Decreased water pressure in home

Gordon07 · 11-30-2009, 11:17 PM

I moved into my then, new home, 12 years ago. Over the past 30 days my water pressure has slowed to a trickle (mostly hot and cold water, however some taps have higher cold pressure).

There are two water heaters. Both water heater have been replaced. The last water heater was replaced one year ago.

The city came out yesterday and removed the water meter to see if there appeared to be any clog or problem. No problem found with the meter. Water pressure at the three outside water faucets is great.

Any ideas why I only get a drizzle from the shower head and a slightly higher pressure at the bathroom faucet? The kitchen faucet cold is normal pressure, and the hot is at 50%. Water pressure has been super for 12 years. No new water fixtures since the new water heater last December 2008.

Gary Slusser · 12-01-2009, 10:16 AM

You have a partial blockage somewhere. Probably at a valve or rust or hard water scale build up.

Have you thought to remove and clean the faucet tip aerators?

Gordon07 · 12-02-2009, 11:45 AM

Yesterday I removed and cleaned all faucet tip aerators. That did not help the water pressure issue.

This morning I closed the valve to the water softener and opened the bypass valve. All water pressure in the house has been restored to normal.

There must be thousands of designs for water softeners. Is there a filter on the water softener that could be plugged?

Gary Slusser · 12-03-2009, 12:44 PM

All water softeners are basically the same.

Something in the softener is blocking up and there are 2-3 things it could be. Bad resin, bottom basket on the bottom of the distributor tube, top basket if you have one or an internal port.

You or a service guy will have to tear the control valve and softener apart to find the problem.

Go to the link below to see how a softener works and looks inside.
http://www.kenmorewater.com/website/...eshooting.html