Losing water pressure in your commercial building can be a major inconvenience. It will make it difficult to get work done and potentially lead to costly repairs down the line.
A few things can cause water pressure to drop, but fortunately, you can also do a few things to repair the problem. Let’s look at how to control water pressure in commercial buildings and some tips on correcting common issues.
Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
There are a few different things that can cause your water pressure to drop. Commercial buildings tend to have larger plumbing systems than residential buildings, which means there are more opportunities for things to go wrong.
Leak in Your Pipes
A leak in your pipes is one of the most common causes of low water pressure. If you have a leak, it’s important to get a repair as soon as possible. This will help to restore your water pressure and prevent any further damage to your pipes. Our team of commercial plumbers in Yuba City, CA, can use their expertise to find and repairs leaks, so it’s worth giving us a call if you notice a problem.
Old or Damaged Pipes
If your commercial building is older, the water pressure may be low because the pipes are old or damaged. In some cases, replacing the pipes may be the only way to solve the problem. However, if the damage is minimal, a professional plumber may be able to repair the pipes and restore water pressure to normal levels.
Broken Pressure Regulator
If your commercial building has a pressure regulator, the problem may be with the regulator itself. A broken pressure regulator can cause water pressure to drop, so whether you need a repair or a replacement, it’s important to address the problem as soon as possible.
Mineral Deposits
Another common cause of low water pressure is a build-up of mineral deposits. Over time, these deposits can block your pipes, reducing the amount of water flowing through them. This problem is most common in areas with hard water.
Not Enough Water Supply
Finally, your low water pressure may be because there isn’t enough water flowing into your building. This low-pressure level could be due to a problem with the municipal water supply or the pipes leading to your property. If you think this might be the case, contacting your local water supplier is a smart first step.
Tips for Restoring Low Water Pressure
If you’re dealing with low water pressure, you can do a few things to try to restore your water flow. Whether you have a leak, old pipes, or mineral deposits, there are a few things you can do to try to improve the situation.
Check for Leaks
One of the first things is to check for leaks in your pipes. Even a small leak can cause water pressure to drop, so it’s important to address leaks right away. Go through your building and check for any signs of leaks, such as water stains on walls or ceilings.
If you find a leak, it’s important to repair it immediately. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may be able to do this yourself, or you may need to hire a professional.
Clean Your Pipes
Another thing you can do to try to improve water pressure is to clean your pipes. Over time, mineral deposits can build up and block your pipes, reducing the amount of water flowing through them.
Hard water is more likely to cause this problem, but it can happen in any building. You can use a pipe cleaning solution to remove these deposits and improve your water pressure. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product you choose, as using too much or too little can cause more problems.
If you have a lot of mineral deposits in your pipes, you may need to seek out a professional’s help. Plumbers can handle extensive cleanings for you or determine what the necessary next steps are.
Check Your Water Supply
Finally, your building’s water supply may be the issue if you’re still having trouble with low water pressure. Low pressure can be a problem if your business has grown and uses more water than your system can provide.
If this is the case, you’ll need to upgrade your water supply. You can install a larger water main, add a water storage tank and pump or connect your property to a different water source.
Upgrading your water supply can be a big project, but it’s worth it if it means improving the water pressure in your building.
How To Measure Water Pressure
If you’re unsure whether your water pressure is low, there are several ways you can check. One way is to use a water pressure gauge. You can attach this to an outdoor faucet and turn the water on full blast. The indicator will tell you what your water pressure is. Most commercial buildings should have a water pressure of at least 40 psi.
If you don’t have a water pressure gauge, there are a few other ways to check your water pressure. One way to check is to see how long it takes to fill up a bucket or pot of water. If it takes longer than a minute or two, your water pressure is likely low.
Low water pressure can be annoying and frustrating, but fortunately, there are a few things you can do to try to improve it. Check for leaks, clean your pipes, and make sure your water supply suits your property’s needs. With a little investigation and some changes, you can get the water pressure in your commercial building back to normal.
The last thing you want is for your business to be without water, so it’s important to know how to control water pressure.
Fletcher’s Plumbing & Contracting can help with water pressure problems in commercial buildings. Our team of experts has the experience and equipment to quickly diagnose the problem and find a solution that works for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
