A.J. Perri, Inc. Helps Homeowners Solve Low Water Pressure Problems

TINTON FALLS, NJ, May 04, 2011 (Press-News.org) Even the simplest tasks become difficult and inefficient with low water pressure, for example, taking a shower, washing the dishes or even using the sprinkler system. There are a number of causes that can lead to this frustrating problem. According to Kevin Perri, Vice President of A.J. Perri, Inc., a local heating, cooling, and plumbing expert, "Sometimes it's caused by something as straightforward as running two plumbing fixtures at the same time, other times it may be an indication of a more serious problem."

A.J. Perri lists a number of causes leading to low water pressure in your home.

• Clogs. Over time mineral deposits can form and clog faucet aerators and showerheads. Try removing fixtures that are experiencing low water pressure; rinse off the clogged or corroded screen and parts of the device or replace. For a more thorough cleaning, try soaking faucet aerators and showerheads in a vinegar and water solution to dissolve mineral deposits.
• Corrosion. If your home has older pipes, they may have become corroded, restricting the water flow. Perri states, "In this situation it's extremely important to have a professional plumber come out to your house and fix the problem. Left alone corroded pipes can lead to more serious problems such as burst pipes, slab leaks and clogged drains. "
• Home elevation. Home water pressure can be affected by the height of a property in relation to other buildings. A home located on the top of a hill may receive reduced water pressure in comparison to a property situated at the foot of the hill. According to Perri, a professional plumber will be able to offer solutions for fixing this problem.
• Main valves. The two main valves in your home need to be turned to the "on" position. Typically one valve is located in the meter box and the other is located near the hose bib, at the front of your home. If by accident they get slightly or completely turned off, you can have a water pressure problem. Check these valves to make sure they are turned "on" the entire way.
• Inadequate municipal water supply pressure. You may have inadequate water pressure coming from the municipal system from which you get your water. Perri says, "This can be an easy fix. Often times we'll recommend the simple solution of installing a booster pump."
• Peak usage periods. Most people (along with their neighbors) have the same routine everyday, from taking showers to watering the yard. Due to these high hours of water usage your water pressure may be low. If you find yourself in this situation you may want to alter your schedule a bit.
• Poor hot water pressure. If your hot water pressure is noticeably worse than your cold water pressure, the problem may be due to the sludge build up in your water heater. Water heaters should be drained annually to reduce this build up.
• Pressure regulators. A pressure regulator, a bell-shaped device usually located below the front hose connection of your home, regulates the pressure of water coming into your home. These are typically preset by the manufacturer and shouldn't need adjustment, however, sometimes a pressure regulator goes bad and needs to be replaced. Perri states, "Make sure to have a professional plumber replace your pressure regulator, doing this incorrectly can lead to even more water flow problems."
• Recent home changes. Perri states, "If you are having inadequate flow to the entire house, say since adding a new plumbing fixture(s), you may need to increase the size of the main supply pipe from the water meter to the house."
• Water leaks. "Any damage to a pipe that results in a leak, big or small, will cause lower water pressure," says Perri. In order to check for a leak Perri recommends that you try reading your water meter before you go to bed at night and then again in the morning before using water. The following are also signs of a leak: low water pressure, high water bills, damp patches on floors and walls, hissing water sounds or abnormal plant growth. Perri says, "Call a plumber if you have a leak and get it fixed immediately!"

Whatever your water problem is, Perri recommends calling a professional plumber to provide you with the appropriate solution. Remember, fixing plumbing problems incorrectly can lead to increased damage and costs.

About A.J. Perri, Inc.
A.J. Perri, Inc. is a family-owned business dedicated to providing total home comfort for their New Jersey neighbors. Based in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, they have 40 years of experience in the heating and air conditioning, and plumbing industry. They service those in Monmouth, Ocean, Mercer, southern Middlesex and Union counties. For more information, visit their website at http://www.ajperri.com.