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Water pressure determines the quality of your morning shower and ensures there is enough faucet flow to wash your dishes. It is the force that brings water from the water main into the pipes of your home. If the water pressure is too low, tasks become time-consuming and even frustrating. It takes twice as long to fill a bathtub or complete a load of laundry in the washing machine. On the other hand, if the water pressure is too high, weak points in the plumbing system will eventually become vulnerable to leaks and failure. If you are experiencing ongoing water pressure issues, contact a professional who performs plumbing services in Athens and the surrounding area. By conducting some diagnostic tests, the technician will check to see if water pressure is at an acceptable pressure range, usually between 50-80 psi—pound-force per square inch. Listed below are common plumbing problems that could indicate water pressure issues in the home and their possible causes. Sudden, Drastic Flow Decrease If you experience a sudden drop in water pressure or a total water outage, contact your local water utility to see if there is work being done on the lines or water main. If the cause of the problem does not appear to be a water supply malfunction, contact a plumbing professional. In some areas, water flow quality may be affected during high usage hours. Poor Flow Older homes built before the mid-1970s often have galvanized pipes, which were designed to prevent steel corrosion. However, over the years, the galvanization peels off and allows pipes to rust. A rust or sediment buildup, especially in the vertical pipes, will obstruct and decrease the flow of water. Pipe replacement is often the solution. Pipes may not be the problem, however. Sometimes the cause is as simple as a shut-off valve being partially closed. Shut-off valves can be found under sinks and where the water utility pipe connects to the home. Check the aerator screens on faucets and the flow restrictors in shower heads. Sediment build-up can prevent good water flow. High Water Pressure This issue can easily be remedied by installing or replacing a bell-shaped device called a pressure reducing valve. It is about the size of a human fist, and is generally located near the home’s shutoff valve. Reputable companies who offer plumbing services in Athens provide free estimates for their work, and are licensed and insured.
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