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When it comes to household water pressure, there’s a pretty generous range for what’s considered not too low, not too high, but “just right”. But there are still all sorts of circumstances that can push your pressure out of that range — and in either direction.

It’s annoying to have a low-pressure problem, but the underlying causes could be much worse. And if your problem is high pressure, it could be doing serious damage to your household plumbing. It’s worth taking the time test your water pressure, investigate the causes of your problem and take action to bring your pressure within the desired range.

How Low Can You Go?

Low water pressure is often noticed in the shower, where dribbling water makes it difficult to rinse away soap, and at the kitchen sink, where pots of water take agonizingly long to fill. It’s sometimes accompanied by a faint whistling sound coming from your faucets.

Using a water pressure gauge from any hardware store, you can test your water pressure right at your hose spigot. Anything under 30 psi is considered problematically low.

There are several possible causes of low pressure, and a few are truly troubling. A leaky pipe could explain the pressure drop, but that would mean you’re wasting water, running up your bill and possibly enduring damage to your home.

To check for a leak, turn off all water-using appliances and check your water meter reading. Don’t use any water in your home for two hours, then read the meter again. If the reading increased, you have a leak.

The problem could also be caused by a restriction in your pipes, such as mineral buildup from hard water. Buried pipes can sometimes cave in, causing an even worse blockage. A plumber can usually diagnose these issues with a camera inspection.

If your low pressure is due to your local water municipality, there’s still a way to fix it. With a system called a pressure tank, you can automatically raise the pressure of all the water coming from your fixtures. Pressure tanks are usually used with well systems, but they can work anywhere more pressure is needed.

Mounting Pressure

If you feel that water is coming out of your fixtures too hard, or if you regularly hear a loud thumping sound when you turn off a faucet, you may have excessive water pressure. Use a pressure gauge to be sure — anything over 80 psi is too high.

When your pressure is too high, there’s too much strain on your pipes, fittings, and fixtures. This may cause no problems for several years, but on a long enough timeline, it will cause pipes to crack and fittings to fail.

Some homes have high water pressure because they’re located right at the bottom of a hill, and water traveling through the municipal pipes has the added pressure of gravity. In other cases, a home may have excessive pressure if it’s located near a large building with major water needs.

Having a plumber install a pressure regulator on your main line is the best way to fight back against high pressure and save your pipes.

Need to have your household water pressure problem inspected? Call up the pros at Twin Plumbing to request service.

Leak

Your home has many plumbing pipes installed throughout your home — in your walls, under floors and even under your lawn and garden. A leak can happen just about anywhere imaginable, depending on the location and water flow, it could be extremely hard to detect

But that doesn’t mean you can disregard a potential water leak. Water damage can be extremely destructive to your home, and that’s not to mention the waste and the additional dollars on your quarterly water bill. It’s important for your home, your wallet/purse to be vigilant against any leaks.

The Easy Bit

Gathering some necessary evidence that you may have a leaky pipe is relatively simple. Most homeowners get the idea something could be amiss when they receive a higher than average water bill. If your water habits have not changed but your water bill spikes, it’s time to take some action.

Walk around your home and outside your property looking for any visible signs of dampness or damage caused by water. Your nose can aid you here, since water leaks will most often result in a smelly mold or mildew.

If you cannot find the leak straight away, there’s a simple solution. Isolate the water-using appliances in your home, such as toilets and cold water fridge lines. Check your water meter numbers and dial before you go to bed and write down the current reading or take a photo using your phone. Don’t use any water overnight in your home. Check the water meter in the morning if the numbers and pin/dial have moved, you most likely have a leak.

Find It, Fix It

If you’re confident you have a leaky pipe but you still cannot locate the exact source, it’s time to call a plumber. Plumbing expert such as Twin Plumbing can help you identify parts of your home plumbing system that you may not even know exist. And with the use of cameras and sound equipment on the end of long, flexible plumbing snakes, a plumber can help you see just about every centimeter of piping in your system.

