How to Improve Low Water Pressure

Introduction

What do we mean by low water pressure?  Basically, when you turn on your tap, shower, washing machine etc. the water is coming out slower and with less force than it should. Sometimes this occurs over a period of time without you noticing until the flow slows gradually to a trickle.

There are different reasons for reduced water pressure and some of them are very easily solved with a little bit of DIY.

image:pixabay.com/photos/tap-water-kitchen-faucet-1728106

1.      Taps, Showers and Machines

If the water pressure is low through specific taps or shower heads, the most likely cause is blockage in the final exit point of the water from dirt, lime-scale (a buildup of calcium) and rust.

a)      Taps

Most taps have an aerator, a small mesh filter where the water exits.  This catches the dirt particles and can also help to stop water splashing or coming out too forcefully  Over time it can become blocked and will affect the speed the water exits the tap in a negative way. 

With some faucets, you can unscrew these by hand, but in most cases you will need pliers or a wrench.  Be sure to place a piece of cloth around the area before you apply the pliers so that you don’t damage the stainless steel.

Once you have removed the aerator, turn on the tap and check there is now good pressure.  If there is, you know this was the problem.  Also have a quick clean up of the inside of the tap with a soft bottle brush.

Then simply brush gently to remove debris and run clean water through it before reassembling. 

b)      Showers

As the water slows to a dribble from your shower head, the most common reason will be because it is blocked.

The first thing you should do is disassemble as much of the shower head as you can, depending on the model.  There are commercial lime-scale removers available but I find the soaking the parts in white vinegar for approximately 6 hours works perfectly and doesn’t damage any plastic parts.

Once the soaking is finished, brush all the parts with a soft brush and poke a piece of wire through all the holes to get rid of remaining traces.  Then simply reassemble and shower under a waterfall!

(You might need to do this a couple of times for badly blocked shower heads.)

c)       Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Ice Making Machines

Most machines which are connected directly to the water supply will be affected by low water pressure.  Many of these machines will have alert systems to tell you not enough water is available to them.

In these cases, disconnect from mains electricity before doing any work.

Making sure all water has been drained first so as to avoid a flood in your kitchen or laundry room, disconnect the pipes from the back of your machines and clean all the filters and pipe tips with vinegar and a soft brush.  You can also try poking a piece of wire in any metal holes but avoid poking down plastic tubing with metal wire.  A Q-tip can also help smaller holes.

Once reconnected, you should find the water flow has improved.

2.      Toilets

Toilets work by flushing enough water into the bowl to create a suction that removes the waste down the pipe system.  If your toilet flushes slowly and incompletely you need to look at one of the following possible causes:

a)      Tank (Cistern) Is Not Filling Properly or Quickly

Open the lid of the tank and check if the water is filling to approximately one inch below the drainage hole.  If it’s not, move the float upwards until it does.

If the water flow into the tank is low, check the pipes to make sure they are not blocked or leaking.

Finally, check that the small holes underneath the rim of the toilet bowl are not blocked.  They allow water to cover the entire bowl as it flushes through and can be cleaned with dishwashing liquid and a brush alongside a small piece of wire to poke around and remove all the debris.

b)      Water Exiting the Toilet

If the problem is not in the tank and there is plenty of water for the flush, then the problem is usually a blockage in the drainage pipes that is stopping the waste leaving the bowl properly.  You can try toilet anti-blocking chemicals, (or try the more organic method of pouring one cup of baking soda into the bowl and then2 cups of white vinegar, wait 3 hours and then flush)  and then use a plunger to try and move whatever is down there that shouldn’t be.

If this fails, you can rent a toilet auger (or toilet snake) which you can thread through the pipes and dislodge blockages which are deeper in the system.

3.      Low Water Pressure throughout Your Home

If the water pressure is not limited to one pipe or outlet, you should check your water valves as well as ensuring water is not escaping in the wrong places:

a)      PRV (Pressure Release Valve)

This is a bell shaped valve, usually found where the water mains pipe enters your home.  Gently turn the screw on the top a tiny amount.  Try it in both directions but usually clockwise will increase pressure.  A small turn can make a huge difference so be careful

b)      Shut-Off Valve

Most homes have a shut-off valve either near the PRV or near the actual water meter.   If this has been turned slightly, it can reduce pressure so make sure this valve is fully open.

c)       Leaks

It is relatively easy to do a visual check on all your taps, toilets, water outlets etc.  But leaks can occur in hidden places.  The best way to check this is to take a reading of your water meter and then, without using any water (difficult I know!), take another reading 4 hours later.  The result should be the same.  If not, you have a significant leak and need to call a plumber.

Summary

The above points will solve most of the problems but, if none of these succeed, then call the professionals.  Too much amateur DIY behavior can lead to a very high bill for their work!

What are the Benefits of Using Dimming Bulbs?

