Common Issues A Plumber Can Deduce By Observing Pressure Gauge Readings | Florence, SC

The plumbing system in your Florence, SC home is intricate and comprises many parts and subsystems. It can be subdivided into the drainage system, the water line, and various appliances. This means that there is a high chance of a problem in one part affecting other system components at one point. For this reason, a plumber is recommended to come over for a routine inspection and maintenance of your plumbing system. For example, there are various valves and regulators in the system. One of the regulators is the pressure regulator used for controlling the water pressure in your plumbing system. Any changes in pressure can be read on the pressure gauge. However, homeowners and professionals can also leverage the gauge to diagnose various issues in the system. So, what plumbing issues can you suspect based on the pressure gauge readings?

Clogging in the Water Lines

Clogging in the water pipes can result in high water pressure. When a pipe becomes clogged, it can restrict the flow of water through the pipe, which can cause an increase in pressure. This is because the water has nowhere to go, so the pressure builds up behind the blockage. High water pressure can be damaging to your plumbing system and can result in leaks and burst pipes. It can also cause appliances and fixtures to perform poorly, such as faucets and showers that produce a strong and uncomfortable water flow. If the pressure is consistently above normal levels, a plumber may need to use a plumbing snake or hydro jet to clear any clogs.

Water hammer is a common problem in plumbing systems that occurs when there is a rapid change in water pressure. This can happen when a valve or faucet is suddenly closed, causing the flow of water to stop abruptly. The momentum of the water can cause it to continue moving, resulting in a shock wave or “hammering” effect. Water hammers can cause pipes to vibrate and knock against walls, floors, and other pipes, which can be noisy and disruptive.

A variety of factors can cause changes in water pressure. For example, if you have a water leak in your plumbing system, it can cause the water pressure to drop. This is because the water is not flowing through the pipes as it should, so the pressure is not maintained. Low water pressure can be frustrating and result in poor performance of appliances and fixtures, such as weak or low water flow from faucets and showers. Hence, you can address this problem by having a plumber in Florence, SC come over for a plumbing service.

If the water pressure in your plumbing system is too high, it can cause pipes to burst and result in water damage. High water pressure can be more damaging than low water pressure. Besides damaging the plumbing system and the appliances, you will also spend more money on water utility bills. Have you noticed a recent spike in water utility bills? High water pressure may be the culprit.

Leakages in the Plumbing System

The other plumbing issue that your plumber can diagnose based on the behavior of the pressure gauge is plumbing leaks. Plumbing leaks can significantly impact the pressure in a plumbing system. When a pipe or fitting is leaking, it can cause the water pressure to drop. This is because the water is not flowing through the pipes as it should, so the pressure is not maintained. Low water pressure can be frustrating and result in poor performance of appliances and fixtures.

In addition to affecting the water pressure, plumbing leaks can also result in water damage and higher water bills. Water leaking from a pipe or fitting can damage the surrounding area and cause mold to grow. This can be costly to repair and can be a health hazard. Leaks can also increase your water bill, as you are paying for water that is being wasted. Fortunately, this is a problem you can avoid by having a plumber come over for a routine plumbing service.

A Failed Pressure Regulator

Has the water pressure been consistently high or low? That could also mean that the pressure regulator in your plumbing system may be damaged. A pressure gauge is a critical plumbing component that a plumber should immediately repair in case of any problem. Do you suspect that there is an issue with your pressure regulator? It is crucial to have a professional address it immediately. Immediately contact a plumber near you in Florence, SC whenever you suspect the pressure gauge or regulator has a problem.

A Failed Backflow Preventer

The other issue that a plumber may infer from the pressure gauge reading is that the backflow preventer may need to be fixed. A plumbing backflow preventer is installed in a plumbing system to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. It is typically installed on the main water supply line or where the plumbing system connects to the municipal water supply. A failed backflow preventer can have several impacts on the water pressure in a plumbing system.

For one, it can cause the water pressure to become too high. This is because the backflow preventer is not functioning properly and cannot regulate the water pressure as it should. High water pressure can damage the plumbing system, resulting in leaks and burst pipes. It can also cause appliances and fixtures to perform poorly, such as faucets and showers that produce a strong and uncomfortable water flow. Therefore, if you notice any signs of backflow preventer failure, call a plumber to fix it before damage is caused.

Many plumbing issues can affect your plumbing system. While it can take a professional some time to diagnose some, they can easily determine where the problem is by observing the changes in the pressure gauge readings. Do you need any plumbing service? Contact us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Florence.