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3 Possible Causes of Poor Shower Pressure

What Is Causing the Low Water Pressure in the Shower?

When a person steps into the shower, they expect to be greeted by hot water and decent water pressure that can help relax sore muscles. But what happens if the water pressure is lower than expected? This will not only leave the homeowner annoyed but also signal an issue with the home’s plumbing system. This post will provide three possible causes of low shower water pressure, including a problem with the water heater, a leak in the water line, or an issue with the showerhead itself.

Water Heater

When the hot water pressure in the shower drops or when using hot water from other fixtures, a possible cause is an issue with the water heater. Plumbers will inspect the water heating system for problems, including sediment buildup, as one of the most common reasons for a change in water pressure is a buildup of sediment in the hot water tank. When this is the issue, water heater maintenance must be done to drain and flush the sediment from the tank.

Plumbers will also look for clogs in the pipes connected to the hot water tank. If the system was recently cleaned, it’s possible some of the debris and sediment caused a blockage in the pipes. Other potential problems experts will look for are problems with the pressure valve. If it’s not open all the way, it can cause a sudden drop in the water pressure. Plumbers will also inspect if there are any leaks in the water heating system. If this happens, it can also result in lower water pressure.

Leaks

Another potential cause of low water pressure is a leak in the water line. To determine if this is the problem, plumbers will ask the homeowners questions when they arrive. They will likely first ask if the water pressure is only low in the shower or if they’ve noticed it throughout the house. This will indicate if there may be a leak in the main water line or a smaller branch line.

Plumbers can use expert equipment to identify and locate a leak to ensure plumbing leaks are causing water pressure issues. One technique is video camera inspections. This involves sending a camera down the water line to look for signs of damage like cracks or leaks. It will also reveal the location of the damage so the professionals know where the line needs to be repaired. Another piece of equipment used for leak detection is an acoustic leak detector, which can amplify sounds caused by a leak to help identify and locate it. These techniques can be done quickly and non-invasively.

Showerhead

While low water pressure in the shower can be caused by a problem with the water heater, or a leak, it can also be caused by an issue with the showerhead itself. Before looking for larger defects, experts will examine the showerhead and look for any blockages in it that could be causing the low water pressure. They will also look to see if the showerhead is older and malfunctioning and if it needs to be replaced.

Showerheads can get clogged with mineral residue and sediments found in the water. When this occurs, less water can come out. So if the water pressure is low just from the showerhead and no other fixtures, an issue with the showerhead may be the cause. If it’s not the showerhead itself, plumbers can also check the pipes leading to the shower to look for any clogs or leaks that could be limiting the water flow.

About PHD Mechanical Inc

PHD Mechanical Inc has over three decades of experience serving Denville, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide great value, personal attention, and extended warranties on replacements. Call them today for plumbing services in Denville, NJ.

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Growth in Spring Can Wreak Havoc on the Plumbing

Is Your Landscaping Hurting Your Plumbing?

After a long winter, seeing green throughout the yard can be refreshing. Spring is a time for growth and renewal, as new blossoms bloom, trees grow, and a yard takes shape. But, while above ground, a yard might look impressive, underground, the growing tree roots can cause some ugly scenes with the plumbing system.

April showers may bring May flowers, but new tree growth can cause problems with the plumbing, including tree roots growing into water and sewer lines. This blog will discuss the threat of growing tree roots to underground plumbing, what can occur, and how it can be fixed and prevented.

Intruding Tree Roots

While people might focus on the above-ground appearance of trees, leaf buds, and growing branches, the roots also grow underground. As they grow, they can intrude into the piping system because trees need water and nutrients in the soil to grow and sustain themselves, and they can find it in the pipes.

Tree roots will grow and extend wherever they need to get the necessary water and nutrients to grow, leading them to break into a pipe through any weak points and then grow into the water or sewer lines. Unfortunately, this can wreak havoc on the pipes and affect the rest of the plumbing system above.

Problems From Intruding Tree Roots

Invading tree roots can cause many issues with the plumbing, which may vary depending on whether it has entered water or sewer lines. Some of these will lead to problems homeowners may notice sooner than others. One of the first issues someone might see if tree roots have grown into sewer lines is slow-draining sinks. This indicates it has clogged or created a blockage in the pipe. Tree roots in the sewer line can also cause water and sewer backups.

Homeowners might also notice water pressure problems, unusually high water bills, and leaks when tree roots have broken into water lines. If homeowners see signs like standing water outdoors or even a lawn that’s lusher than usual, these can all indicate a leak in the outdoor underground plumbing that may be from intruding tree roots.

Solutions to Root Obstruction

If someone notices any signs around their property that could indicate a tree root invasion in the piping, it’s essential to call a professional to fix it. An experienced plumber can inspect the piping system with specialized equipment like video inspection equipment to determine if tree roots have intruded into the pipes and the location of the blockage and damage to the line.

When they find the issue, they will first assess how much damage the tree roots have caused and then make a plan to remove the roots and repair or replace the pipe. A common method professionals use to remove tree roots is hydro jetting. It involves using a heavy stream of water and a special nozzle to eliminate the roots and other debris from the pipes. After removing the roots, the plumber will focus on repairs to the pipe and use trenchless methods if possible.

An effective way to avoid plumbing problems due to tree roots is to use prevention measures. One such action is installing root barriers, which protect the pipes with a literal barrier underground. It’s also recommended to have the plumbing system inspected yearly to catch potential issues early before the worst of the effects can occur. This will allow plumbers to remove tree roots from the pipes before they cause more problems.

