Aerator Clogs
Aerators are small devices placed near the tip of a faucet. They consist of a fine mesh screen. The screen breaks up the flow of water into many smaller streams, adding air between them. The aerator reduces water consumption without interfering with water pressure. However, sometimes the aerator can become clogged, in which case the water pressure will drop.
Nozzle Clogs
A nozzle clog is similar to an aerator clog. It’s the likely culprit when the water pressure in your showerhead drops, but every other fixture isn’t affected. You may need to unscrew the showerhead and soak it in a de-scaling solution overnight, such as distilled white vinegar.
Mineral Deposits
If the problem isn’t a clogged nozzle or aerator, then the problem may lie in the water line itself. Over time, the line can become clogged up with mineral deposits from the water. A clogged line is most likely the problem if the water pressure is fine when you first turn on the fixture, but then the water pressure drops.
Pressure Regulator Failure
Some plumbing systems have a pressure regulator. As the name suggests, the role of this device is to regulate the water pressure within the pipes. A failed pressure regulator will result in either very low or very high water pressure.
Pipe Leaks
A leaky pipe probably won’t cause low water pressure unless the leak is severe enough to limit the supply of water that reaches your fixture. In this case, you can probably detect the location of the leak easily. Shut off the water and visually examine your ceilings and walls for water stains, mold, and buckling.
How Tankless Water Heaters Conserve Water
Tankless water heaters have increased in popularity dramatically in recent years, thanks to their energy efficiency and their ability to conserve water. Using a Rinnai tankless water heater as an example, this video explains how your plumber can help you save water by installing a tankless water heater.
If you have a traditional water heater, then you know what it is like to wait for the water in your shower to warm up. That wastes a significant amount of water. Since a tankless heater delivers water on demand, you don’t have to wait for the water to get hot, so you use less water.
If you’re interested in tankless water heater installation, then contact Ace Plumbing. Our plumbers in Sacramento perform tankless water heater installation and repairs on all models with reliable service and fair prices.