Water pressure starts strong then drops. Sometimes, it happens that when you open the kitchen faucet to wash the dishes, the water pressure starts strong and then drops. So, you don’t need to worry because it just does not happen with you only; it happens with everyone.
The sudden drop in water pressure is sometimes very frustrating, especially when you are taking a shower in the bathroom, washing dishes in the kitchen, and many others, like washing laundry.
There are many causes responsible beyond the immediate decrease in water pressure. The most probable causes of decreased water pressure are leaking pipes, wrong pressure regulators, clogging in the pipes, and the main water valve due to water sediments.
If you do not regularly maintain your water pipes after two to three months, they are clogged with sediments and debris.
However, If you are here because of a sudden decrease in water pressure coming from the faucet, then keep reading this article to learn how you can troubleshoot this problem.
Water pressure starts strong then drops
If you are taking a shower and suddenly you feel that there is a change in water pressure at the showerhead, then do not ignore it and check all the possible causes of this sudden problem.
First of all, check the water level in the main water tank in the home because it may be a decrease in the water level in the tank.
If the water tank is full of water, then it may be an issue inside your water supply pipe or water faucet. So, let us read about all the possible reasons for water pressure to drop.
Check the water tank
If you are washing dishes in the kitchen and suddenly water pressure starts strong then drops down, the first thing to check is the main water tank in the home.
Sometimes, you are unaware of the decrease in water level in the main tank, and water pressure goes low after a decrease in the water in the tank.
So, open the tank lid, and if there is no water in the tank, then refill the fresh water in the tank to use water for daily household actions.
If the water comes into your home from the main water supply line in the area, then contact them and ask the water authority to open the water supply.
Faulty valves
Water inlet valves are an important part of the plumbing system in a home because these valves are used to regulate the water in the valve. Sometimes, the water pressure gets low due to faulty valves. Rusty and damaged valves change the water pressure.
So, whenever you face this problem, then check the water valve’s position after confirming the water level in the main tank.
The valve regulates the water pressure in the pipe. If the pipe is not properly turned off, there could be a sudden decrease in water pressure.
So open the main valve if it is closed and check if the pressure will come to the normal pressure just because the valve will set the water flow at normal speed.
If you find the main valve is faulty due to corrosion, then hire a plumber to replace the old and damaged valve with a new main valve to regulate the water.
Clogged pipeline
If the water pressure gets low in your water pipe, then a clogged pipeline is one of the leading causes of this problem. If you do not maintain your water pipelines, then they are blocked with minerals and debris present in the water.
In some areas, underground water contains sediments gathered into the pipe to clog them, creating a clog that is sometimes very difficult to locate.
If you ignore these clogs for some time, they lead to big issues, and clearing these minerals from water pipes becomes a tiring job. When you open the water faucet to get water, the water gets to the blockage, decreasing the water pressure.
You can remove the clog from your water pipeline in this way.
If your water pressure gets low due to pipeline clogs, shut off the main water supply valve and open all water faucets to remove all the water in the pipes.
Take a water bucket and fill it with hot boiling water. Now, put half a cup of vinegar in the water bucket. You can also add some amount of baking soda for better results.
Take a plunger and mix the vinegar and baking soda into the water for one minute to make a solution. Unbolt all the faucet screws and pull out all the mineral clog and debris from it.
Flush the bucket with water for 15 minutes, slowly closing and opening the water tap, so it accurately flows out of the bucket.
After fifteen minutes, open your water supply valve and check the water pressure in the showerhead and kitchen faucet by opening them for one minute. If the water is coming at full pressure, then all the clogs from the water supply pipes are removed.
Leaking pipes
When old metal pipes are rusted due to corrosion, then they start leaking water, due to which the water pressure turns low in the faucet.
Initially, you can not see any rust on the pipes because the water sediments damage the pipe from the inner side but over time, the sediments damage all the pipe, and water starts dripping from the pipe.
The leaking pipes issue does not occur just after the installation of the new pipes, but it occurs with 30 to 40 years old metal pipes.
If your home is too old with steel pipes, then you need to check your pipes, and if they are rusted, then you need to replace them with new PVC pipes.
Although it is a costly option, unfortunately, you have no other option for rusty pipelines. However, it’s your choice whether you want to install new copper pipes or plastic pipes in your water supply line.
Check pressure regulator
The pressure regulator is a device used to manage the water flow into the pipelines. It keeps the water pressure at the perfect level so that you can easily wash dishes in the kitchen or shower in the bathroom without any sudden changes in the water flow.
But, if the pressure regulator starts malfunctioning and prevents working, it can affect the pressure in the faucets. So, if your water pressure regulator is faulty, immediately repair or replace it to keep the water pressure strong in the taps. If you are highly skillful, then you can try to repair it; otherwise, it is suggested to you that you leave this task to a professional.
The pressure regulator is a complicated device, so if it becomes faulty, then your best is to check it with a professional because if you try to repair it by yourself, you might damage it further. You might have to invest in purchasing a new water pressure regulator.
Conclusion
The final thoughts on this article are if you are having issues of water pressure starting strong and then dropping, there are many causes of this issue you are facing.
Water pressure depends a lot in our daily household life, so all possible causes and other solutions are described in detail for you.
But, it’s necessary to keep maintaining all the parts in your water supply line. If you regularly inspect the different parts, it will help you replace the damaged components in a timely manner. Regular maintenance can save you time and money.
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