There’s nothing more frustrating than taking a shower when the water pressure suddenly drops. There you are, with shampoo in your hair, trying to rinse off with a pathetic trickle of water. Trying to wash the dishes is no fun – and as for doing laundry, forget about it.
Solving low water pressure issues in high rise buildings and residential towers is an ongoing NYC plumbing problem. Before the problem can be fixed, the cause must be identified.
One common cause for low water pressure in NYC? Clogged pipes. This is especially true in older buildings, where rust and sediment has had the opportunity to accumulate for years and years. Your NYC plumber will inspect the pipes. Depending on the size and nature of the clog, as well as any secondary damage the clog may have caused, it may be possible to have your water pipes cleaned and restored. In other instances, repiping the building may be the best route forward.
Another common reason for water pressure problems is insufficient pipe size. For one reason or another, at the time of installation, a pipe that was too narrow was installed. Undersized piping restricts the water flow and negatively impacts water pressure.
If your pipes and valves are fine, the next place to look for the cause of your low water pressure issues is the water supply and the pumps that transport the water from the supply to the point of use – ie your shower or faucet.
In some instances, the system might need a little help to deliver water at the desired pressure. Here in New York City, the municipal water system typically can serve up to a five story building. After that, it’s time to have your NYC plumber install a booster pump.
Do you have concerns about your building’s water pressure? For more information or to request a quote, click here.
