprit if you’ve recently added water-using appliances to your home. A skilled plumber will be able to evaluate your pipes and give you larger branch lines that are capable of keeping up with your water use.

Problems With Your Water Supplier

Sometimes, low water pressure can be caused by problems from outside of your property. If your entire neighborhood is experiencing water problems, then your local water supplier might be having issues. You should contact your local water supplier and ask them for clarity regarding your community’s low water pressure problems and solutions.

Local Regulations Have Changed

Another potential source of trouble outside of your property that can cause low water pressure is local bureaucracy. If the powers that be in your city have changed water regulations, then you might be stuck with low water pressure. One possible solution is to have a plumber install a water pressure booster system on your premises that will increase your water pressure without damaging your pipes.

Broken Water Main

Water main breaks are especially common in the winter when temperatures get below freezing. Broken water mains usually result in reduced water pressure for entire neighborhoods. Since your local municipality will have to fix the break, you can call them for more information about the repair time frame.

The City Is Flushing Fire Hydrants

You could also be experiencing temporary low water pressure due to your city flushing its fire hydrants. If city workers are cleaning out fire hydrants near your home, then they’re likely releasing hundreds of gallons per minute. Your low water pressure should resolve itself within a few minutes of the fire hydrants being turned off if this is the cause of your water pressure issues.

HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Services in Tacoma

At Hunt’s Services, we have the tools and the skills to provide high-quality HVAC, plumbing and electrical services to the people of Tacoma, WA. If you’re having problems with low water pressure, you can trust us to get to the bottom of your issue.

You can also count on us to help you with your garbage disposal, sump pump, gas lines and water filtration issues. Our HVAC services include heating and cooling repair, installation and maintenance; whole-home filtration system installation; and duct-cleaning services. We’re also capable of installing electrical panels, lighting and EV charging stations. Contact us today if you need the help of our skilled technicians.

Happy Spring Cleaning!

The birds are singing, the leaves are appearing on trees, and it’s a time when many people are thinking about spring cleaning. If you’re opening up your windows for some fresh springtime air and cleaning up your home for the spring, don’t forget your plumbing!

Just like other parts of your home, your plumbing needs to be cleaned too! When you clean up your plumbing, you’ll save money and enjoy worry-free, problem-free water for this season and many more to come.

Here are some tips to help you know what to clean when it comes to your home’s plumbing:

Toilet Bowl Cleaning Tips

Clean out the bowl as you normally would, and also clean out the inside of the tank. Avoid using harsh chemicals. It doesn’t hurt to give your toilet a plunge or consider pouring a small bucket of water into the bowl from about waist level to “power flush” your toilet. Remind your family not to put trash in the toilet: never flush paper towels, tissue, diapers, or tampons. These things do not break up correctly and can clog your pipes. Additionally, use the minimum amount of toilet paper required to clean up after you are done.

If your toilet is leaking because of worn-out parts or the need for adjustments to your valves, floats, or gasket, give Hunt’s Services a call to make sure your toilets are in good working order. We will replace the parts and make adjustments so that you aren’t wasting water or end up with water damage to your house.

Bathroom Sink Overflow

Ensure that your sink’s overflow holes are clear. Overflow holes are used in case the sink starts to overfill, which may not seem like a big problem–until it is. Fill your sink to test the overflow holes and clear any overflow holes that are clogged. Drain pipes can also get clogged over time and require a good cleaning or flush to remove the blockage. Check your stopper to see if it is the cause of the blockage by removing and examining it from your sink.

Check below your sink to see if there are any leaks either from the sink or from the drain pipes. If you have a leak that you can’t fix yourself or a clog that won’t go away, give us a call so we can insure that leaks and clogs don’t cause you headaches any longer.

Bathtub Drains

To keep things flowing smoothly through the drain of your bathtub, each month you should feed it baking soda—one cup’s worth, with a cup of vinegar to chase it. Plug up the drain and allow the chemical reaction to occur. Wait for a little while, and then pour boiling water down the drain. This method clears out soap scum buildup and accumulated hair that gets caught in the pipes. Avoid slow bathtub drains by using a drain straining device to collect hair that would normally clog the pipes. This inexpensive device, when cleaned regularly, will prevent a lot of problems.

Perhaps even more so than a bathroom sink, your bathtub can get clogged with hair. As a part of your plumbing Spring Cleaning, remove the stopper from your tub. Most stoppers are removed by unscrewing the stopper from the drain hole. Get a piece of stiff wire, make a hook at the end, and fish out the gunk and hair that are usually just below the drain.

Kitchen Sink Clogs

Your kitchen sink drain takes in a lot of debris, including grease and fat, which can clog the drain and slow drainage. Pour boiling water down your kitchen sink drain to proactively clear the build-up. Consider using a drain straining device here too.

Garbage Disposal

Don’t use your hands to clean your garbage disposal. You can actually use lemon rinds or dish soap to do it! Lemon juice can help loosen and clean any build-up in your disposal and drain. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice in your disposal and let it sit for a while to do its work. Afterward, place small chunks of lemon with the rind and run your garbage disposal which helps clean the blades. And when you use your garbage disposal, avoid pouring grease or fat into it because that can clog up the machine and your pipes, especially when the grease or fat cools off.

Dishwasher

Your dishwasher works hard to remove the debris from your dishes and utensils to keep them clean and sanitary. Consequently, the leftover food particles can build up and clog your dishwasher drain. It is a good idea to remove the cover from your drain at the bottom of your dishwasher and check for and remove any debris that is stuck in your drain.

Also check your dishwasher for leaks. Leaks can occur in any of your water and drain connections in your dishwasher. If you have an air gap that empties into your kitchen drain or sink, take the cap off and clean any debris that has accumulated from your dishwasher.

Water Heater

Take a look at your water heater. Is it producing enough hot water for you? Are there leaks or visible cracks? Be proactive; don’t wait for your water heater to break before you do something about it.

When was the last time you had your water heater flushed? We generally recommend flushing your water heater so it is free of debris and sediment at least once a year. Springtime is a good time to get your water heater ready for the upcoming year. Flushing your water heater will increase the life span of your water heater and reduce your energy bills.

Summary

Spring is here and for many people that means it’s time to do a big spring cleaning. When you do, don’t forget your pipes because they are crucial to helping you keep your family comfortable and clean and quenched all year long!

Tag: plumbers

Why Is My Water Pressure Low?