Do you run a restaurant, and you’re beginning to notice that the water pressure isn’t what it used to be? Or perhaps you are in the hospitality business and the showers in each room are only producing moderately pressurized water. As a business owner, you understand water pressure is crucial to getting things done and satisfying your customers and employees. That’s why you should hire a commercial plumbing service to take care of everything! They are going to offer you all the necessary experience and training to remedy your low water pressure.
The Most Common Causes of Low Water Pressure
Water Valves: The first thing that any commercial plumber is going to do is take a look at your water valves. What does a water valve do, exactly? It essentially regulates your water pressure. A professional plumber is going to turn the valve all the way open to see if this makes any difference in your water pressure. If the valve is broken, then they will undergo the necessary repairs to have everything back up and running. Sometimes a business might turn off their water valve and forget to turn it back on.
Clogged Pipes and Mineral Deposits: Clogs in your commercial plumbing system can certainly cause low water pressure and, in some extreme circumstances, no water pressure at all. This is perhaps the most common cause of the issue, but it is especially common with older iron pipes that are prone to rust. Various other waste materials and products can make their way into your plumbing and impede water flow, including sawdust, sand, dirt, and gravel. If you believe that clogged pipes and buildup are impacting your water pressure, then you should call a commercial plumbing service right away.
Water Leaks: Damaged and deteriorated water pipes are going to leak, which in turn causes low water pressure. That is because not all of the water is making its way to your plumbing fixtures, including your sinks, faucets and showers. The easiest way to determine if a leak is causing your low water pressure is to turn off the main water valve and check the meter reading immediately after. Then, check the reading again two hours later. Is the meter reading increasing? If so, then you have a leak on your hands. Commercial repair solutions will then be necessary to restore pipe integrity and eliminate the leak.
Faulty Pipes: Your plumbing fixtures seem to be functioning properly, but the low water pressure still persists. If this is the case for you, then you should strongly consider hiring a commercial plumber to inspect your pipes – including your water supply lines. They are going to provide you with an in-depth look at your plumbing system and figure out where the problem is originating. In addition to clogs and leaks, you may also have corroded pipes. The best solution to corrosion is to replace the affected pipes. This is an expensive and somewhat time-consuming process, but pipe corrosion is something you don’t want to ignore. They can contaminate your water supply, which poses a major health and safety risk for you and your family.
Water Supply Lines: The original main water supply line that connects to your commercial property has likely been there for a while now. If you plan on undergoing a major remodel, then you may want to consider taking a look at that supply line. The old pipework may not have the capacity to meet the demands of a newer plumbing system. A commercial plumbing service can look up the records of your building to determine the size of your supply line. This will give them an idea if any upgrades need to be made to achieve optimal water pressure.
What if the problem isn’t building-specific?
If you undergo every possible troubleshooting procedure and you’re still not sure what is causing you low water pressure, then the city could be responsible. You should give your municipal supplier a call when you get the chance. Ask them they are experiencing any issues on their end and if other customers are reporting a similar issue. In any case, a commercial plumbing specialist is going to know how to diagnose the problem and determine the best way to fix the issue.
DIY Solutions
Although most commercial plumbing repairs will require special assistance, you can undergo several DIY solutions depending on the circumstances. With water shut-off valves, you can easily find them and ensure that they are fully open. As discussed earlier, adjusting the water valve is all it may take to increase water pressure in your business.
Check Your Fixtures
This includes all the water-using fixtures located throughout your business, including your bathroom sinks, kitchen faucets and toilets. If your low water pressure is affecting every fixture in your business, then you have a bigger problem on your hands. However, if the problem is isolated to a single fixture, then it will require individualized attention. Check the screen to your faucet and check if any limescale or gunk is clogging it up. If they are too gunked up, then you should replace them.
Low Hot Water Pressure
Low hot water pressure is when you experience a difference in water pressure according to temperature. This is usually due to a deficiency with your hot water tank. Coldwater of course comes from your main water supply lines. Hot water, on the other hand, is stored inside a tank that keeps it heated at all times. The location of the tank will play a role in your hot water pressure. If the tank is located in a lower or underground area inside your business, then this can account for the difference in water pressure (gravity-fed systems).
If you are still unsure about hiring a commercial plumbing service, then we encourage you to give us a call! One of our technicians here at Plumber Las Vegas can answer any question regarding low water pressure and how you can remedy the situation. We will also provide you with information on pricing and scheduling services.