Your home’s plumbing system is more complicated than you think. A better understanding of the basics will make it easier to troubleshoot things like low water pressure or slow drains if they ever arise.
Think of your plumbing system as two separate systems that must work together:
- Water Supply Lines – These pressurized pipes bring clean water into your home – from the municipal water supply all the way to your faucets, showerheads, and appliances.
- Drain Waste Vent (DWV) system – This system carries used water and waste away by gravity; it also includes air vents – now usually through the roof – that helps allow the water to run freely down the drains.
While these systems are separate, issues in one will sometimes affect the other. A clogged drain, for example, does not always reduce water pressure – but it absolutely will affect your use of water. When problems strike unexpectedly, it’s smart to have a trusted emergency plumber near Berks County, PA on speed dial.
How Clogged Drains Seem to Affect Water Pressure
A clogged sink or shower drain might not directly decrease the PSI (pounds per square inch) of the water supply coming from your supply lines. However, when the water can’t exit and drain properly, the water collects and builds up in the fixture. Therefore, the reality is the drainage is poor, and you perceive you have poor water pressure.
If the main sewer line is clogged, the situation is worse. Wastewater is not able to leave the house, so theoretically, waste is backing up from many exits, not just the sink. If this is the case, the water pressure itself may seem to be unchanged, but really, you can’t use any of the plumbing without the worry of an overflow or back up. This type of disruption often feels like a pressure issue, however, the supply side remains unaffected.
Clogged plumbing ventilation blocked with debris, ice, or nests can sometimes feel like the effects of a drain clogged. Without proper air flow, the water drains slowly and may gurgle as the water tries to move through the plumbing system. Again, not a pressure concern, but it certainly affects the performance level of the plumbing system. To restore proper drainage and avoid these misdiagnosed pressure issues, consider scheduling professional drain cleaning in Allentown, PA.
Diagnosing the Real Issue: Pressure or Drainage?
Here’s a quick guide to help you determine what’s going wrong.
Symptoms:
- Affects multiple fixtures
Low Water Pressure: Yes
Clogged Drain: No, usually isolated
- Weak flow from faucets/showers
Low Water Pressure: Yes
Clogged Drain: No, flow is normal but drains slowly
- Slow drainage/backups
Low Water Pressure: No
Clogged Drain: Yes
- Gurgling noises or foul odors
Low Water Pressure: Rare
Clogged Drain: Common
- Both hot and cold water affected
Low Water Pressure: Usually
Clogged Drain: Drainage issues affect both but don’t reduce flow
Prevent and Solve Common Plumbing Problems
What You Can Do:
- Use a plunger or drain snake for small clogs.
- Don’t use chemical drain cleaners—they will damage pipes.
- Install drain strainers so that debris doesn’t go down your drains.
- Regularly flush drains with hot water or a baking soda and vinegar mixture.
- Check your main shut-off valve and see if it’s fully open.
- Time your faucet flow to determine if you have any pressure loss.
When to Call a Pro:
- Clogs are affecting several drains, or several floors.
- You have a suspected blockage in your main sewer line.
- Water flow is weak throughout the entire house.
- You hear gurgling noises, or smell sewage from your drains.
- Your water heater is not creating and delivering hot water properly.
Pressure Problems vs. Drainage Woes
So, can a clogged drain impact water pressure? Technically, no. But it could certainly impact your ability to use water, which can feel like a pressure issue. The ability to recognize the difference between a clogged drain, and an actual pressure drop that occurs on the supply side, is necessary to make sure you don’t make unnecessary repairs. If you stay proactive in maintaining clear waste pipes, regularly monitor your water pressure, and are aware of any unusual changes in plumbing behavior, there is a lower chance you will have to deal with larger plumbing repairs.
If you quickly address small leaks, or any partially closed shut off valves in your plumbing system, these could also provide preventative measures to avoid larger repairs in the future. In the end, understanding what happens in plumbing systems, can help your plumbing run as intended, and your home will have water where and when it needs it. Don’t let a small clog turn into a big problem— contact our expert plumbers today for fast, reliable service you can trust!
