A “drought” within a building is caused when the flow in the pipes is restricted. Low water pressure problems are commonly caused by a buildup of scale deposits inside of piping. Sometimes known as “tuberculation,” this buildup reduces the interior pipe diameter and produces a very uneven interior surface. Reduced interior volume and increased friction combine to reduce water flow. Typically this buildup progresses over time, steadily lowering the water flow rate through the plumbing system.
Galvanized and Cast Iron Pipes
Galvanized or cast iron pipes are particularly susceptible to low water pressure. Hard water (pH over 8) is full of dissolved minerals. As the dissolved oxygen in water interacts with the metal, corrosion occurs and a rough surface forms. This rough surface gives these minerals a place to cling, causing the build-up and restricting water flow and pressure.
Other Causes
Low water pressure problems can also be the result of improper design or installation. Plumbers may have installed piping that is either too small or they may have reduced the size of the piping too quickly. The result is restricted water flow and low water pressure at the tap.
In cases where water flow is restricted by deposit build-up, epoxy pipe lining is often the most cost-effective remedy. This is particularly true when the affected pipes are underground water mains or pipes in homes or buildings where tearing out and replacing old pipes will require extensive cutting into walls, floors, and other structures. In most cases, CuraFlo’s Engineered Flow Lining System and Spincast epoxy pipe lining process will fix low water pressure, and completely remove corrosion build up from pipe interiors. The epoxy lining will restore the pipe interior and prevent future deterioration.
Low Water Pressure in Dormitories, Apartment Buildings, Hotels, and Condo Complexes
Whether you're a residential building's owner or manager, the last thing you want is for your building's occupants to go without water for very long. When you schedule the water to be shut off for only a short period of time (hours) for scheduled maintenance or a repair, you'll still get of complaints. Can you imagine how many complaints you'll receive when you need to shut off service for days at a time to replace part of or an entire building's water delivery plumbing system? It's possible to divide up your building's plumbing system so that epoxy lining can be performed by wing, floor, etc. And the epoxy lining process is relatively non-disruptive, so it's often possible for occupants to remain in the building and not suffer with the service outages associated with repipe. And epoxy lining can be an important part of your maintenance plan; we can work with you to stay within your budget. Contact CuraFlo for a free estimate and evaluation.
Low Water Pressure in Office Buildings
CuraFlo's epoxy lining isn't just for residential buildings, owners and managers of commercial buildings can enjoy the benefits of minimal to no disruption of their tenants' service, as well as possible cost savings over a conventional repipe. Contact CuraFlo for a free estimate and evaluation.