About PHD Mechanical Inc

PHD Mechanical Inc has over 30 years of experience serving Denville, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide great value, extended warranties, and convenient scheduling. Call them today for sewer and water line repair in Denville, NJ.

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Dripping Faucet? Any One of These Issues May Be the Likely Culprit

Leaks Need Immediate Attention

Leaking or dripping faucets are one of the most common plumbing problems; unfortunately, they can also be incredibly damaging if not addressed promptly. A leaking or dripping faucet can waste up to hundreds of gallons of water each month, resulting in high water bills and a strain on the environment. Furthermore, if left unattended, it can cause water damage to the home and promote mold growth.

For these reasons, it's vital to address leaking or dripping faucets as soon as possible, which could include checking for worn-out parts, replacing a component or the entire tap, and calling a professional plumber because the issue is complex. This blog will share some of the most common causes of leaking faucets.

O-Rings Can Wear Out

A worn-out O-ring is one of the common causes of dripping near a handle. An O-ring is a rubber seal that fits into a groove in two joined parts to prevent leakage. As the O-ring deteriorates due to age and use, it can become brittle and unable to form an effective seal. This can cause the joined parts to leak, resulting in dripping near the handle.

The O-ring can become worn out due to exposure to heat, pressure, chemicals, or other environmental factors. This can cause the O-ring to become brittle, degrade, weaken, or crack. As a result, it can no longer provide an effective seal, and fluid leakage may occur. Therefore, it is essential to regularly check and replace worn-out O-rings to prevent costly damage from occurring.

Washers Corrode Over Time

If the washer in a faucet is worn out or corroded, it can cause leaking from the faucet’s spout. A washer is a flat, circular piece of rubber or metal that fits between two parts and serves as a tight seal when pressed together. The compression washer creates an airtight seal between the valve stem and the faucet body in faucets.

A washer can become worn out or corroded if repeatedly exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals and cleaning agents can also cause a washer to become worn out or corroded. Replacing the washer is an easy fix, but if not done correctly, it can lead to future problems with the faucet, so it’s best to consult a professional plumber who can complete the job safely and correctly.

Valve Seats Can Also Corrode

A corroded valve seat can also cause leaking and dripping at the spout due to a weakened seal. A valve seat is a metal disc that helps provide an effective seal between two surfaces and prevents leaks around them by distributing pressure evenly. A corroded valve seat can cause the sealing surface to become distorted and diminish its ability to form a proper seal, leading to leaking and dripping at the spout.

Corrosion of a valve seat occurs when water containing minerals or other substances comes into contact with the metal, creating chemical reactions that cause oxidation or rust. In some cases, corrosion can even cause parts of the valve seat to break off, making it impossible to repair. Plumbers can determine what is causing a dripping or leaking faucet and the best solution to fix it.

About PHD Mechanical Inc

PHD Mechanical Inc has over three decades of experience serving Denville, NJ, and the surrounding areas. They provide great value, extended warranties, and convenient scheduling. Call them today for garbage disposal, faucet, or sink repairs or replacements in Denville, NJ.

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Meet Female Pioneers in the Plumbing Industry

Celebrate Women's History Month and Learn About Women in Plumbing

Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating household names; it’s also about giving attention to some of history’s hidden figures. This blog will discuss trailblazing women in the plumbing industry and women in the industry today. People may be surprised to learn that women have played a more vital role in plumbing history than initially thought.

Women in the Plumbing Sector Today

According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, although women make up nearly 47 percent of the workforce, they only account for 1.1 percent of all plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Women are significantly underrepresented in the trades in general, including HVAC mechanics and installers (2.3 percent), construction laborers (4.9 percent), construction equipment operators (1.7 percent), and electricians (2.2 percent).

However, although plumbing is male-dominated, many women in the plumbing industry have become advocates for female inclusion and empowerment in the trades. Nonprofit organizations like Women in Plumbing & Piping are helping women succeed in the industry by providing education, scholarships, networking, and mentorships.

What Was the Ladies Auxiliary Committee for the National Association of Master Plumbers?

The lady's auxiliary committee for the National Association of Master Plumbers was initially created as a social club to occupy the plumbers’ wives while the master plumbers association held its annual convention. However, control of the group was handed over to the women in 1919, and everything changed.

When the women took over, the organization would transform into a platform for activism focusing on issues including the environment, sanitation and health, and labor. The group worked with legislators, fundraised, and lobbied. They also advocated for the Family and Medical Leave Act and cleaner public bathrooms like in gas stations.

Meet Lillian Ann Baumbach

Lillian Ann Baumbach was born in 1930 and was the first woman to become a master plumber in the country. From a very early age, she held an unbreakable passion for plumbing. She went on many jobs with her father, a plumber who taught her the ropes. When she was 21 years old, she got the highest score in her class when getting certified as a plumber. From there, she started working at her father’s plumbing company, focusing on estimates and service repairs.

Baumbach was renowned for her beauty. During the Korean War, she was something of a pin-up girl, with many soldiers carrying her photo. She received countless letters throughout her lifetime, some even offering marriage proposals, and was a pen pal to many soldiers. Baumbach passed away from leukemia when she was 70 years old. Yet, her legacy lives on as one of America's first female plumbers.

About PHD Mechanical Inc

PHD Mechanical Inc has over 40 years of experience serving Denville, NJ, and the surrounding communities. They provide great value, personal attention, and convenient scheduling. Call them today for plumbing services in Denville, NJ.