Why is our water pressure suddenly much lower, and how can we fix it - inexpensively?

pressure washer 6 gpm image

nanashutte

Our house is 6 1/2 years old, and we have lived here the whole 6 1/2 years. It used to be, up until about 2 months ago, that 2 or 3 of us could all take showers at the same time (in separate showers, of course!), and we would have plenty of water pressure to go around. But now, all of sudden, if someone is using the shower, or the washer or dishwasher are running, we can't even get enough water out of a sink to wash my face! School starts again soon, and we have 6 people to get through showers, etc every morning! Help!!

Answer
Your water could be very hard (high in calcium and magnesium) and it's created a concrete scale in your pipes. Go to Home Depot, buy some hardness test strips and see how hard you water is. If it's over 15 GPG (grains per gallon) or 256.5 ppm (parts per million/mg/L) you will have a scale problem. Either invest in a water softener or a anti-scale device.

Second problem may be your pressure regulator. (This is only for municipal water, not well water)

If well water find out your well pump capacity in GPM (gallons per minute) You may have to upgrade.

My guess though would be a scale problem. We see this all the time.

Get it treated ASAP, otherwise you will have to replace your entire household plumbing.

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