Deciding on the right amount of light for a residential setting has been a struggle always. But with the arrival of LED dimming bulbs, the problem is solved quite a bit. Dimming bulbs effortlessly restrict the current flow in your room thus improving the aesthetics of your living spaces. A balanced mix of low lighting and full lighting options make any space perfectly lit up and without LED dimming bulb this is hardly possible.

Dimming Bulbs Promote Energy Savings

This is perhaps one of the biggest advantages that dimmers provide. Technologically advanced dimming bulbs nowadays can rapidly switch between on and off to adjust the electricity flowing to a bulb. Dimmable bulb is capable of changing the visual appearance of your room and uplifts your mood while saving up to 80% of energy consumption. Dimming bulbs are mostly used in living room, bathroom and bedroom, the areas where you would need a soft, subdued and aesthetic ambiance. Using energy efficient LED bulbs also helps in reducing your energy bills.

Dimming Bulbs Come With Extended Lifespan

Like all other LED varieties, dimming bulbs also come with extended lifespan. Dimming bulbs require least amount of energy exertion to illuminate any space. It also reduces the amount of electricity you use in your lamps and other light fixtures. Nordusk dimming bulbs offer 25000 burning hours, thus ensuring substantial savings on your energy bills!

Dimming Bulbs Notch Up An Adjustable Ambience

Dimming bulbs play an important role to set the ambiance of a room which has multiple lighting levels. These are a quick and cost-effective way of offering multiple lighting levels in the rooms that have a limited amount of lighting arrangements.  Installing adjustable dimming bulbs lets you set the tone of a room more accurately. It also can improve the room’s functionality. For instance, you are having a quality time with other members of the family, where you would need a brighter ambiance. Whereas, a subdued brightness will help when you are watching a movie or doing some light jobs. With a dimming bulb, you can easily control such situation without even changing the light fixture.  

Precisely, a dimming bulb works more efficiently as per your mood.  

Being able to set the ambiance of a room through your light, switch is much more convenient than placing different lamps to have the same versatility. Dimmer switches are a great addition in every room because they automatically unlock multiple levels of lighting.

To Dim or Not Do Dim

Dimming bulbs serve up a platter of advantages, right from enhancing the aesthetics to decreasing energy use, extending the longevity to improving your quality of life. Instead of low wattage bulbs, use dimming bulbs as they offer more flexible and aesthetic in nature. Last but not the least the dimming bulbs are lighter on the pocket as well as the environment.

So, what are you waiting for? Spend on LED dimming bulbs and get an aesthetic investment for your home that will last for years.

Summary: With the arrival of LED dimming bulbs, the idea of decorating your living space with subdued hues is no more unfamiliar. Dimming bulbs effortlessly restrict the current flow in your room thus improving the aesthetics to of your living spaces.

The Nostalgia of Neon and Why It Works

Neon lights have lit up urban areas across the world for years; from London’s Piccadilly Circus to the Las Vegas strip. Even through redevelopment periods, it seems that the glow of neon doesn’t go out of style; a bright, eye-catching way of advertising businesses, it just worked.

Neon signs have been used in this way since the early 1900s, originating in Paris but spreading as far as Hong Kong, Bangkok and pretty much every state in America. The problem now, is that many companies who used neon signs in the past, are now moving towards LED installations; something that is incredibly different to the bright glow of neon. However, there is just something about neon that draws you in and creates a striking impression; it’s something that can’t be replicated.

image:www.neoncreations.co.uk

The evolution of neon

Through the decades, neon helped to light up cities, inspire artists and shone in the background of films and album covers. Through the roaring 20s and struggling 30s, neon was a cheerful beacon. It was used in restaurants, cinemas and public areas like Times Square in New York.

The use of neon lights seemed to pop up everywhere at once; an epidemic of bright multicoloured lights. Even churches, and house numbers, weren’t safe. In 1950s Vancouver, more strip neon was produced than anywhere else on the planet; there was one neon sign for every 18 residents.

As happens to all trends, there comes a time when the public fall out of love with it. With neon signs, it didn’t happen until the 1960s and neon became synonymous with more run-down areas of the world’s cities. Neon signs became known as advertisements for sex shops and seedy bars. Despite this, the neon sign was still prolific across the continents.

Modern neon

Despite its history in being associated with red light districts, neon signs remained a fun and remarkable way to advertise and entice customers through the years. The makers of neon signs continued to hone their craft, and carried on hand-making signs for businesses and individuals alike.

Its bright glow still drives a beautiful, visual appearance to urban areas. In fact, it seems to be experiencing a resurgence since its seedier days of the 70s, 80s and 90s. Businesses are harnessing the power of a neon light in different ways; a novel way for people to take selfies on a night out in bar, or recreating a retro diner vibe for a unique experience.

What’s more, neon signs are still made by hand, with custom designs becoming incredibly popular as a way of decorating your home. Artists like Tracey Emin began using neon as an art form, giving it a new lease of life. A neon sign or light is now a retro, nostalgic addition for your interior design, event or business, that still provides an incredible wow factor no matter how many times you look at it.