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Low Water Pressure |
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Most low water pressure problems originate inside the home. If you are experiencing low or reduced water pressure, please check the list below for potential causes before contacting WaterOne's Customer Service. However, if you are experiencing a total water outage or have had a sudden, drastic decrease in water pressure, please contact Customer Service at 913.895.1800.
The majority of homes within WaterOne’s service territory have pressure reducing valves (PRV). These valves are generally installed to protect the household plumbing from high water pressure, but some cities require them on all new construction. The most common cause of low water pressure is the PRV. If there is a PRV in the home and the pressure is low on all faucets, the PRV most likely needs to be adjusted. The PRV is typically a fist-sized, bell shaped device with a screw sticking out of the bell shaped portion of the PRV. It is usually located near the household shut-off valve and is part of the household plumbing.
Typical PRV Adjusting the PRV The PRV is easily adjusted by either a plumber or the homeowner.
Typical way of adjusting the PRV:
Click on the link below to view a video demonstrating PRV adjustment. http://www.watts.com/mediaCenter/default.asp?videoId=8.
Water Softeners can cause a sudden change or decrease in home water pressure. If there is a water softener installed inside the home and you are experiencing low water pressure, checking the water softener is encouraged. An easy way to determine if the water softener is reducing the pressure throughout the home is to switch the water softener to the by-pass mode (if a by-pass is installed) and see if this improves the pressure. Or have the water softener serviced by a professional service technician to evaluate the water softener’s condition.
If the low pressure is not affecting every faucet in the home, it may simply be a clogged or blocked faucet aerator. Check the aerator screens for rust, debris, scale or other particles that may be restricting flow. Clean or replace the aerator.
Generally, if low pressure only affects one area of the home, it means there is a problem with the plumbing in that area. If the low pressure is at an individual faucet, it may simply be a clogged or blocked faucet aerator. Aerators can become clogged for a variety of reasons, but often they become clogged when water is shut off to the home — whether the home owner shuts it off or WaterOne does. This happens because when the water pressure is removed, mineral particles adhering to the pipe wall are allowed to flake off. These can then get caught in the faucet aerator, thus restricting flow. The aerator can be cleaned or replaced. To clean or replace the aerator, simply unscrew the portion of the faucet where the water comes out. You can usually accomplish this with just your fingers. If a tool is required, be sure to protect the faucet finish. Keep track of all small parts. There is usually a gasket and the aerator. Remove the aerator and clean out any debris. Reassemble. The videos below demonstrate cleaning the aerator. The first video is shorter, but the second has more detailed information. Again, if you are uncomfortable working on your plumbing, be sure to contact a plumber. It is always a good idea to get multiple quotes as prices for plumbing services can vary widely. Video 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9Du7vEA4oM Video 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_eJdyVIrVQ Besides clogged aerators, common causes of low pressure are partially closed valves, or a blockage somewhere within the pipe. ValveA shut-off valve is the valve that shuts off water to the home. It is normally located where the water service pipe comes into the home. If this valve is partially closed, it will affect water pressure throughout the entire home. Verify the valve is completely open.
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Water District No.1 of Johnson County Mailing Address: 10747 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, Kansas 66219 Phone: 913.895.1800 Email: custserv@waterone.org
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