If you want to get proactive about leaky pipes, you may want to look into water sensors. These individual devices can be easily installed in areas where hidden leaks may occur such as at the base of a storage hot water cylinder, and most sophisticated versions can even automatically isolate the water to your home or apartment when water is detected.

Water sensors can be costly, so they’re not practical for all applications around the home. If you do not think it’s worth the extra expense, you can simply make a practice of keeping an eye out (and nose) for signs of water damage as you move and work throughout your home and garden area

Have a leak right now? Call your local plumbing pros without delay

The twins have you covered 24/7 365 days

The old saying goes ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ Your toilet is one of the most underappreciated appliances in your home, and when not working correctly they often receive the most attention, and that’s why At Twin Plumbing we believe you can observe preventative maintenance of your toilet suite and potentially a clogged toilet drain.

Plumbing toilet repairs can be a real hassle without the correct tools and materials for the job, and that’s why at Twin Plumbing our vehicles are fully stocked for your every issue. We pride ourselves on sorting out the problem as quickly as possible with the best solutions at hand.

If you notice your toilet cistern making strange noises or not flushing correctly or regularly leaking, then you need to take action.
If you have a toilet plumbing repair or clogged toilet drain that needs attending then look no further then Twin plumbing we are the experts and have the best equipment to service your toilet leak repair and blocked toilet drains.

Sometimes your blocked toilet drain may be able to be removed by toilet drain cleaner such as draino, but if your Blocked toilet waste pipes are affected by tree root intrusion then that could be a real headache and if not repaired correctly can often lead to further damage and costly repairs for your home plumbing.

Most times sewer drain repair can be fixed easily with our latest relining technology equipment to ensure blocked toilet drains do not reappear and cause harm to your home and toilet drain plumbing.

When it comes to toilet drain plumbing the Twins have it sorted, we have some of the best toilet drain cleaning equipment in the business to ensure your toilet drain clog never comes back.
So when you have a toilet drain clogged or you need a toilet drain repair reach out to the Twins at Twin Plumbing, we have you covered 24 hours 7 days a week.

 

Indoor plumbing has become an indispensable creature comfort, and when it’s suddenly taken away due to a drain clog, it can feel like an instant emergency. Some clogs do require professional assistance to unblock, but others are minor enough that you can remove them yourself with your trusty plunger.

Plungers are relatively self-explanatory tools, but depending on your technique, you could find yourself plunging away to no avail. The next time you attempt to remove a clog on your own, keep these tips in mind to maximize your efforts.

Choose Your Weapon

Plungers come in a variety of sizes for a variety of drain types and diameters, so the first step is to choose a plunger with a cup diameter that is just slightly larger than the drain. There are also two styles: standard plungers and flange plungers. A standard plunger has a simple cup that looks like a half-sphere, whereas a flange plunger has an extension that makes it the most practical choice for plunging toilets.

Not Too Much, Not Too Little

No matter what kind of drain you’re plunging, the water level is critical. Too much-standing water and the agitation from plunging will cause it to splash all over the place — especially messy if you’re talking about a clogged toilet. Too little water, and you won’t be able to get a proper seal around the drain. Make sure the water level is just deep enough to cover the plunger cup entirely. If you need to bail water out, wear rubber gloves and use a bucket or container.

Maximum Pressure

You’ll put more pressure on the clog if you plug up drains located nearby. For instance, if you’re planning to plunge the toilet, put the stoppers in the bathtub and sink drains. If you need to ad-hoc a stopper, you can use a wet washcloth.

Seal It Up

When you’re ready to plunge, it’s all about the seal. A trick of the trade is to smear a little petroleum jelly on the rim of the plunger or flange. But more importantly, you must ensure the rim is making contact all the way around the drain, and that the plunger handle is pointed straight up.

Plunge Away

With your seal secure, plunge straight up and down for up to 30 seconds. You can try this a few times if necessary, but if a few rounds with proper plunger technique doesn’t get the job done, it’s time to call in the local plumbing pros.